MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Manatee County commissioners recently authorized staff to expand the Emergency Vehicle Preemption Project, which helps cut down on the time it takes for an ambulance to make it to the hospital.
A pilot program was launched in 2024, where 24 intersections and 10 EMS vehicles were equipped with the technology.
The tech gave first responders the ability to change traffic lights from red to green, and not just one light, but multiple lights in a sequence, so traffic is cleared out before they arrive at the intersection.
The program has proven to be successful. Now, 95 additional intersections and the entire county EMS fleet will be outfitted with the technology.
That will cover more than half of all intersections across the county.
“We have the luxury of having enough funding left over with cooperation with our partners from FTOT to take our pilot program for this preemption effort and expand it to nearly every major roadway in Manatee County,” said Public Works Director Chad Butzow.
Each green light saves first responders 11 seconds. Doctors say that is critical time that adds up fast in an emergency situation.
“If you’ve already picked up somebody that is trying to desperately get to the emergency room, say even 15 or 30 seconds at the last minute can be very meaningful for the doctors,” said Butzow.
“At Manatee Memorial Hospital, we know that when minutes matter, seconds truly count. We are proud to see Manatee County’s continued investment in technology that helps emergency responders reach our hospital faster and more safely. The Emergency Vehicle Preemption system is a remarkable step forward for patient care and community safety. By improving response times and reducing risks for our EMS partners, this initiative ultimately helps save lives and that’s something we can all celebrate,” said Manatee Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Andy Guz in a statement to News Channel 8.
County officials hope to one day expand the program to all lights.
The latest expansion is expected to be rolled out by next fall.
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