Since its inception Rehab 13 has always looked for methods to improve our operation and enhance our ability to provide the best service that we can.

When we first started responding to calls for assistance we started out using paper maps obtained from the local map store to aid us in responding to assignments, especially out of County.

We carry a comprehensive map book of our first due area in Cherry Hill but relied on those paper maps to go everywhere else. We thought we had solved our route of travel problems with the purchase and installation of GPS units in each or our apparatus in 2005.

We later learned from experience that in bad weather, the GPS units are slow or not able to find enough satellites to obtain an adequate signal and or the GPS would not give us real time positioning due to cloud cover, etc.

Just three weeks ago the Cherry Hill Fire Department installed a Dell rough service computer in our first out unit Rehab 13 (1385) equipped with the I Hawk street map software to use as the primary direction finder for responses out of our immediate first due local. Although the map program does not give turn by turn directions like a GPS unit, familiarity with main roads is all that is needed to get a good picture of where we are responding.

The main advantage to this is the software is loaded into the computer and is not affected by weather or other physical outdoor obstructions for a strong outside signal. It also gives us an aerial map view around the fire address to determine the best way route of travel to get a good position for the Rehab units to set up.

Also, we have installed a back up computer and printer in the foyer area of the station that is set up to default to our station address on Google Maps. We can type in an address and print a turn by turn routing to the scene, and also take a look at the satellite view to get a better picture of where the best place to establish a rest and rehab are will be, once we arrive on location.

These two additional pieces of equipment will allow us to better serve you when the need arises.