By David Jenkins
David Jenkins
When the public thinks of first responders, they automatically think of flashing sirens, ambulances, and police officers and firefighters in distinctive uniforms.
These three professions do an incredible job, and society is deeply in their debt. Still, while the public acknowledges their service, they might also think about the contribution made by public works professionals.
At almost any scene where those other first responders are present, public works professionals are also likely to be on-site, providing vital support, restoring services, and protecting essential infrastructure.
In many cases, public works professionals are the first on the scene, and they will also have rigorous training and protocols for handling emergency situations.
Public works officials have intimate knowledge of the assets they manage and are uniquely placed to facilitate the other professions’ work by enabling access, clearing debris, or erecting barricades to secure at-risk areas.
Often, the data collected and managed by public works professionals is critical for other first responders to do their vital work effectively and is more effective when those professionals are also on site.
In the US, public works officials were recognised as first responders in a 2003 directive from President George W. Bush, and this has been followed by similar recognition in several US states.
Public works officials, for example, were vital in the emergency response to the September 11 World Trade Centre bombings in 2001 and removed nearly 1.5 million tons of construction debris from the site while also maintaining their regular work in New York City.
The American Public Works Association (APWA) recently launched a symbol that will remind people of the role of public works professionals in emergency services. The APWA theme for first response is “Ready and Resilient.”
The orange and white stripes are associated in the US with temporary road construction and incident management, and they should effectively resonate with the public and help them make the association.
It’s important to emphasise that this recognition is about more than the status of public works officials.
Including them as another echelon among first responders will be a catalyst for more training, improved practices and coordination with the other professions to make our combined emergency services efforts more effective.
Public works has traditionally been the silent arm of first response. Still, everyone will benefit if the profession receives more recognition for its significant contribution to emergency services and public safety.
