A Wake-Up Call

Abstract:

The collapse of the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis last fall brought to light festering problems with the safety of the nation's aging infrastructure. However, the lesser-known story from that incident is what did not go wrong: the emergency response.

Within two hours of the collapse, the scene was cleared. Thirteen people died and 86 were injured, but those numbers could have been much higher given the rush-hour conditions in the metropolitan area. Key to the success of the response was the city's communication technology, which held up to the demands of the situation. Public safety radios worked. Cell phone service was amplified. Wireless broadband service in the downtown area was opened to everyone. The city's 311 center helped field calls. And strong, cooperative relationships among first responders and local officials pulled it all together.

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