What is the function of AVL?

The function of AVL, or Automatic Vehicle Location, is to provide real-time information about the geographic location of emergency response vehicles. This technology integrates with mapping systems and allows dispatchers to track the position of police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks as they respond to calls. This capability greatly enhances situational awareness in emergency response scenarios, allowing dispatchers to efficiently allocate resources and direct units to incidents based on their proximity.

By employing AVL, emergency services can reduce response times, optimize route planning, and ensure that the nearest available unit is dispatched to a call, ultimately improving public safety and operational efficiency. The specific role of AVL in tracking vehicle locations distinguishes it from other functions that relate to assessing call volume or determining call urgency, which do not involve the location data that AVL provides.