How should you prepare for navigation when GPS is unreliable?

• A. Use a preplanned route on a map, rely on landmarks, and confirm route with dispatch.
• B. Switch to a smartphone navigation app.
• C. Rely on passenger directions only.
• D. Wait for GPS to stabilize.

Answer: (A)

When GPS isn’t reliable, the best approach is to rely on a backup navigation plan that doesn’t depend on satellite signals. Use a preplanned route on a map, keep the route in mind or written, and use recognizable landmarks to confirm your location and progress along the way. It’s important to verify the route with dispatch to ensure you have current details, such as detours or road closures, and to stay aligned with the mission’s routing requirements. This combination of an ahead-of-time plan, visual confirmation points, and dispatcher coordination provides multiple layers of guidance so you’re not stranded if the GPS goes down.

Switching to a smartphone navigation app still pushes you back to GPS and data availability, which can be unreliable in outages or poor signal areas. Relying on passenger directions only isn’t safe for EMS operations, as it can introduce inconsistencies and reduce control over the route. Waiting for GPS to stabilize wastes time and leaves you without a prepared plan in the meantime.