Jack Sullivan, CSP, CFPS Managing Partner, Loss Control Innovations, Richmond, VA Director of Training, Emergency Responder Safety Institute

This article appears in the VFIS Summer 2006 Newsletter and is reprinted with permission of VFIS.

One of the hazards that firefighters and EMS personnel face every day is moving traffic in and around their emergency scene. Our personnel are in danger of being struck by a vehicle while operating along roadways. It is a hazard we face every time our apparatus leaves the station even if we're just answering a public service call or going out for supplies. In a four-year analysis of struck-by incidents involving fire and emergency medical responders conducted by the Emergency Responder Safety institute, there were some identifiable trends. Over 63% of the 121 struck-by incidents reviewed occurred at the scene of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). Considering the number of MVAs that fire and EMS agencies respond to each year, we should not be surprised that the majority of struck-by incidents occurred at accident scenes. Motor vehicle accidents, by their very nature, mean responders will be working on or near a roadway. We need to be especially vigilant when on the scene of accidents on limited access roads where speeds are higher and driver reaction times are shorter. The following checklist will help you evaluate your department's preparedness and loss prevention strategies.

Roadway Incident Checklist

1. Roadway Incident Safety Training - All fire and emergency medical personnel must be trained on how to operate safely at emergency scenes on or near roadways as part of their initial orientation BEFORE they ever respond to their first emergency. All fire and EMS personnel should participate in regular in-service training about roadway incident safety strategies and tactics. Company officers should review struck-by incidents with their personnel and reinforce department policies and procedures to prevent similar occurrences.
2. Multi-Agency Planning, Training, Policies, and Procedures - Establish an agency standard operating policy (SOP) for safe procedures at roadway incidents. Collaborate with other emergency response agencies and mutual aid companies about incident procedures. Train together in the safety of a classroom BEFORE your next response.
3. Limit On-Scene Exposure - Respond with only the apparatus and personnel necessary to safely handle a roadway incident. Stage all other units away from the scene and clear up units as their mission is completed BEFORE they can be struck by an out-of-control vehicle.
4. Apparatus Placement and Scene Protection - Size up roadway incidents for all scene hazards including approaching traffic. Position apparatus at an angle and turn the steering wheel away from the incident to provide a safe work zone. Utilize florescent pink emergency incident warning signs, arrow boards, variable message signs, road cones, and law enforcement personnel to warn and direct approaching drivers. Be sure incident commanders are familiar with "Control of Traffic through Traffic Incident Management Areas" as outlined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) Chapters 6-1. Get traffic to slow down and move over BEFORE it approaches the incident scene.
5. Warning Lights and Apparatus Visibility - Design new emergency lighting packages for apparatus to provide maximum safety while positioned at emergency scenes. Evaluate the effectiveness of existing emergency lighting while apparatus is parked on an angle. Design and install florescent and reflective markings on the rear of apparatus to improve daytime and nighttime visibility. Modify emergency lighting and safety features on existing apparatus to improve scene safety BEFORE your apparatus is in danger of being struck.
6. Retro-reflective AND Florescent Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - Obtain and utilize high-visibility traffic vests for personnel working near moving traffic. Require personnel to wear helmets AND high-visibility personal protective equipment at highway incidents BEFORE there's a chance for them to be struck. Complete turnout gear ensembles should be worn with high-visibility vests anytime ambient lighting is reduced due to inclement weather or nighttime conditions.
7. Use Safety Officers and Personnel Accountability Systems at highway Incidents - Designate a safety officer for all highway incidents to monitor and improve traffic control activity and personnel safety equipment. Ensure the use of proper PPE. Utilize personnel accountability systems at all highway incidents. Have safety officers correct and notify the incident commander of safety problems BEFORE personnel are placed in a position where they could be struck by passing traffic.
8. Public Education - Use very opportunity to educate the motoring public about how to react when approaching an emergency scene - Slow down and Move Over! Meet with high school students BEFORE they obtain their driver's licenses and teach them how to react properly to the presence of emergency vehicles, whether they're on the roadway or responding to emergencies.