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It is getting to be a too frequent occurrence . . . a firefighter (or EMT) severely injured - or killed - by a careless driver. Speaking from personal experience, I can recall at least one situation where, if I hadn't been able to pull myself up on the top-mount pump panel, I would have been struck by a car speeding down a residential street. Having said that I'd like to present some tips for my readers on driving near a roadside fire or EMS call.
1. If you see that you're approaching a fire or EMS call (or a police call, for that matter), and if the configuration of the road will allow it, move over at least one lane to the left or right (depending on which side the incident is on) to allow you to safely pass by and not place the Firefighters / EMT / Police at risk.
2. In most situations, there will be a police officer or officers on-scene controlling traffic around the incident -- FOLLOW THEIR INSTRUCTIONS. In other situations, where the fire department arrives at the scene first, they will use their apparatus to block the lane(s) affected by the incident. Use caution passing by the apparatus and, as mentioned above, move over one lane to decrease the risk of hitting emergency personnel or bystanders.
3. When driving near a road-side emergency, be aware that emergency personnel, bystanders, and - possibly - victims might be in the roadway. Slow down and use EXTREME CAUTION!
Until next time . .
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