EMS Involved MVA and Tips for EMS Response

Our good friend, Chris Black sent me this link about an EMS supervisor’s truck that struck a pole and flipped over while responding to a call. Apparently, the weather and rain-slick roads contributed to the incident.

Here’s the link to the article.

One of the problems I see when I look at articles like this is that we have so much going on when we respond in chase vehicles like this.

• We are listening to dispatch for updates on the call.
• We are thinking about what we are going to do when we get there.
• We are talking on the radio (reaching for the mic, putting it back)
• We are operating our siren, lights, maybe using the PA?
• and Driving at a high speed.

Does anyone else think this is too much to keep track of? I do!

This is the answer folks: SLOW DOWN!

Remember, it is their emergency and not ours. We can’t help anyone if we don’t get there safely and if we are involved in an accident then I guarantee that our friends will divert to help us and leave the patient for second response units. Don’t make a bad situation worse. As EMTs and paramedics, our jobs as EMS providers is to provide care, not to try out for the local NASCAR qualifier!

Here are my tips for response in a chase vehicle:

Remember people can’t see you (you’re not as big as an ambulance)

1. Slow down to speed limit
2. Obey all traffic signals (even running lights and sirens)
3. Wait until you arrive to put on gloves or gather supplies
4. Talk on the radio as little as possible
5. Be hyper-observant of other traffic (especially when approaching the scene)

What tips do you have? Add them here to the comments area or email me and I’ll share them with the other visitors here and on the MedicCast.

Jamie Davis, the Podmedic