Car veers into paramedics working crash scene; firefighter seriously injured

[HERBIE1]

Without a suppression piece to block the scene, you're taking your life into your own hands. For one, take a second lane with flares. The most important rule to follow is to never turn your back on traffic. If you need to go back to the ambulance, walk backwards, and wave your light back and forth to draw attention to yourself. Having PD onscene helps, as their blue lights are highly visible at night.

One thing's for certain, each motorist sincerely believes that they're the most important, the center of the universe so to speak. They'll squeeze through any space that you leave them to get through the scene.

As far as getting off of the road quickly, it wouldn't be a bad idea to place the pt on a board, maintain manual C-spine, get the pt in the back of the bus, keep C-spine while your partner pulls the rig to a safer location, and then the two of you can finish the spinal motion restriction properly and safely.

In the winter, when it's below freezing, we routinely hold C-spine on the cot/LSB and finish in the back of the bus, so our pts don't freeze.

I've almost been murdered several times on the Jackie, the ever popular GCP/CIP, LIE/GCP, and the dead man's curve on the GCP EB just past LaGuardia (111 st? I forget).

Agree about getting out of harms way ASAP. We do the same thing. Basic immobilzation, then pull to the shoulder, exit ramp, or better yet, off the road/highway completely. Then finish your exam and treatment. Besides, the longer you tie up traffic, the more likely a secondary accident will occur- people becoming hypnotized by the pretty lights, rubber necking, etc. Additionally, opening up traffic is a plus.

Highways- or any road- are dangerous for responders. Yes, big fire apparatus, DOT tow trucks, police vehicles, etc certainly help, but there's still no guarantee of safety.

You do whatever you can to minimize the danger to you, your patient, and everyone else on the road.

[Richard B the EMT]

I've almost been murdered several times on the Jackie, the ever popular GCP/CIP, LIE/GCP, and the dead man's curve on the GCP EB just past LaGuardia (111 st? I forget).

For those not from NYC, that's the Jackie Robinson/Interboro Parkway, Grand Central Parkway, Cross Island Parkway, Long Island Expressway (allegedly the world's longest and narrowest parking lot). Never worked the areas, but have spoken with those who have on a regular basis. I also hear about the northbound Van Wyck Expressway at Jewel Avenue, in rain or snow, usually featuring overturned vehicles.

...and that is only the highways/expressways/parkways within the Queens county areas of NYC. It's a string to itself for the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Manhattan...EACH!

[Dustdevil]

The fire department said its crews had placed their fire engine in the "fend-off position," which is meant to shield personnel and block at least one lane of traffic while emergency officials work the scene.

And what a fine job of it they did!

[Richard B the EMT]

As covered here, there is always going to be some idiot, believing his/her shyte don't stink, is going to try to get by whatever barricade(s) are in their way, because they cannot be inconvienienced by anyone else' misfortune.

Side note: These are the same folks who will complain the loudest and longest for any perceived mistreatment done to them when THEY are your patient!