scene safety

[Just Plain Ruff]

Thanks for all the replies.The job I currently have is to drive a Doctor out on house calls in marked car. Sometimes we get called to accident scenes or more frequently we come across them when we're out. I've heard that the Drivers are being told that under no circumstances can they exit the vehicle (at mva's) to assist the Doctor. This would include getting equipment from the car etc. I want to make the argument that it is probably as much of a danger to remain in the vehicle as there is a very real danger of the vehicle being struck. We are usually the last service to arrive and would be nearest to oncoming traffic. We are all issued with and use Hi vis reflective jackets as standard. Several of us are First Responders (EMT- B Defib trained) and in the past have "assisted" with much appreciation from the Doctors.

What level of medical training do you have? Are you the first responder emt-b defib trained level? If so what are their though processes in not letting you get out of the car? What are their reasons for this?

I agree that you have the danger of getting struck while in your car but you also have the danger of being struck if you are out helping. It's a catch 22 situation - hit if you get out or hit if you stay in the car. Honestly I'd rather take my chances in the car than being hit by a car - I think you might not die if you get hit while in your car.

Just use common sense when you park. IF you are the last one there then you have the ability to make better decisions on where to park. One thought for you would be instead of parking at the back or end of the accident you could drop your doc off at the site of the wreck and then drive ahead to the area in front of the accident therefore providing a number of bigger vehicles as your protection.

No scene is fully safe no matter where you park or walk - if it is your time to get hit then you can't do anything to bust fate.

[AnthonyM83]

I don't know stats, but I know while at the station, one of the most common TV shows that ends up being watched are those World's Craziest Videos...and there seems to be at least one police car getting hit on the side of the road per episode...combine that with YouTube and links from other forums, I've probably watched dozens of cruisers being hit...Ambulance videos are probably more rare, because most don't have cameras.