Vehicle accident scenes are dynamic events where we must maintain continual vigilance from the moment we leave the station until the last unit clears the scene. These incidents can prove extremely dangerous to those already on scene, as well as those responding to offer aid and assistance.
This month’s featured report from www.firefighternearmiss.com (No. 05-355) deals with on-scene coordination and safety issues, and stresses the importance of interagency cooperation. This incident serves as a reminder that even when we take every precaution to protect our crews and our victims, accidents can still occur. We should always anticipate the worst and plan accordingly.
Event Description
“Our engine responded to a pin-in collision on the upper deck of a local highway, three lanes in each direction. The medic unit arrived first and parked very near and behind the overturned vehicle. In order to position a hoseline for extrication, the engine was placed past the patient’s vehicle. Other fire units arrived shortly thereafter and were placed up the road for traffic control.
“After the patients were transported, our engine was repositioned up the road, behind the overturned vehicle where the medic unit was originally placed. All but the far left lane of the highway was closed off by police and the engine. The majority of the emergency workers and civilians were standing between the engine and the chief’s vehicle, which was parked 20-30 feet behind the engine at an angle.
“A decision was then made by police officers to open up an additional lane of traffic. Shortly after the lane was opened and while emergency workers and civilians awaited the tow truck, a small car skidded out of control and came through the area between the engine and the chief’s truck. Because of the skidding sound and the awareness of those on scene, everyone was able to get out of the way in time. The car missed some personnel by less than a few feet. The car came to a rest inches from the fire truck and the outside wall of the highway. All vehicles were placed correctly and all personnel were wearing traffic vests, yet the vehicle came close to killing someone.”
Lessons Learned
“The emergency vehicles were placed in the correct manner. It does not appear any diversion from this placement would have prevented the incident. The only decision I can question was the decision to open up the additional lane of traffic. With only one lane open, the vehicles traveling past the scene were driving much too slow to have allowed a driver to skid such a distance. Opening up the additional lane at 9 p.m. on a Thursday night allowed the traffic to reach unsafe speeds.
“Another possible improvement: Clear all but the essential personnel from the road. Four to six civilians were still on scene and were very close to the accident, as was a crew of four fire personnel, a fire chief, a state Department of Transportation worker and several police officers. All but a police officer, their car, the fire truck and its crew could have left the scene, exited the highway and concluded their business from a safe parking lot within sight of the incident.”
Comments
This incident underscores a couple key points we must remember when working on incidents on our highways and streets. First, we must realize that accident scenes are extremely hazardous, so we must use every technique and tool at our disposal to protect ourselves. This includes the use of reflective clothing, proper personal protective equipment (PPE), traffic cones, lights and warning devices to warn oncoming drivers, and appropriate placement of apparatus and personnel to protect our crews, as well as victims and citizens at the scene.
In wildland firefighting, fire personnel know an important acronym to remind them of key safety considerations: LCES, which stands for Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes and Safety Zones. These key points serve us equally well at the scene of a traffic collision. When possible, we should have a safety officer or “lookout” to watch our backs as we operate. Many times this role is assigned to one of the drivers or engineers if they’re not involved in apparatus or pump operations. In some cases, this is handled by law enforcement personnel. We must have a way to communicate with crews on scene if we see unsafe conditions or if a vehicle is approaching in an unsafe manner. Further, workers should maintain situational awareness and always have an escape route, or a quick way to get to a “safe zone” if necessary.
Another key factor in highway incidents is interagency coordination and cooperation. Ideally, this should start well before an incident ever occurs. It’s important to include outside agencies in our drills and training when appropriate so we can get to know one another and understand each other’s priorities. An emergency scene is not the best time or place for this. Failure to understand each agencies’ priorities and procedures often leads to unnecessary friction and misunderstandings at the scene. Getting together beforehand with our fire, police and EMS crews can go a long way in fostering understanding and open communication. If law enforcement understands our need to protect crews working at the scene, they will be more likely to assist us with traffic control and less likely to open lanes of traffic prematurely. If EMS crews understand our vehicle placement standard operating procedures (SOPs), they will park in a location that best facilitates access to the patient and provides for protection to the crew and patient.
Following are some questions you can review with your crew to assist in pre-planning for emergency highway operations:
- What are your department’s SOPs regarding minimum PPE at vehicle accidents? Do you wear coats or vests with a highly reflective material in accordance with ANSI 107 Standards?
- What are your SOPs regarding vehicle placement at highway incidents?
- At what point is it appropriate to assign a safety officer at an accident scene?
- Do you have a “warning signal” to alert everyone on scene of potential hazards? Do you have the necessary frequencies on your portable radios to communicate with other agencies on scene?
- Have you met with your local police or sheriff’s department and EMS providers to discuss scene operations and safety?
- Does your department promote a safety culture where everyone understands the importance of always wearing seatbelts, stopping at red lights before proceeding when responding Code 3, and ensuring a safe environment for everyone to operate?
Reach Out
I hope these questions stimulate discussion with your crews and identify areas that need improvement. By talking about what went wrong at someone else’s incident, we can find ways to avoid experiencing the same type of incident.
Now is the time to invite the local state trooper or ambulance squad to stop by the station for a cup of coffee, so you can discuss how you can help each other accomplish your missions safely and go home to your loved ones at the end of every shift.
