Traffic safety for emergency medical service workers safety talk
Emergency medical service (EMS) professionals are called out 24/7 and must react right away. One of the biggest risks during this phase is driving. EMS workers must navigate traffic, weather, unsuspecting drivers etc.
Below is a look at safety tips for maneuvering to the scene:
- Vehicle should be prepared before a call with all items in their appropriate places
- All persons in the vehicle should have on a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion
- Do not operate a cell phone while driving
- Limit conversation while in route to an incident
- Drive cautiously and assume that other drivers are unaware of the situation
- Never exceed posted speed limits and slow down when there is heavy traffic, when crossing an intersection, construction, poor weather conditions, poor visibility etc.
- Stop at every intersection
- Stop at railroads and look both ways
- Do not follow other vehicles too closely
- If a spotter is used for backing, they should always be looking at the vehicle and never standing with their back turned