Every day, emergency responders – firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, and towing & recovery professionals – put their lives on the line at roadway incidents. While their primary focus is on helping those in need, a critical, often overlooked aspect of their job is ensuring their own safety and the safety of everyone on the scene. Roadway incidents are inherently dangerous, and without proper scene management, these heroes can become victims. This article, drawing upon resources from the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) and ResponderSafety.com, highlights the crucial need for all responders to actively participate in creating a safe working environment.

The statistics are sobering. According to ResponderSafety.com, a significant number of emergency responders are struck and killed or injured at roadway incidents every year. Since 2019, over 300 emergency responders have been struck and killed in the United States. These incidents aren't limited to high-speed interstates; they occur on rural roadways and quiet residential streets as well. A common denominator? Failure to implement effective traffic incident management (TIM) practices.

Who is Responsible for Roadway Safety? Everyone.

The misconception that traffic incident management is solely the responsibility of law enforcement or DOT is dangerously inaccurate. Every responder on scene, regardless of their agency affiliation, has a role to play in ensuring safety. This includes:

• Firefighters: While focused on fire suppression and rescue, firefighters must also be vigilant about apparatus placement to create a protected activity area, using warning lights effectively, and wearing high visibility PPE. They should be trained in proper blocking techniques and understand the importance of creating a protected activity area.

• EMS Personnel: Providing patient care is paramount, but it shouldn't come at the cost of responder safety. EMS providers must be aware of the dangers of working near traffic and should actively participate in scene safety by using ambulances as blocking vehicles at single unit responses if first on the scene, properly angled with loading doors facing away from traffic wearing appropriate PPE and communicating effectively with other responders. Quick removal of patients from the "hot zone" is also crucial.

• Law Enforcement Officers: Law enforcement plays a key role in traffic control, incident command, and crash investigation. They are often the first on scene and are responsible for establishing initial scene safety, including lane closures and traffic diversion. Law enforcement officers must be trained in properly setting up a Traffic Incident Management Area (TIMA), donning high visibility apparel, manual traffic control, and public interaction. Their presence is vital for enforcing traffic laws and ensuring driver compliance.

• Towing & Recovery Professionals: These professionals face some of the highest risks at roadway incidents. They often work in precarious positions, exposed to traffic while clearing disabled vehicles. They must use proper lighting, hi-visibility gear, and traffic control devices to protect themselves and the other responders on scene. Their understanding of safe vehicle removal techniques is essential.

Key Elements of Effective Roadside Safety

The ERSI and ResponderSafety.com emphasize several key elements for establishing a safer scene:

• Advance Warning: Drivers need ample warning of an incident ahead so they can prepare to pass it safely or take an alternate route. This advance warning includes using emergency vehicle lights, flares, cones, and signs placed well in advance of the actual crash site. The further upstream the warning, the more time drivers have to react.
• Blocking: Parking emergency vehicles in an angled blocking position closing at least lane + 1 (the incident lane and one additional adjacent lane next to the open lanes) can create a physical barrier between responders and moving traffic. Understanding proper blocking techniques is essential for all responders.
• High Visibility PPE: All personnel on scene must wear ANSI 107-compliant high visibility apparel, including vests, jackets, and pants. This ensures they are seen by approaching drivers, even in low-light conditions.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication between all responders is critical. Establishing a unified command structure and using standardized terminology helps avoid confusion and ensures everyone is on the same page.
• Move Over, Slow Down Laws: These laws, requiring drivers to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles, are designed to protect responders. Public education and enforcement of these laws is crucial.

Training and Education are Essential

Effective traffic incident management requires comprehensive training for all responders. This training should cover topics such as:

• Scene assessment and hazard recognition
• Proper use of warning devices and PPE
• Blocking techniques and safe vehicle positioning
• Traffic control and diversion
• Communication protocols
• Understanding and complying with Move Over, Slow Down laws

You can get FREE online training at the Responder Safety Learning Network (RSLN) www.rsln.org and ResponderSafety.com

Conclusion

Roadway response safety is not a matter of chance: it's a matter of training, planning, and execution. Every emergency responder, regardless of their discipline, must recognize their role in creating a safe working environment. By prioritizing scene safety, using available resources, and working together, we can protect those who protect us and make our roadways safer for everyone. Visit ResponderSafety.com and the Emergency Responder Safety Institute for more information and resources on traffic incident management.