Blocking / Safe Positioning
The Resources in this category provide guidance on the use of vehicles to block the activity area and thus protect emergency responders and victims during an incident response on the roadways. In addition, how to safely position other vehicles in the temporary traffic control zone may be covered. Please note that a module on Blocking Procedures at Roadway Incidents is available on the Responder Safety Learning Network (learning.respondersafety.com).
AppendixDSampleTabletopMaps
Sample maps
Upload Date: 5/2/2019
Best Practices for Backing Fire Apparatus and Ambulances
This guideline outlines proper safety practices to be used when backing fire department and EMS vehicles and maneuvering in close-quarters situations.
Upload Date: 1/25/2018
Best Practices for Backing Fire Apparatus and Ambulances Video
This video defines the important points in a backing up SOP, demonstrates a recommended backing up procedure using a spotter, and reinforces the importance of training on and enforcing the backing up SOP.
Upload Date: 7/17/2018
Citizens’ Hose Company Struck By Case Study
Go inside the December 17, 2020 struck by incident that shook Citizens’ Hose Company (Smyrna, DE) to its core and hear from the firefighters involved what happened, how traffic control made the difference, and how the department has responded moving forward.
Upload Date: 8/17/2021
Connecticut Traffic Incident Scene Management Field Guide
Developed by the Capitol Region Council of Governments Greater Hartford Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Coalition, this field guide provides guidance for traffic incident scene management for emergency response organizations. Includes TIM and responder safety basic principles, guidelines for deploying traffic control devices, recommended TIM procedures, and practical diagrams of traffic control applications like vehicle classification, stopping distances, and traffic incident management area setups for different roadway configurations.
Upload Date: 10/21/2021
Hardening Blocking Vehicles for Traffic Incidents and Planned Special Events
This report summarizes a workshop convened during the 2018 National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week on how to harden blocking vehicles to protect responders and the public.
Upload Date: 4/2/2019
State of New Jersey Highway Incident Traffic Safety Guidelines for Emergency Responders
This document provides uniform operational guidelines to ensure safe operations by emergency responders dispatched to incidents on limited access highways in the State of New Jersey. These guidelines identify vehicle safe positioning, common general safety, and onsite practices for all emergency responders.
Upload Date: 11/30/2010
Struck-By Survivor Stories Video
What happens after an emergency responder is struck by a vehicle? Five emergency responders changed forever by a struck by experience tell their stories.
Upload Date: 7/6/2022
The First 15 Minutes - Decision Making at Roadway Incidents
This Power Point program provides training for responders on the first arriving apparatus at a highway incident. The first 15 minutes of an incident often sets the tone for the entire response. Learn how practices such as “windshield size up” can make the scene safer.
Upload Date: 9/6/2013
Traffic Hazards to Fire Fighters While Working Along Roadways
This alert describes the hazards facing fire fighters working along roadways, presents two case studies, and lists recommendations for prevention of struck bys.
Upload Date: 1/7/2013
Traffic Incident Management Area (TIMA)
Traffic Incident Management Area (TIMA)
Upload Date: 4/3/2019