Highway Safety for Emergency Service Personnel

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Highway Safety for Emergency Service

Personnel

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Introduction - Pre-Quiz Evaluation15 minutes

Chapter I - Extent of the Problem30 minutes

Chapter II - Planning, Multi Agency

Communication and Coordination20 minutes

Break10 minutes

Chapter III - SOPs/SOGs20 minutes

Chapter IV - On Scene Operation: 30 minutes

The First 60 minutes

Program Overview

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Program Overview Cont’d

Chapter V - Apparatus Design& Equipment 20 minutes

Break 10 minutesChapter VI - Scenarios & Best Practices 45 minutesChapter VII - Review 20 minutesCourse Wrap - Post Quiz - Evaluation. 20 minutes

Total Time 240 minutes - 4 hours

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Program Objectives

Understand the Overall Goal of this Highway Safety Program

Recognize the Importance of this Highway Safety Program

Identify the Elements of this Highway Safety Program

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Definition of Highway

Any roadway on which a Vehicle-Related Incident could occur

This could include interstate, suburban, rural, dirt and other roadways

Anywhere a vehicle could travel

For this course, the term “highway” refers to:

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Comprehensive Highway Safety

Program

Classroom Instruction Initial Training, Orientation & Drills Testing and Evaluation

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Listen to This Audio

Midwest City, Oklahoma

Click speaker icon to hear 911 call

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Chapter 1

Extent of the Problem

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Extent of the Problem Objectives

Describe the Roles and Responsibilities Related to Personal Safety at Highway Incident Scenes.

Recognize the factors that contribute to the incidence of highway emergency worker injury and death.

Discuss the Impact of Injuries and Deaths to Emergency Service Workers.

Explain the rationale for changing the attitude of emergency workers at highway incidents.

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Perspective

Reflect on Your First FF or EMS class What Do You Remember about

Highway Safety? Potential for Personal Injury Changes in Vehicles Increased Traffic Volume

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3 3 34

1 1 12 2

45 5 5 5

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0123456789

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87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01

Fire/ EMS - FatalitiesStruck by Vehicles

Number of Fatalities perYear

Highway Injury/Accident Data FIRE/EMS Fatalities

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2000 Fire & EMS Incidents

22 incidents involving Fire & EMS personnel

4 Firefighter & 1 EMT Fatalities 19 Fire or EMS responders injured 13 fire apparatus or ambulances struck

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33 Incidents Total(31 in U.S., 1 in Australia & 1 in Canada)

8 Fire/EMS Fatalities – 6 in U.S. & 1 Firefighter each in Australia & Canada

26 Fire/EMS responders injured


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19 Incidents while operating at MVA scenes 9 Incidents while personnel “directing traffic” 9 Incidents while operating at fire scenes 4 Incidents while backing units into stations 4 Incidents involving fire apparatus that

“moved” while parked at incidents

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Extent of the Problem

What They Didn’t Teach You in FF1 or EMT class………

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“It Was Just A Routine Call”

LIONVILLE , PA March 9, 1998 – Raining with wet roadways Initial alarm was at 14:10 for a car in a ditch

on the PA. Turnpike. Uwchlan Ambulance and Lionville Fire /

Rescue responded with an Ambulance, Engine, Rescue, the Chief & an Assistant Chief.

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Tractor Trailer driver loses control and crashes into scene.

Mass confusion at the scene. Many assist companies self-dispatched. Heavy radio traffic due to weather related

calls Weather grounded Medivac right after crash.

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Aftermath of the crash. 8 firefighters and 2 EMT’s involved in the crash 1 fatality and 9 serious injuries. Assistant Chief was disabled for several

months – Eventually resigned from the department.

Physical therapy and numerous surgeries for one firefighter.

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Midwest City, OK

NIOSH Investigation

Firefighter Killed

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Firefighter Killed

Midwest City, OK

NIOSH Investigation

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NIOSH Firefighter Fatality

Investigations NIOSH Report 99F-27 - August 5, 1999 Incident in

Oklahoma - 2 Career firefighters were struck on an interstate; one was killed, and one with serious injuries< http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face9927.html >

NIOSH Report 99F-38 - September 27, 1999 Incident in South Carolina - Volunteer dies after being struck by a tractor trailer truck. < http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face9938.html >

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Establish, implement and enforce, standard operating procedures (SOP’s) regarding emergency operations for highway incidents.

Position apparatus to take advantage of topography and weather conditions (uphill / upwind) & protect firefighters from traffic.

First control oncoming vehicles before addressing the emergency event, in the event the police have not arrived.

Ensure that personnel position themselves and victims in a secure area, when it’s not possible to protect the incident scene.

(DOT) - Use of “variable message signs” to inform motorists of hazardous conditions or vehicular accidents.

Recommendations


Investigations

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Ensure that personnel park or stage unneeded vehicles off the street / highway whenever possible.

Ensure that personnel wear personal protective clothing that is suitable to that incident while operating at an emergency scene such as a highly reflectorized flagger vest (strong yellow green and orange ).

Ensure that personnel conducting traffic control measures use a highly visible stop / slow paddle.

Establish pre-incident plans for areas that have a higher rate of automobile incidents.


InvestigationsRecommendations

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01-01-02: Madras, OR – Paramedic struck & killed. Placing flares out to protect the scene of an MVA when he was struck by tractor trailer.

01-02-02: Tampa, FL – Fire Engine struck on scene of a shopping center building fire. Engine was in parking lot, and was struck by a stolen car driven by a teenager.

01-06-02: Goochland, VA – Firefighter struck & leg amputated. Car skidded on ice and struck firefighter who was pinned between two vehicles.


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03-13-02: Norfolk, VA – 2 Firefighters struck & injured. Fighting a car fire in HOV lanes in dense fog. Struck by civilian who could not see the scene.

03-20-02: Gluckstadt , MS – Firefighter struck & killed. Working an MVA on an Interstate, struck by motorist while crossing the road.

03-25-02: Long Island, NY – 2 Firefighters struck. One killed and one seriously injured. Driver under the influence ran through road barricades and struck them at the scene of a training exercise.

2002 Incidents Cont’d.

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6-8-02: Wildwood, FL – Off-duty FF and physician were killed assisting at rescue

7-1-02: Esko, MN – FF killed and other injured after chain reaction plows into their work area

8-19-02: Richmond County, NC – Chief struck by vehicle assisting at accident

10-6-02: Jefferson County, OK – Two Paramedics killed 11-30-02: Valence, France – Five FF killed – two of

which are thrown into Drome River

2002 Incidents Cont’d

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Contributing Factors

Ineffective Notice to Civilian Drivers Weather and Roadway Conditions Lack of Visibility and Lighting Emergency Worker Physical Movement Private Vehicles Protection of the Scene

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Impacts of ESO Injuries & Deaths

Death of ESO Personnel Death Caused by ESO Personnel Long Term Impact Psychological Impact

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Loss of Experienced Personnel Stress of Criminal or Civil Litigation Financial Impact to ESO Failure to Deliver Service Poor Public Image Related to Safety

Other Concerns

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“Firefighters responding to calls need to operate as if someone is trying to run

them over.”–James Joyce

Fire CommissionerChicago Fire Department

Words to Live By

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Chapter 2

Planning, Multi-Agency Coordination & Communication

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Discuss How Planning Reduces the Amount of On-Scene Time

Discuss the Unified Command Process Related to Highway Incidents

List Exercises to Utilize to Improve Communication & Coordination

Identify Highway Safety Threat Areas

Communication & Coordination

Objectives

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Planning Training with Other Agencies Tabletop Exercises Simulations Post-Incident Analysis

Communication & Coordination

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Assure first arriving emergency vehicle establish an initial block to create a safe work area

Assess the parking needs of EMS, later arriving apparatus and other highway responders

Assure that all ambulances on-scene are placed within the protected work area

Incident & Unified Command

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Instruct the driver of the ambulance to “block to the right” or “block to the left” to position the rear patient loading area away from the closest lane of moving traffic.

Assure that all patient loading into transporting EMS vehicles is done within a protected work zone.

Incident & Unified Command

Cont’d.

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Accountability on the Scene

“Best Practices”

Accountability System in Place on ALL Incidents

Ability to account for all personnel on scene Could you identify if any of your crew were

under a vehicle that intruded on your scene?

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Identifying Target Locations Highway Construction Projects Special Events Planned Detours

Planning, Communication & Coordination

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SOPs/SOGs

Chapter 3

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Differentiate Between SOGs and SOPs related to Highway Safety

Better Understand the Benefits of SOGs related to Highway Safety

List Highway Safety Subject Areas for Consideration in SOPs/SOGs

SOPs/SOGs Objectives

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Defines how ESO will Operate Don’t Confuse with Pre-Plans Not Intended to Duplicate Technical

Information

What are SOPs/SOGs?

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All Personnel Understand What is Expected or Required

Intended Compliance with all Necessary Requirements is Identified

Planned Agreed Upon Actions Resource Document upon which to Base

Training Required Actions Have Been Anticipated

General Provisions

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Laws, Regulations and Standards Interface with Other Documents Administrative Requirements Operational Reasons

Legal & Regulatory Implications

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Highway Safety Awareness

Incorporate highway safety awareness into Firefighter 1 or EMT classes

Include in Station or Company Orientation Include in Annual Service Training Bulletins, SOGs, Lessons for Losses Evaluate apparatus placement and safety procedures

during all drills and training sessions

Build highway safety awareness through more intense training

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Chapter 4

On Scene Operations:The First 60 Minutes

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Describe the Effects of SOPs/SOGs on Emergency Response to Various Highway Incidents

Describe the Actions that Must be Fulfilled at a Highway Emergency Scene to Ensure Safe Operation

List and Describe Personal Safety Measures to be used by Emergency Responders while working in or Near Moving Traffic

On Scene Operation Objectives

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Describe the Roles and Responsibilities of the Emergency Service Worker Related to Personal Safety at Highway Incidents

Recognize and Respond to the Emotional and Psychological affects Emergency Workers Experience at Highway Incidents

On Scene Operation Objectives Cont’d.

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Response Positioning of Emergency Vehicles

On Scene Operations

The First 60 Minutes

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“Best Practices”Safety Officer assigned for scene safety

Scene hazards and traffic control

The First 60 Minutes Safety

Officer

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Don appropriate reflective vest and clothing

Look before exiting the vehicle Exit and Enter the Vehicle on the

Downstream Side Look Before You Step

Personal Safety Measures

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Keep Your Eyes on the Traffic Limit Your Exposure Reduce Your Profile

Safety Measures Cont’d.

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Guard the Scene - Guard the Crew


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Look Before Exiting the

Vehicle

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MUTCD Summary Components Parts of a Traffic Control Zone

- Advance Warning - Transition Area - Activity Area (Buffer & Work Space) - Termination Area

Temporary Traffic Control Zone

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“Best Practices” Need for advance warning to slow passing traffic; Arrow Boards, Flares, Cones, Police Cars, DOT signage Variable Message Signs, News Media / Traffic Reports

Advance Warning

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Controlling Traffic

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Establish a Flagger Using Warning

Devices

Need for Warning Devices to slow passing traffic; Arrow Boards, Flares, Cones, Police Cars, DOT signage Variable Message Signs, News Media / Traffic Reports

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Miles Per

Hour

2nd Warning Sign (B)

1st Warning Sign (A)

Transition Area Taper

Buffer Space

Work Space

Termination Area Taper

30 100 100 70 625 Length of Incident

100 Feet per Lane


100 Feet per Lane


100 Feet per Lane


100 Feet per Lane


100 Feet per Lane

Temporary Traffic Control Zone

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Scene Lighting Closing Down Traffic Flow Is All Responding Equipment Really Needed Limit Time on Scene Restoring Traffic Flow


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Poor Scene Lighting

Good Scene Lighting

Scene Lighting

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Scene Lighting

“Best Practices” Scene Lighting:

– Reduce emergency lights, Use “Blocking” mode, Sign Boards, Arrow Boards, Arrow Sticks

– Increase use of Amber lenses (more apt to slow traffic)

– Provide scene illumination after dark

– Presence of Police vehicles shown to slow traffic

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Shut Down the Roadway– Not Popular with Law Enforcement or the public– May be Necessary ! Plan for it in advance.

Closing Down the Roadway

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Limit the Exposure – Minimum Apparatus & Personnel– Limit crews on scene to only those necessary


Staging of Other & Personal

Vehicles

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Limit the time on scene– Use two way radios to advise of conditions– Take down cones and warning signs with caution– Use Safety Officer during take down periods– Clear-up crews as soon as possible

Incident Termination

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Apparatus Design and Equipment Considerations

Chapter 5

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Describe apparatus features that should be considered for increasing the degree of safety at highway incident scenes

List and describe safety-related equipment to be included on apparatus for use at highway incidents by personnel when working in or near moving traffic

Apparatus Design & Equipment Objectives

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Apparatus Design

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Rear Safety Using Arrow Stick

Apparatus Design

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Apparatus Design

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Plano, Texas Fire Department Apparatus Markings

Apparatus Design

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Jacksonville Beach Fire Department Apparatus Markings

Apparatus Design

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Traffic Cones Portable Signs Flares Flashlights Handheld Signs

Radios Portable Air Horns Scene Tape Vests

Equipment to be Carried

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Orange 28 Inches High Two Reflective Stripes

Traffic Safety Cones

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Standard Symbols Reflective Material

(Coral) One per Direction

of Travel

Portable Signs

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Lighted Basic Message

Handheld Signs

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Class III Vests

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Removable Class III Jacket

Remaining Reflective Vest is Class II

Class II Vest

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TRAFFIC SAFETY VESTS

ANSI Class I ANSI Class II

Personal Protective

Equipment

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Personal Protective

Equipment

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“Best Practices”Require Retro-reflective or florescent clothing / PPE Structural gear may not offer “high visibility” Safety Vests - Get them & Use them! ANSI 107-1999 high Visibility Safety Apparel

– Class 1 - Traffic < 25 mph, separation from traffic– Class II - Traffic > 25 mph, inclement weather, directing traffic– Class III - Traffic > 50 mph, emergency responders

Co. Officers monitor & enforce their usage. Safety Officer should carry spares. Vests on apparatus? Assigned to each person?

Personal Protective

Equipment

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Chapter 6

Scenarios & Best Practices

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Demonstrate the ability to establish a safe, temporary work zone given various roadway types and scene conditions

Identify safety concerns given various roadway types and scene conditions

Critique the temporary work zones created in the given scenarios for operability and safety

Develop an attitude to accept, use and enforce highway workplace safety

Scenarios & Best Practice

Objectives

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Four Lane Divided Highway Multi-Lane Highway w/Grass Median Intersection Urban Street with Center Turn Two Lane Rural Curved Two-Lane Road

Scenarios

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Chapter 7

Highway Safety in Review

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Explain the Rationale for Serving as an Advocate for Highway Safety

Develop an action plan for you and your ESO to increase the awareness of highway safety

List the Minimum Equipment Necessary to Establish a Safe Work Zone

Create attitude of advocacy for highway safety

Highway Safety in Review Objectives

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Create Awareness Improve Safety Reduce Your Risk

Highway Safety Advocacy

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Create an Awareness at your ESO Identify and Acquire Equipment Review SOPs/SOGs Identify Areas for Improvement Revise SOPs/SOGs Incorporate into Training and Operation

Highway Safety Action Plan

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There is No Substitute for Training Multi-Agency Coordination and

Communication Are a Must Limit Your Time, Limit Your Exposure Give Traffic Plenty of Warning Protect the Scene With Apparatus

Ten Cones of Safety

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Always Work Away from the Traffic Be Prepared to Shut Down the Roadway Be Seen and Not Hurt Dress for the Occasion Accountability Matters

Ten Cones of Safety Cont’d.

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Comments or Questions?


Personnel

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Thank you for your attention!

VFIS ESECG 1-800-233-1957

www.vfis.com


Personnel