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The dangers we face on the road
National studies show paramedics and EMTs face greater risks on the road compared to other drivers
By Art Hsieh
An ambulance crash in Indianapolis claimed the lives of two EMTs on Saturday. Such tragedies are becoming far too common. On behalf of EMS1, we wish the surviving family and friends of our fallen colleagues well.
It'll be some time before the exact cause of death is known for the two providers. Yet, we must advocate for better safety while driving our vehicles.
Even where no mistakes are made and the cases where deaths were not preventable, we should acknowledge LODDs as a reminder of the dangers we can face on the roads.
National studies show paramedics and EMTs face greater risks on the road compared to other drivers.
Our driving practices must reflect that our chances of being killed in a crash is much greater than other high-risk occupations. Frankly, we need to stop driving with lights and siren routinely.
Our vehicles must be built better with more protection in both the cab and patient compartment.
Our work space must be designed so that we can remain protected and stick function effectively on critical patients.
For nonemergent patients we must not take the risk of being unbuckled in the back to perform unnecessary tasks.
Please folks, I implore you. Recognize that our work environment contains hazards. Realize that you — we — can do something about it.
Jake Stein Wednesday, February 20, 2013 1:49:31 PM The bashing of the label "Ambulance Driver" must be eliminated. At some point EMTs and Paramedics must realize how important it is to be a skilled "Ambulance Driver". At one time ambulance companies hire professional drivers to drive their ambulances. They hire people who had extensive experience as truck drivers or delivery truck drivers. They didn't just hire 18 y/o kids just because they had an EMT cert and just got their driver's license yesterday.
Most training should be given to EMTs and Paramedics for road safety. It should not be shunned because someone is might call them an "ambulance driver". People waste too much time commenting on how offended they are when they are called an "ambulance driver" when they should be training to be an "ambulance driver. It doesn't matter whether you are wearing an EMT or a Paramedic patch if you don't know how to be safe driving and being a passenger in an ambulance. If you are driving the ambulance you should be a professionally skilled as an ambulance driver. If you are a passenger you should utilize whatever safety precautions available like seat belts even if you don't think if looks cool or any of the other excuses used to avoid them. The same goes for securing equipment. Laziness is sometimes behind that and should not be tolerated. 
