Drive with extreme caution, even when running lights and sirens

Driving an inherently unstable, multi-ton vehicle at speeds beyond your ability to maintain full control is simply a disaster waiting to happen

September 04, 2014 08:57 AM •

A grand jury ruling that an EMT was “negligent but not criminal” in a 2013 ambulance collision at a red light that killed an 18-year-old girl is a tragic reminder that we work in a high-risk environment.

I’ve commented before about the risk of driving under emergency conditions, especially when there’s not a clear reason for doing so. Take a moment to think about your ability to operate your rig, and if you plan on driving with lights and siren, do so prudently.

Remember that in most, if not all states, you are required to follow the rules of road in nearly all situations. Driving an inherently unstable, multi-ton vehicle at speeds beyond your ability to maintain full control is simply a disaster waiting to happen.

If you think it can’t happen to you, please reconsider. I’m sure the driver of this vehicle thought the same thing.

Arthur Hsieh, MA, NRP

Art Hsieh, MA, NRP teaches in Northern California at the Public Safety Training Center, Santa Rosa Junior College in the Emergency Care Program. An EMS provider since 1982, Art has served as a line medic, supervisor and chief officer in the private, third service and fire-based EMS. He has directed both primary and EMS continuing education programs. Art is a textbook writer, author of “EMT Exam for Dummies,” has presented at conferences nationwide and continues to provide direct patient care regularly. Art is a member of the EMS1 Editorial Advisory Board.