Tactical Edge Tuesday #15
The Most Dangerous Vehicle at an MVA Scene Isn't the One in the Ditch
Think of motor vehicle accidents as two incidents: the crash that already happened and the one that could happen next.
Does this idea resonate with you? One thing we would like it to do is reinforce a few things. Traffic Control, Vehicle Placement, Visibility, Command, Personnel Accountability, and Scene Safety. These are all things we must be proficient at before we even get to the additional roles after arriving on scene to save a life.
When we respond to motor vehicle accidents, it's easy to focus on the damaged vehicles, injured patients, and the immediate emergency that is present in front of us. But every MVA scene has a second threat! The first crash has happened, the second one is the one that could happen while we're operating on the roadway. Today's day and time is full of drivers are more distracted than ever.
That is why our MVA SOG places strong emphasis on Incident Command, Apparatus Placement, Personnel Visibility, and Controlled Scene Operations.
This week, I hope you can take the time to read our SOG on Motor Vehicle Accident Response and think about how you can apply it to roadway incidents. Make note of the words in red. Those are additions to our current policy. Our mission remains the same, and that is LIFE and patient care. I hope this training will help you slow down and remember that to complete our mission, we must apply situational awareness to our skillset at a heightened level so we prevent additional patients on the scene.
As the first responding unit on scene, you're not just arriving on the scene. You're taking on the responsibility of organizing chaos. Organizing Chaos starts with a good size-up, a command presence and radio transmission of the initial size-up. This can prevent wasted resources, unnecessary response, and scene confusion. When command is established and that IC paints a picture that prepare those responding, then the scene has a better chance at successfully improving what was found initially.
Positioning is Protection!
How apparatus and personal vehicles are parked will directly impact responder and patient safety. When positioning apparatus, think about the impact you have on roadway congestion and safe work zones for all responders. Just stopping as close to the crash as possible can create problems for everyone. This is key to safe scene management, and it takes all responders to build that solid foundation.
Everybody wants to help, but not everyone should be in the roadway.
If you happen to be one of the extra personnel on scene, you should be aware that wandering can create additional hazards and Incident Command usually has their hands full, so help them out and try to move far from traffic areas. The responsibility of safety falls on all personnel, but the Incident Commander's shoulders hold that responsibility and weight. Let's be mindful and prevent unnecessary roadway travel when on scene. The last thing we want is to put our IC in a position where he and our Chief Officers have to inform our families we have been injured, or worse.
Visibility Matters
High-Visibility Vests feel like a small thing until they are the only reason a driver sees you. I feel that this is self-explanatory, but you should be aware that if you aren't using PPE properly and in a place where you should be using it, then there is always that possibility that insurance companies hire lawyers to fight the necessary benefits that we need in such cases.
Patient Care and Scene Safety happen simultaneously.
You cannot provide care if responders become patients, safe scenes lead to better patient outcomes.
Extrication is a specialized skill
Just because someone can operate a tool doesn't mean they're qualified to perform extrication. There are specific training and PPE requirements in place that exist because mistakes are unforgiving in this arena. It is encouraged to seek that training, because the skills are definitely needed. If you're one with a knack for it, then make sure you're sharing your knowledge!
Everyone can be a Safety Officer
Remember, keeping aware of our surroundings and operations remain a team effort. So, safety of the scene is a part of your response and your duty to act. For an MVA scene, this may look like holding your brother accountable and letting them know they need their safety vest on. It may be the very thing that saves their life!
Persuade the Audience "RUBBER-NECKERS"
We have all used the term "rubber-necker"....What we fail to realize, is that we can add a safety buffer that increases our safety to these negligent drivers. "Rubber-Necking" side effects can be minimized if we cone our scene and block it appropriately and keep extra eyes on moving traffic. Be intentional about assigning someone as a set of safety eyes if you can and help persuade others with properly coned and tapered lanes.
Please click the link below and review our updated SOG from Section 80 of our SOG Binder.
Remember, those we serve are expecting us to arrive and mitigate the scene for their safety. This means we must remain vigilant in all areas of Motor Vehicle Accident Response.
Reminder: Log your training appropriately with our Training Form. For a description, make sure that you enter : Motor Vehicle Accident Response SOG review
When called, We Respond!
BE ELITE!
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