Highway Safety for Emergency Service Personnel

Program Overview Introduction - Pre-Quiz Evaluation 15 minutes Chapter I - Extent of the Problem 30 minutes Chapter II - Planning, Multi Agency Communication and Coordination 20 minutes Break 10 minutes Chapter III - SOPs/SOGs 20 minutes Chapter IV - On Scene Operation: 30 minutes The First 60 minutes

Program Overview Cont’d Chapter V - Apparatus Design & Equipment 20 minutes Break 10 minutes Chapter VI - Scenarios & Best Practices 45 minutes Chapter VII - Review 20 minutes Course Wrap - Post Quiz - Evaluation. 20 minutes Total Time 240 minutes - 4 hours

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

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

Comprehensive Highway Safety Program Classroom Instruction Initial Training, Orientation & Drills Testing and Evaluation

Click speaker icon to hear 911 call Listen to This Audio Midwest City, Oklahoma Click speaker icon to hear 911 call

Chapter 1 Extent of the Problem

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.

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

Highway Injury/Accident Data FIRE/EMS Fatalities

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

2001 Fire & EMS Incidents 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

2001 Fire & EMS Incidents 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

Extent of the Problem What They Didn’t Teach You in FF1 or EMT class………

“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.

“It Was Just A Routine Call” 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.

“It Was Just A Routine Call” 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.

Firefighter Killed Midwest City, OK NIOSH Investigation

Firefighter Killed Midwest City, OK NIOSH Investigation

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 >

NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigations Recommendations 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.

NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigations Recommendations 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.

2002 Fire & EMS Incidents 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.

2002 Incidents Cont’d. 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 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

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

Impacts of ESO Injuries & Deaths Death of ESO Personnel Death Caused by ESO Personnel Long Term Impact Psychological Impact

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

Words to Live By “Firefighters responding to calls need to operate as if someone is trying to run them over.” –James Joyce Fire Commissioner Chicago Fire Department Just after having two struck-by highway incidents within days of one another.

Planning, Multi-Agency Coordination & Communication Chapter 2 Planning, Multi-Agency Coordination & Communication

Communication & Coordination Objectives 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 Planning Training with Other Agencies Tabletop Exercises Simulations Post-Incident Analysis

Incident & Unified Command 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 Cont’d. 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.

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?

Planning, Communication & Coordination Identifying Target Locations Highway Construction Projects Special Events Planned Detours

Chapter 3 SOPs/SOGs

SOPs/SOGs Objectives 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

What are SOPs/SOGs? Defines how ESO will Operate Don’t Confuse with Pre-Plans Not Intended to Duplicate Technical Information

General Provisions 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

Legal & Regulatory Implications Laws, Regulations and Standards Interface with Other Documents Administrative Requirements Operational Reasons

Highway Safety Awareness Build highway safety awareness through more intense training 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

On Scene Operations: The First 60 Minutes Chapter 4 On Scene Operations: The First 60 Minutes

On Scene Operation Objectives 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 Cont’d. 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 Operations The First 60 Minutes Response Positioning of Emergency Vehicles

The First 60 Minutes Safety Officer “Best Practices” Safety Officer assigned for scene safety Scene hazards and traffic control

Personal Safety Measures Don appropriate reflective vest and clothing Look before exiting the vehicle Exit and Enter the Vehicle on the Downstream Side Look Before You Step

Safety Measures Cont’d. Keep Your Eyes on the Traffic Limit Your Exposure Reduce Your Profile

Guard the Scene - Guard the Crew The First 60 Minutes Guard the Scene - Guard the Crew

Look Before Exiting the Vehicle

Temporary Traffic Control Zone MUTCD Summary Components Parts of a Traffic Control Zone - Advance Warning - Transition Area - Activity Area (Buffer & Work Space) - Termination Area

Advance Warning “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

Controlling Traffic

Establish a Flagger Using Warning Devices “Best Practices” Need for Warning Devices to slow passing traffic; Arrow Boards, Flares, Cones, Police Cars, DOT signage Variable Message Signs, News Media / Traffic Reports

Termination Area Taper Temporary Traffic Control Zone Miles Per Hour 2nd Warning Sign (B) 1st Warning Sign (A) Transition Area Taper Buffer Space Work Space Termination Area Taper 30 100 70 625 Length of Incident 100 Feet per Lane 40 350 125 825 50 500 375 1000 60 1500 450 1300 525 1450

The First 60 Minutes Scene Lighting Closing Down Traffic Flow Is All Responding Equipment Really Needed Limit Time on Scene Restoring Traffic Flow

Scene Lighting Poor Scene Lighting Good Scene Lighting

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

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

Staging of Other & Personal Vehicles “Best Practices” Limit the Exposure – Minimum Apparatus & Personnel – Limit crews on scene to only those necessary

Incident Termination “Best Practices” 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

Apparatus Design and Equipment Considerations Chapter 5 Apparatus Design and Equipment Considerations

Apparatus Design & Equipment Objectives 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

Rear Safety Using Arrow Stick Apparatus Design Rear Safety Using Arrow Stick

Apparatus Design

Plano, Texas Fire Department Apparatus Markings Apparatus Design Plano, Texas Fire Department Apparatus Markings

Apparatus Design Jacksonville Beach Fire Department Apparatus Markings

Equipment to be Carried Traffic Cones Portable Signs Flares Flashlights Handheld Signs Radios Portable Air Horns Scene Tape Vests

Traffic Safety Cones Orange 28 Inches High Two Reflective Stripes

Portable Signs Standard Symbols Reflective Material (Coral) One per Direction of Travel

Handheld Signs Lighted Basic Message

Class III Vests Class III – Reflective Wrist & Ankle

Class II Vest Removable Class III Jacket Remaining Reflective Vest is Class II

Personal Protective Equipment TRAFFIC SAFETY VESTS ANSI Class I ANSI Class II

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment “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?

Scenarios & Best Practices Chapter 6 Scenarios & Best Practices

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

Highway Safety in Review Chapter 7 Highway Safety in Review

Highway Safety in Review Objectives 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 Advocacy Create Awareness Improve Safety Reduce Your Risk

Highway Safety Action Plan 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

Ten Cones of Safety 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 Cont’d. Always Work Away from the Traffic Be Prepared to Shut Down the Roadway Be Seen and Not Hurt Dress for the Occasion Accountability Matters

Highway Safety for Emergency Service Personnel Comments or Questions?

Highway Safety for Emergency Service Personnel Thank you for your attention! VFIS ESECG 1-800-233-1957 www.vfis.com