1. GREY COUNTY EMS VEHICLE VISIBILITY

2. Agenda Introduction Why make changes? What are the recommendations? What is the outcome and cost? Comments and Questions References

3. Introduction Ministry of Labour has created a committee specifically for EMS workers Section 21 committee provides guidance notes on best practices for emergency situations not outlined in the Occupational Health & Safety Act Guidance Notes 4 & 5 are applicable to vehicle & worker visibility

4. GCEMS Health and Safety Committee meeting on October 2, 2013 advised it would be best practice to change current vehicle striping and uniforms to better protect workers

5. Why make Changes? Paramedics work in a variety of lighting, weather, geographic and topographic conditions. Health and Safety of the worker during these variable conditions is paramount

6. Why Change Continued... The current ambulance striping in Grey County was designed in the 1970s Current striping based upon minimal guidelines from the Ambulance Act: Exterior Identification section 6.1-6.2.4 Many studies point to using high- visibility material, in addition to emergency lighting, to increase visual recognition.

7. Canadian studies for best practice for vehicle visibility are minimal. Therefore, US and European based studies have been considered: FA/323 August 2009 FEMA Study NFPA 1917 Draft Standard for Automotive Ambulances EU Standard for Ambulances Transport Canada Guidelines Occupational Health & Safety Act General Construction Regulations 67- 69.1 Traffic Control

8. What are the Recommendations? High visibility green Chevron patterns on rear of vehicles Reflective white outline on sides of vehicle Large block lettering

9. High Visibility Green Reflexite V98 High Visibility Green draws attention as it’s not naturally occurring Reflects 98% of lumens and visible in all lighting conditions Most visible colour to human eye, including visually impaired Will provide uniqueness to our vehicle

13. Chevron Pattern Chevrons are a current NFPA 1901 standard and requirement for all fire vehicles. Chevrons, in an upside down v pattern, are traffic flow markers and encourages traffic to stay away. Increased rear vehicle visibility

16. Reflective White Outline A reflective white stripe outlining the cab and body shows the size and shape of vehicle The high visibility green at the top of the box outlines the vehicle and adds to side visibility, especially during movement in traffic Allows public to maintain safer distances from vehicle

18. Large Block Lettering Large block lettering allows the vehicle to be easily identified. As per Ambulance Act the lettering should also be contrasted

20. Outcomes Outfitting vehicles for best practice visibility will: Increase paramedic safety in all variable conditions faced Increase public safety Increase public awareness Demonstrate an engaged, forward- thinking employer

21. Cost Current costs for vehicle striping is approx. $1600 per vehicle New high visibility striping is approx. $4000 per vehicle The Health and Safety recognizes the increased cost for additional striping; however the added protection for the worker outweighs the cost of striping

22. Comments or Questions?

23. References Ambulance Act of Ontario. Exterior Identification 6.1-6.2.4 EN 1978: European Standards for Ambulances FA/323 FEMA Study on Emergency Vehicle Visibility & Conspicuity Study. August 2009. Ontario Emergency Medical Services Section Subcommittee: Emergency Medical Services Guidance Note #4 EMS Worker Visibility Ontario Emergency Medical Services Section Subcommittee: Emergency Medical Services Guidance Note #5 Traffic Safety Occupational Health and Safety Act General Construction Regulations Sections 67-69.1 NFPA 1917 Draft Standard for Automotive Ambulances Craig Jones, Deputy Chief, Northumberland County

24. References Continued: Dr. Nadine Lavick, EMS Safety & Injury Hazard Awareness John Kileen, Australian Ambulance Visibility Expert