1. Highway Safety for Emergency Service Personnel

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

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

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

8. Chapter 1
Extent of the Problem

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Highway Injury/Accident Data FIRE/EMS Fatalities

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. “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.

17. “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.

18. “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.

19. Firefighter Killed
Midwest City, OK
NIOSH Investigation

20. Firefighter Killed
Midwest City, OK
NIOSH Investigation

21. 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
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NIOSH Report 99F-38 - September 27, 1999 Incident in South Carolina - Volunteer dies after being struck by a tractor trailer truck.
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22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 2002 Fire & EMS Incidents
: Madras, OR – Paramedic struck & killed. Placing flares out to protect the scene of an MVA when he was struck by tractor trailer.
: 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.
: Goochland, VA – Firefighter struck & leg amputated. Car skidded on ice and struck firefighter who was pinned between two vehicles.

25. 2002 Incidents Cont’d.
: 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.
: Gluckstadt , MS – Firefighter struck & killed. Working an MVA on an Interstate, struck by motorist while crossing the road.
: 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.

26. 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
: Richmond County, NC – Chief struck by vehicle assisting at accident
: Jefferson County, OK – Two Paramedics killed
: Valence, France – Five FF killed – two of which are thrown into Drome River

27. 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

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

29. 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

30. 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.

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

32. 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

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

34. 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

35. 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.

36. 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?

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

38. Chapter 3
SOPs/SOGs

39. 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

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

41. 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

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

43. 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

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

45. 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

46. 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

47. On Scene Operations The First 60 Minutes Response
Positioning of Emergency Vehicles

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

49. 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

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

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

52. Look Before Exiting the Vehicle

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

54. 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

55. Controlling Traffic

56. 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

57. 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

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

59. Scene Lighting
Poor Scene Lighting
Good Scene Lighting

60. 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

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

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

63. 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

64. Apparatus Design and Equipment Considerations
Chapter 5
Apparatus Design and Equipment Considerations

65. 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

66. Apparatus Design

67. Rear Safety Using Arrow Stick
Apparatus Design
Rear Safety Using Arrow Stick

68. Apparatus Design

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

70. Apparatus Design
Jacksonville Beach Fire Department Apparatus Markings

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

72. Traffic Safety Cones
Orange
28 Inches High
Two Reflective Stripes

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

74. Handheld Signs
Lighted
Basic Message

75. Class III Vests
Class III – Reflective Wrist & Ankle

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

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

78. Personal Protective Equipment

79. 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 high Visibility Safety Apparel
– Class 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?

80. Scenarios & Best Practices
Chapter 6
Scenarios & Best Practices

81. 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

82. Scenarios Four Lane Divided Highway Multi-Lane Highway w/Grass Median
Intersection
Urban Street with Center Turn
Two Lane Rural
Curved Two-Lane Road

83. Highway Safety in Review
Chapter 7
Highway Safety in Review

84. 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

85. Highway Safety Advocacy
Create Awareness
Improve Safety
Reduce Your Risk

86. 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

87. 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

88. 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

89. Highway Safety for Emergency Service Personnel
Comments or Questions?

90. Highway Safety for Emergency Service Personnel
Thank you for your attention! VFIS ESECG