for Emergency Responders
Improving Emergency Scene Safety through training, communication, legislation and public awareness
Police Officers, Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Towing / Recovery operators are at risk every time we arrive at a scene.
One of the leading causes of death and injury to emergency professionals is secondary crashes at emergency scenes. With motivation, effort, and teamwork, we can reduce these unnecessary tragedies.
Many states have enacted "Move Over " Laws meant to protect these workers, but some versions of these laws are inadequate, ineffective and not enforced. Some areas have nothing, and consider Emergency Workers as pedestrians with no authorization to operate in these dangerous zones. Many "Move Over" citations have been dismissed or failed Judicial review because of the poor wording of that State's Law.
We believe that through a combination of improved legislation, public education, professional training and political support, we can drastically improve the level of safety at emergency scenes and defeat the number one hazard in our profession.
1: To help develop and find funding for a nationally standardized TIMS course for emergency responders,
2: To provide guidance for the development of State and local TIMS panels in accordance with federal guidelines,
3: To promote industry self-awareness of emergency scene safety (Police/Fire/EMS), through national media and trade publications.
4: To initiate a public education campaign to make the driving public aware of the hazards and risks at emergency scenes,
5: To include a scene safety training module in EMS/Fire responder curriculum,
6: To increase interagency cooperation and coordination, reduce duplication of efforts and hasten the development of approved standardized training,
7: To promote enforceable, standardized Move Over laws in compliance with federal reccomendations (many of the current laws are confusing, inconsistent, and unenforceable).
Click here for a full description, details and extensive links for initiating a TIM system for your region
Many U.S. states have enacted some form of; law requiring vehicles to slow down and change lanes when approaching a stationary emergency vehicles. These laws vary greatly from state-to-state, with many having no associated penalty or fines. Just because your state may have a law listed, do not assume it is a viable one which would protect you if you were injured on a scene. Please reference the below chart to determine if your area has any form of this law.
We would highly suggest all states base theirs on the Model law listed on page 2. Please compare the model law to your state's version.
www.moveoveramerica.com
Click here for Page 3, a report on EMS's role in Traffic Incident Management
MUTCD Regulation changes promoting TIMS- is your state prepared?
New Links Page- more of who's involved and how to reach them
What is TIMS- the newest page to give you more details and information
