G.8.10 Traffic Safety

PURPOSE

To detail safe processes while providing patient care on roadways. Paramedics are expected to adhere to the adopted Multi-agency Traffic Safety Document.
 

APPLICATION

• Paramedics
• Paramedic Superintendents
• Senior Managers
   

PROCEDURE

1. Personnel are responsible to don all issued protective equipment/clothing when involved in any roadway operation.

2. Lighting

• Primary Emergency Lighting at all roadway events.
• Paramedics shall utilize the flare Alert system to increase event conspicuity.

3. Parking/Securing the Scene

   Securing of any roadway scene is expected to be managed jointly with allied agencies, based upon event scope and response rescource numbers.  This policy will provide guidelines for paramedic safety.  Roadway clsure is the responsibility of the local Police Service.  Paramedic vehicles should be positioned between a blocker vehicle and the actual incident when an appropriate blocker vehicle is on-scene.

4. Blocking Vehicles

   Fire apparatus, or Public Works heavy equipment are the preferred Blocker vehicles, positioned to protect the scene and response personnel.  Blocker vehicles should be positioned at least 30 metres from the working area and should help to direct the flow of live traffic through a fend off positioning.  Blocking vehicles should have their brake systems active.  The first response vehicle on scene will act as the blocker vehicle until such time as one of the ideal resources arrives.
    

REFERENCE

The Ontario Fire Service Health and Safety Advisory Committee, 2009, Guidance for Improving Health & Safety in the Fire Service, Fire Fighters Guidance Note # 6-10, Ontario Ministry of Labour

Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board, Paramedic Safety Equipment, Policy Directive