From first units on scene until three cars crashed into Ladder 2 was less then 9 minutes.

HIGHWAY CRASH FIREFIGHTER SAFETY -

Credits Florida Highway Patrol http://www.fhp.state.fl.us/html/Manuals/fh17-18.pdf N.F.P.A. http://www.nfpa.org N.I.O.S.H. http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/facerpts.html http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hid12.html http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mvalert.html Phoenix Fire Department http://phoenix.gov/FIRE/20507a.html Responder Safety.com http://www.respondersafety.com U.S. Department of Transportation http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/pdfs/2003/Ch6A-E.pdf

Topics Firefighter Deaths Over the Past 14 Years Scenario 1 – Group work Define Terms Response to Scenes Vehicle Placement Personnel Safety Operation Safety

Lane Identification State “Move Over” law N.F.P.A. Codes FPH Policy State Statute 316.2025 & 316.061 Scenario 2

Between 1990 and 1994, 9 fire fighters were struck and killed by motor vehicles.

Between 1995 and 1999, 17 fire fighters were struck and killed by motorists. This represents an 89% increase in the number of line-of-duty deaths over the previous 5-year period.

In 2000, 5 Firefighters died. In 2001, 1 Firefighter died. In 2002, 4 Firefighters died. In 2003, 5 Firefighters died. Four year total = 15 deaths.

FIREFIGHTER DEATHS PER YEAR

Scenario 1 Single car accident

August 5, 1999, at 1920 hours, a single vehicle crash on interstate was reported. The interstate was wet and slippery from an intermittent rainstorm. The units responding at 1920 hours included: Ladder 2 (Captain and two fire fighters), Squad 2 (two fire fighters), and one privately owned Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ambulance.  

Squad 2 was the first to arrive on scene at 1923 hours and reported no injuries. Squad 2 personnel then released the EMS from further response. At approximately the same time, Ladder 2 arrived on scene. The Captain called dispatch for an estimated time of arrival of the Highway Patrol. Dispatch replied that they would contact the Highway Patrol and relay the information back to him.

GROUP On August 5, 1999, at 1920 hours, a call came into Central Dispatch reporting a single motor vehicle crash on the westbound lanes of the interstate. The interstate highway on which this incident occurred was wet and slippery from an intermittent rainstorm. The units responding at 1920 hours included: Ladder 2 (Captain and two fire fighters), Squad 2 (two fire fighters), and one privately owned Emergency Medical Service (EMS) ambulance. Squad 2 was the first to arrive on scene at 1923 hours and reported no injuries (See Photo 1). Squad 2 personnel then released the EMS from further response. At approximately the same time, Ladder 2 arrived on scene. The Captain called dispatch for an estimated time of arrival of the Highway Patrol. Dispatch replied that they would contact the Highway Patrol and relay the information back to him.

Ladder 2 was stopping near the median wall, approximately 150 yards directly behind Squad 2. The personnel of Ladder 2 remained in the truck, with the emergency lights on. At approximately 1926 hours, Ladder 2 was struck from behind by a motor vehicle (car #2).

GROUP Ladder 2 was stopping near the median wall (See Photo 2), approximately 150 yards directly behind Squad 2 to provide protection from oncoming traffic for both the occupant of the motor vehicle and Squad 2 personnel. The personnel of Ladder 2 remained in the truck, with the emergency lights turned on and operating. At approximately 1926 hours, Ladder 2 was struck from behind by a motor vehicle (car #2).

The personnel of Ladder 2 exited the vehicle. The Captain notified dispatch that the ladder truck had been struck from behind, and requested that EMS return to the scene. He then requested that the City Police also respond to provide traffic control.

One of the fire fighters from Squad 2 ran up the hill to provide assistance. The fire fighters from Ladder 2 and Squad 2 moved the driver of car back to the seat of her car. The Captain then began to walk eastbound on the inside lane of the westbound highway to flag traffic away from the incident because law enforcement units had not yet arrived.

At this time, the fire fighter directing traffic near Squad 2, noticed a car (car #3) cresting the top of the overpass on the inside lane and rapidly approaching Ladder 2. He yelled out two warnings over the radio “Ladder 2 Captain, watch out behind you” just as the car was losing control. The Captain turned and yelled to the other fire fighters near Ladder 2, “watch out, watch out”.

At that moment the fire fighter from Ladder 2 and the Squad 2 started moving the injured driver toward the front of the Ladder truck. As the fire fighters were moving the injured driver to a safe area, car #3 spun backward, impacting the median wall approximately 20 yards east of Ladder 2 then slid between the wall and Ladder 2. It missed the Captain and a fire fighter from Ladder 2 before striking two of the fire fighters and the injured driver.

The Captain and the fire fighter from Ladder 2 escaped injury by diving over the median wall onto the eastbound highway. The impact threw the injured driver to the ground in front of Ladder 2 (approximately 47 feet from the point of impact).

It threw the firefighter from Squad 2 over the top of Ladder 2. He landed near the front of the unit (also 47 feet). The second fire fighter from Ladder 2 was thrown over the median wall (onto the inside eastbound lane of the highway) landing approximately 47 feet past the point of impact.

The non-injured fire fighter from Ladder 2, who had jumped over the median wall moved the injured fire fighter out of the path of oncoming traffic and began administering basic life support. The Captain jumped back over the wall to check on the condition of the victim and the civilian driver from car #2. At 1927 hours, dispatch was notified “fire fighters were down”, and requested additional medical and police assistance.

A second alarm was struck, and Engine 1 (Officer and two fire fighters), Squad 1 (Officer and one fire fighter), Shift Commander 203 (Assistant Chief and driver), and Engine 3 (Officer and two fire fighters) responded to the scene. The fire fighter who had been directing traffic near Squad 2 ran up the hill to check on both the civilian driver from car #2 and the victim.

He administered emergency medical treatment to the victim while the Captain attended to the driver from car #2. The Captain assessed that the civilian driver from car #2 was not in an immediate life-threatening condition, so he proceeded to the back of the ladder truck to check the driver of car #3 for injuries. The driver of car #3 told the Captain that he was alright, and he did not appear to have any serious injuries.

The Captain went to assist the fire fighter from Ladder 2 in the treatment of the injured fire fighter, who at this point was not breathing and in need of an oral airway. While the Captain was proceeding to get a trauma kit, a fourth vehicle struck car #2 from behind.

The Captain immediately went to check the occupants of car #4. An ambulance had now arrived on scene in the eastbound lane and was assisting in the treatment of the injured fire fighter from Ladder 2. The Captain found no serious injuries to the occupants of car #4, and he told them to sit still because additional help was on the way.

At 1932 hours, the Assistant Chief along with Squad 1 had arrived on scene, followed by Engine 1 at 1934 hours. The additional personnel assisted in traffic control and in getting both the injured fire fighter from Ladder 2 and the victim prepared and transported to the regional hospital. The driver from car #2 was also transported to the regional hospital.

Timeline 1920 hours – call came in, units responded 1923 hours – Units on scene 1926 (approximately) Ladder 2 was struck by car Moments later, the second car slid between the wall and Ladder 2 At 1927 hours, dispatch was notified “fire fighters were down”, Minutes later a fourth vehicle ran into the first car to hit Ladder 2 At 1932 hours second alarm arrived

NIOSH RECOMMENDATIONS Establish and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding emergency operations for highway incidents Ensure that the fire apparatus is positioned to take advantage of topography and weather conditions (uphill and upwind) and to protect fire fighters from traffic

Ensure that fire fighters responding to a scene involving a highway incident or fire must first control the oncoming vehicles before safely turning their attention to the emergency in the event police have not arrived. Ensure that personnel position themselves and any victim (s) in a secure area when it is impossible to protect the incident scene from immediate danger

II. DEFINE TERMS Advance Warning Procedures that notify approaching motorists of emergency traffic control measures ahead. Block Creating a physical barrier by positioning apparatus at an angle across the lanes of traffic. Buffer Zone The space between the work zone and near by traffic. Downstream Direction that traffic moves away from the incident scene. Flagger Individual assigned to monitor approaching traffic and provide warning if motorists fail to follow traffic control measures.

Shadow The protected work area that is shielded by the block provided by properly placed emergency apparatus. Taper The action of merging several lanes of moving traffic into fewer moving lanes. Work Zone The area in which emergency crews perform incident related tasks; fire, extrication, EMS. Transition Zone Lanes of a roadway where approaching motorists change speed and position to comply with traffic control measures. Upstream Direction that traffic moves from when approaching the incident scene.

III. RESPONDING TO THE SCENE 1.) Driving Regulations. a.) Emergency vehicle operators are regulated by; * State Laws * Municipal Laws * Department Policies NOTE: Emergency vehicle operators are not exempt from criminal or civil litigation if involved in an accident while responding.

2.) Vehicle Speed & Safety. a.) Governed by laws, and department policy. b.) Excessive, unsafe speed is never justified. c.) Adjust speed and driving for night, weather, poor visibility. d.) Stop for school busses. e.) Obey speed limits in school zones. f.) Stop at all red lights and Stop signs. g.) Slow down or stop at all green light intersections. h.) Limited access highway with traffic back up; approach scene using unoccupied roadway shoulder. I.) Try to pass stopped vehicles only on the left side.

3.) Defensive Driving. a.) Anticipate other driver’s actions. b.) Intersections are where most accidents occur. c.) Keep eyes moving, scan area, look ahead. d.) Use emergency sirens & signals. e.) Maintain adequate distance for breaking and reaction time.

IV. EMERGENCY VEHICLE PLACEMENT 1.) Always position first arriving vehicle to protect the scene, patients, and emergency personnel. a.) Protect work area from traffic approaching from at least one direction. b.) Angle apparatus across the roadway to create a physical barrier between the crash scene and approaching traffic. c.) Proper apparatus placement should slow and re-direct approaching motorists around the emergency scene. d.) Use apparatus to block at least one lane more than the obstruction. e.) position fire apparatus so that the pump operator is not exposed to approaching traffic.

2.) Large apparatus should be placed in order to create a safe parking area for other vehicles. Emergency personnel should remain with in the “shadow” of the blocking vehicle at all times. 3.) Ambulance units should be parked within the protected work area. a.) Rear loading doors should be angled away from nearest lanes of moving traffic. 4.) Command should stage all unnecessary vehicles off the roadway, or return these units to service as soon as possible.

3.) When blocking with apparatus, remember to establish a sufficient size work area that includes; a.) Operating personnel b.) Damaged vehicles & road debris c.) Extrication area d.) Patient triage and treatment areas e.) Ambulance loading zone f.) Staging areas

6.) Incidents in middle lanes or intersections. a.) Two or more sides will need to be protected. b.) Strategically place police units for additional protection. c.) Communicate vehicle placement needs effectively. d.) If charged hose line needed, on the opposite side of on-coming traffic. (Down Stream)

7.) Traffic Cone Use and placement. a.) Deploy cones from rear of apparatus toward approaching traffic. b.) Personnel shall face on-coming traffic when placing or retrieving cones and flares. c.) Traffic cones or flares should be placed at 15 foot intervals. d.) Total distance of placement is related to posted speed limit.

Proper placement helps other responding resources with easy access and a safe working area.

V. PERSONNEL SAFETY 1.) Never trust approaching traffic. 2.) Avoid turning your back to approaching traffic. 3.) Always wear Class III high visibility reflective vests or structural PPE during daytime operations. 4.) Always wear structural firefighting or other approved helmet. 5.) Always wear full reflective gear, including vest, during night operations or poor visibility conditions. 6.) Remain aware of surroundings.

7.) Always look before you move. 8.) Keep an eye on moving traffic. 9.) Avoid turning your back on moving traffic. 10.) Always look before opening doors & exiting vehicles. a.) Use caution, remain alert. b.) If possible, exit / enter vehicle from the “shadow” side, facing away from moving traffic. 11.) Remain in the blocked “work zone.”

ANSI / ISEA June 1, 1999 standard 107-1999 At present the standard is voluntary CLASS I - Lowest level of visibility. Generally worn in environments where speeds do not exceed 25 mph.

CLASS II The most popular style. Commonly worn in environments where traffic is moving in excess of 25 mph. CLASS III The highest level of visibility. Worn in environments where the traffic is moving in excess of 55 mph.

Class II Class III

VI. OPERATION SAFETY 1.) First arriving fire engine should block lane occupied by damaged vehicle plus one additional traffic lane. 2.) Dispatch ladder truck to all limited access, high volume highways. a.) Block traffic “upstream” of 1st arriving engine. Occupy at least 2 lanes of roadway and paved shoulder. b.) Place cones / flares “upstream” from ladder truck. c.) Ladder driver shall sound a series of long horn blasts to warn personnel of dangerous actions of oncoming motorists.

3.) Assign a “Flagger.” a.) Monitor approaching traffic. b.) Notify Command dangers involving approaching traffic. 4.) Assign an incident Safety Officer. a.) Incident Commander may have to temporarily assume the role Safety Officer upon initial response arrival. 5.) Properly place traffic cones / flares. a.) Night and low visibility, place flares next to traffic cones. 6.) Establish liaison with Police Department. 7.) Use Police vehicles to provide additional blocking as needed.

8.) Place medical units inside the safety of the work zone. a.) Patient loading area shall be inside work zone. 9.) Stage additional units safely off the highway. 10.) Turn off all emergency vehicle lighting that will impair vision of oncoming traffic at night. a.) Includes headlights and spotlights. b.) Other emergency lights shall remain on. Light bars, etc. 11.) Upon termination of incident, promptly remove personnel and vehicles from roadway.

VII. Lane Identification 1.) Lanes of traffic shall be identified numerically as “Lane 1”, “Lane 2”, “Lane 3”, etc. 2.) Identify lanes from right to left. a.) The directions right and left shall be identified from the approaching motorists point of view. Left “Lane 2” Right “Lane 1”

316.126 Operation of vehicles and actions of pedestrians on approach of authorized emergency vehicle.-- (b) When an authorized emergency vehicle making use of any visual signals is parked, the driver of every other vehicle, as soon as it is safe:

1. Shall vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle when driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.

2. Shall slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater; or travel at 5 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, when driving on a two-lane road, except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.

NFPA 1451 Standard for a Fire Service Vehicle Operations Training Program 2002 Edition Chapter 8 Crash and Injury Prevention 

8.1.4 Where members are operating at an emergency incident that places them in potential conflict with motor vehicle traffic, they shall wear personal protective equipment as outlined in 6.4.7 of NFPA 1500, Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program. 

8.1.4.1 Fire service vehicles shall be utilized as a shield from oncoming traffic wherever possible. 

8.1.4.2 Where acting as a shield, fire service vehicle warning lights shall remain on, and fluorescent and retroreflective warning devices such as traffic cones, illuminated warning devices such as highway flares, or other warning devices shall be used to warn oncoming traffic of the emergency operations and the hazards to members operating at the incident. 

NFPA 1500 Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program 2002 Edition Chapter 8 Emergency Operations 

8.4 Members Operating at Emergency Incidents.  8.4.25 When members are operating at an emergency incident and their assignment places them in potential conflict with motor vehicle traffic, they shall wear a garment with fluorescent and retro-reflective material. 

8.4.26 Apparatus shall be utilized as a shield from oncoming traffic wherever possible. 

8.4.27*  When acting as a shield, apparatus warning lights shall remain on, if appropriate. Fluorescent and retro-reflective warning devices such as traffic cones (with DOT-approved retro-reflective collars) and DOT-approved retro-reflective signs stating “Emergency Scene” (with adjustable directional arrows) and illuminated warning devices such as highway flares and/or other appropriate warning devices shall be used to warn oncoming traffic of the emergency operations and the hazards to members operating at the incident. 

A.8.4.27 Some studies have shown that headlights or warning lights of parked vehicles at emergency incidents have caused accidents instead of preventing them. The fire department should develop guidelines in conjunction with their local law enforcement agency to determine what is appropriate for local conditions. 

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL 17.18.07 PROCEDURES A. 6. - Emergency services personnel should be encouraged not to interfere with emergency operations or unnecessarily disrupt the flow of traffic with their vehicles or operations. When traffic is adversely affected, members will take reasonable steps to protect the scene.

Conflicts with emergency services personnel should be reported to the appropriate supervisor who will relay the information to the district commander. If necessary, the district commander will meet and confer with the affected emergency services director to resolve such conflicts.

316.061  Crashes involving damage to vehicle or property. (2)  Every stop must be made without obstructing traffic more than is necessary, and, if a damaged vehicle is obstructing traffic, the driver of such vehicle must make every reasonable effort to move the vehicle or have it moved so as not to block the regular flow of traffic.

Any person failing to comply with this subsection shall be cited for a nonmoving violation, punishable as provided in chapter 318.

316.2025 Following fire apparatus prohibited. No driver of any vehicle other than an authorized emergency vehicle on official business shall follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet or drive into or park such vehicle within the block where fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.

Maryland Firefighters Have Close Call on Washington Beltway Courtesy of Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad

Case Study Washington Beltway I495 is a multilane divided limited access highway that surrounds the Washington DC area. Speeds on this highway are typically in the 70 mph range when there are no backups.

On Sunday morning August 17, 2003, RS18 was dispatched along with other units to a reported Personal Injury Collision at about 5:45 AM. Due to a light rain the roads were somewhat slippery.

Because of the location of the original crash, RS18 was the first fire/rescue unit on the scene. The driver positioned the squad as shown in the photo to protect the original PIC which involved one car that had spun out, struck the left shoulder jersey barrier, and then ended up in the second lane from the left. A US Capitol police officer on a motorcycle had arrived on the scene prior to RS18 and had started to deploy flares, but these were very close to the scene.

The squad crew exited RS18 and began to work to stabilize the scene. However, before the crew could send personnel back to deploy additional flares (in fact within 30 to 60 seconds of arrival), RS18 was struck from the rear by the white Honda. State police estimated that the Honda was doing about 80mph prior to striking RS18.

Fortunately, the Honda skidded into RS18 backwards. This allowed the trunk, rear seat, and part of the front seat to become a crumple zone to absorb the impact of the collision. Had the vehicle struck head-on, the driver would have been a fatality and damage to the squad would have been much greater.

Had RS18 not been positioned as it was, the Honda would have most likely struck the original accident scene and the six rescuers working there.

In addition to the Honda and RS18, a third vehicle was involved in this secondary collision. As a result of this secondary collision, a third rear-end collision involving three vehicles occurred in the right hand lanes.

As a result of this collision a gasoline tanker lost control and started to jack knife. Fortunately, the tanker driver was able to regain control and made it through the scene without colliding. At this point, traffic began to back up sufficiently to lower speeds in the accident area.

By way of clarification, the light tower on the squad was not up at the time of the collision. This was placed in service to help in the extrication of the driver of the Honda.

“ It Was Just A Routine Call……”

Lionville Fire Company Volunteer station 90 members, 35 firefighters Suburban, commercial, industrial and residential area, with 10 miles of the Pennsylvania Turnpike 3 Engines, Tanker, Rescue, Brush Truck & Safety House 525+ runs per year Uwchlan Ambulance, >2000 runs/yr. 2 career personnel & 60 volunteers

Incident Overview March 9, 1998 - Raining with wet roadways Initial alarm was at 14:10 for a car in a ditch, on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, just west of the Downingtown Interchange, Milepost 310.9 Uwchlan Ambulance and Lionville Fire / Rescue responded with an Ambulance, Engine, Rescue, the Chief & an Assistant Chief.

Original Incident Pontiac Grand Am, westbound on the Turnpike, lost control and slid into the drainage ditch.

Scene Diagram Shoulder Grass Ditch Right Lane Fast Lane Pa. Turnpike West Bound Jersey Barrier

Scene Diagram Shoulder Grass Ditch Right Lane Fast Lane Pa. Turnpike West Bound Jersey Barrier

Scene Diagram Shoulder Grass Ditch Right Lane Fast Lane Pa. Turnpike West Bound Jersey Barrier

Scene Diagram Shoulder Grass Ditch Right Lane Fast Lane Pa. Turnpike West Bound Jersey Barrier

Scene Diagram Shoulder Grass Ditch Right Lane Fast Lane Pa. Turnpike West Bound Jersey Barrier

Scene Diagram Shoulder Grass Ditch Right Lane Fast Lane Pa. Turnpike West Bound Jersey Barrier

Scene Diagram Shoulder Grass Ditch Right Lane Fast Lane Pa. Turnpike West Bound Jersey Barrier

Aftermath of the Crash 8 firefighters and 2 EMT’s involved in the crash One fatality, 9 serious injuries Original injured patient and two good Samaritans Heavy radio traffic due to weather related calls Mass confusion at the scene immediately after Many assist companies self -dispatched Weather grounded Medivac right after crash

Aftermath of the Crash Assistant Chief was disabled for several months Eventually resigned from the FD FF Mike Cox has undergone numerous surgeries to repair his injured legs, and had ongoing PT Ongoing meetings and negotiation with the PA Turnpike Commission to improve response procedures Change in Lionville’s response procedure to Trpk

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 11-4-97 : Minneapolis, MN - Fire Captain Struck & Killed Working at “minor injury accident” 1-12-98 : Centerville, Ohio - FF & PD Officer Struck & Killed Struck & killed at 6 car accident along rain soaked I-675 3-09-98 : Lionville, PA - 8 FF’s & 2 EMT’s Struck, 1 Fatal Struck and one killed at minor accident on Pa. Turnpike

5-03-98 : Hagerstown, MD - Firefighter Struck & Killed Directing traffic at vehicle accident ( Driver was distracted by incident operations ) 6-16-98 : Harmonville, PA - Firefighter Struck & Injured Struck & dragged 20 yards, at accident scene (video) 6-26-98: Laurel, PA - Fire Police Lt. Struck & Killed Directing traffic at scene of vehicle accident 8-01-98 : Streetman, TX - Firefighter Struck & Killed Struck by fire apparatus at grass fire Similar Fire & EMS Incidents

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 10-24-98 : Forest City, NC - Fire Police Struck & Killed Crossing road at live burn exercise 1-05-99 : Kiln, MS - Firefighter Struck & Killed Working at scene of mobile home fire ( Driver was blinded by lights from engine facing traffic)

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 03-06-99 : Downingtown, PA - Unit Struck, No FF Injuries Traffic Unit struck by Mustang, at the scene of an accident , 2 occupants in car trapped by crash 08-05-99 : Midwest City, OK - Firefighter Struck and Killed Working at scene of earlier MVA on Interstate 40. One other firefighter also injured in the wreck. ( This incident was the subject of a NIOSH Investigation)

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 09-08-99 : Hazard, KY - 5 EMS Personnel Struck & Injured Car plowed into an accident scene, struck an emergency vehicle, which then struck an ambulance on scene. Driver blinded by early morning sun glare 09-15-99 : Jeffersonville, IN - Firefighter Struck & Killed Struck by fire apparatus while fighting wildland fire 09-27-99 : Marietta, SC - Firefighter Struck & Killed Struck by tractor trailer while directing traffic at scene of previous MVA ( Also a NIOSH Investigation )

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 08-12-99 : Dallas, TX area - Fire Truck & 1 Firefighter Struck One Firefighter Injured, but 6 saved ! Drunk in full size Blazer, struck the back of an Engine which was blocking an accident scene, moved the Engine 8’ striking the firefighter and a guardrail. Driver of vehicle was trapped, and later died of his injuries. Placement of the engine across traffic saved at least 6 personnel.

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 12-19-99 : Broward County, FL. - Fire Dept Vehicle Struck Fire engulfs 2 vehicles after truck hits fire-rescue vehicle. No injuries to personnel on scene. 2-16-2000 : Mason, Ohio - Fire Chief Struck & Injured Fire crews working an accident, when FD Suburban rolled into the work area, pinning the Chief 2-18-2000 : Salt Lake County, Utah. - Fire Truck Struck SUV traveling at high rate of speed, struck fire truck working 2 previous accidents at same spot. No firefighters struck, but one jumped guardrail,and a correctly placed fire truck protected the scene.

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 3-7-2000 : Norfolk, VA - Near miss ! - 1 Firefighter injured Engine struck by an out of control dump truck, on I-264. Back injury to one of three firefighters, who jumped guard rail to escape skidding truck. Safe zone established by HIRT unit. 4-22-2000 : St. Louis , MO - 2 Medics & 1 PD Officer Injured Car struck police cruiser along I-44, which in turn hit ambulance, working a previous accident scene. 4-27-2000 : Atlanta, Georgia - 3 Firefighters Struck & Injured Firefighters working a car fire on I-20, when a car struck the engine, which then struck 3 firefighters (minor injuries).

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 4-26-2000 : Fairfax County, VA - Fire Truck Struck w/ 1 FF Injury Engine working an accident on the Capital Beltway at 00:30, was struck by an auto ( @ 60 mph ) operated by an impaired driver. Safe zone established . Fire engine destroyed. 5-11-2000 : Fairfax County, VA (Again ! ) - Fire Truck Struck Engine struck by car driven by impaired driver on I-95, No injuries to firefighters, safe zone established. Fire engine destroyed. 5-10-2000 : Jones County, KS - Fire Truck Struck Auto, driven by impaired driver (.25 BAL) struck Quint which was operating at a car fire. The quint was on the side of road, had out cones, and there was a police cruiser 100 yd. back. 1 firefighter brushed by the car as it went by….

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 5-26-2000 : Chicago, IL - Firefighter Struck and Injured Firefighter was running a hose across the street at the scene of a garage fire, when he was struck by a hit and run driver. Firefighter was in hospital in stable condition. 7-13-2000 : Friendswood, TX - FD Capt. Struck and Injured Captain was investigating smoke in an oil field, when he was run over by a suspicious vehicle he encountered at the site. 8 -20 -2000 : San Ramon, CA - Fire Truck Struck Citizen killed when her car struck a fire truck on location of a previous MVA.

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 8 -21-2000 : Gary, IN - Firefighter Struck & Injured Firefighter was assisting an engine backing into station, when he was struck by an auto and injured. 9 -01-2000 : Angeles National Forest, CA - Fire Truck Struck One citizen killed and one injured when their motorcycles struck a slow moving fire truck working a wildfire. 9 -04 -2000 : Yuma, AZ - Firefighter Struck and Killed Struck by ARFF apparatus while on training drill. 9 -04 -2000 : Ludlow, MA - Firefighter Struck and Injured Hooking to a hydrant at a structure fire.

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 9-04-2000 : Ludlow, MA - Firefighter Struck and Injured Hooking to a hydrant at a structure fire. 9-17-2000 : Maryland Heights, MD - FF Struck and Killed Struck while crossing an interstate at scene of an MVA. 10-24-2000 : Clearfield Co., PA - Fire Truck Struck, 3 FF Injuries Parked rescue truck with 3 firefighters inside, was struck on an interstate, by a tractor trailer driver who fell asleep. 11-02-00 : Jonesboro, AR - Firefighter Struck and Killed Crossing road at scene of a disabled fire truck on a roadway.

Similar Fire & EMS Incidents 11-07-00 : Tiffin, OH - EMT Struck and Killed Assisting a pedestrian along a highway. 12-23-00 : Chicago, IL - Firefighter Struck and Killed Working an MVA on a highway. 01-10-01 : Kendall, NY - Firefighter Struck & Killed 01-17-01 : Chicago, IL - Firefighter Struck & Injured 01-18-01 : Calumet City, IL - Fire Truck Struck, Civilian Injured

Similar Police Dept. Incidents The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, and the Concerns of Police Survivors 20 police officers died after being struck by vehicles outside of their cruisers in 2000

Firefighters responding to calls,need to operate “as if someone is trying to run them over” James Joyce, Commissioner Chicago Fire Dept. January 2001

Lessons to Reinforce Build awareness through more intense training Firefighter I or EMT - B classes Station or Company Orientation Annual In Service Training Bulletins, SOG’s, Lessons from Losses Evaluate apparatus placement & safety procedures during all drills and training sessions.

Lessons to Reinforce Multi-agency coordination & communication Fire, EMS mutual aid agencies Law Enforcement agencies DOT, wrecker services, HazMat contractors Preplan traffic control plans for major routes Table top drills with mutual aid agencies ?

Lessons to Reinforce Limit the Exposure Minimum Apparatus & Personnel Limit crews on scene to only those necessary Limit the time on scene Clear-up crews as soon as possible

Lessons to Reinforce Need for advance warning to slow passing traffic Arrow Boards, Flares, Cones, Police Cars, DOT signage Variable Message Signs, News Media / Traffic Reports

Apparatus Positioning and Arrangement Guard the scene, guard the crew Park apparatus at an angle Work on side away from traffic Pump Operators, Location of equipment on rigs Look ! Before disembarking apparatus Shut Down the Roadway Not Popular with Law Enforcement or the public May be Necessary ! - Plan for it in advance. Lessons to Reinforce

Right Lane Fast Lane Jersey Barrier

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 Lessons to Reinforce

Lessons to Reinforce 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 I - 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 ? SO carry spares ? Vests on apparatus ? Assigned to each person ?

ANSI Class I ANSI Class II Traffic Safety Vests

Traffic Safety Vests

Personal Protective Equipment Use of helmets and turnouts prevented more serious injuries at the Lionville incident. Design safety features into all new apparatus Use of better reflective markings on rear of apparatus Space for storage of traffic control equipment Design lighting to protect the incident scene Lessons to Reinforce

Plano, Texas Fire Department Apparatus Markings

Lessons to Reinforce Safety Officer assigned for scene safety Scene hazards and traffic control 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 ?

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 On the internet: < 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. On the internet : < http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/face9938.html >

NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation 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.

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. NIOSH Firefighter Fatality Investigation Recommendations

Take Action ! Awareness Training Equipment (New & Existing) Strategy & Tactics SOP’s Leadership