Freeway and Roadway Safety

            A very pertinent topic since we protect approximately 18 miles of high speed freeway and numerous roadways on the base with varying speeds of 25 MPH up to 55 MPH.  In January of 2003 Information Bulletin 05-03 “SAFETY AT THE ACCIDENT SCENE” was issued.  Let’s review the contents of that bulletin:

The first paragraph states “There should always be a safety person assigned at an accident scene to prevent the following from happening.  Incident Commanders should consider continuing the rescue units to scenes, where they are otherwise not required, to serve in the capacity of that safety person” The Info Bulletin then reviews LODDs that occurred in France.  5 French firefighters were killed on a scene of an accident on the A7 motorway.  Further into the bulletin the author refers to a model SOP called “Safe Parking”.  Responders should review this SOP as it has a wealth of good information pertinent to operations on highways and freeways.  Go to www.respondersafety.com and follow the drop down menu to “SOP”.  Select “Safe positioning while operating in or near moving traffic”.

Chief Officers, Company Officers, Driver Operators, Firefighters, Ambulance Crews, anyone working on a highway or freeway is at risk of a “struck by” incident.  Review this document with your crews and establish safe work practices.  Even though we have an excellent highway safety track record to date, the hazard is still very present. 

·              Review terminology

·              Review safety benchmarks

·              Review apparatus and emergency vehicle benchmarks

·              Review IC benchmarks

·              Review emergency crew personnel benchmarks

·              Review high volume / limited access highway ops

·              Adopt officers safe parking “cue card”

           Please don’t become complacent.  It would only take a second to end your career and possibly your life.