How can emergency medical technicians (EMTs) avoid ambulance collisions and improve safety on the road? EMTs can avoid ambulance accidents by following procedures, implementing safe practices, and taking preventive measures. For employers of EMS personnel and first responders, they should ingrain these steps into the company culture to prevent serious incidents.
Statistics on Ambulance Collisions
Is it enough to redesign ambulances for better accident protection? Adding safety features and technical innovations is undoubtedly helpful for preventing significant incidents. But it is just as important for employers to commit to improving operational policies, offering staff training, and instituting behavior changes.
Data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over 20 years revealed more than 4,500 ambulance-related crashes yearly. These caused the deaths of 33 individuals, and 34% led to severe injuries. These statistics highlight the importance of implementing safety measures and policies to prevent ambulance-related fatalities and injuries.
Strategies for Reducing Ambulance Collisions
Ambulance design has undergone many significant changes in 50 years. From rudimentary station wagons to fully-featured Type I, II, and III designs, they now include advanced features that could protect EMTs, patients, and bystanders during accidents.
But there are still many improvements to be made. There should always be an evaluation of safety innovations in terms of their impact in real-world scenarios. Combined with ergonomic changes that allow easier access to assessment and care equipment, and reduce deaths and injuries significantly.
It All Begins With Behavior Changes
Investing in more robust and technologically-advanced vehicles is undoubtedly beneficial. But even before making such a commitment, EMS providers should focus on improving personnel behaviors.
The aforementioned NHTSA study also showed that 84% of EMTs don’t wear restraints on calls. Even mandating seat belt use can be invaluable in reducing injuries and lowering death tolls among EMS providers. Because ambulances already have them, implementing a strict seat belt rule won’t cost employers additional funds.
Minimizing RLS Use
Ambulances have employed red lights and sirens (RLSs) during incident response calls and patient transport. But questions have arisen as to their value. Is the use of RLS necessary or beneficial to patients?
According to attorney and EMS provider Doug Wolfberg, there is little evidence to support the value of RLS for patients’ transport. Wolfberg further states that no studies link RLS use to improved patient outcomes.
On the contrary, reducing RLS usage might even minimize accidents related to speeding and overtaking. EMS providers looking to reduce injuries and deaths should consider making them the exception rather than the rule.
Improving Patient Care Compartments
Finally, there is a chance for improvements to patient care compartments. In particular, securing patients to cots with durable shoulder and lap restraints would be beneficial. These could help prevent additional injury if accidents occur.
About Provident Insurance Programs
With roots dating back to 1902, Provident Insurance Programs is a program administrator that serves paid and volunteer firefighters in addition to emergency medical responders with numerous custom-tailored insurance programs. We’ve also extended our expertise and experience to offer benefit plans and coverages to participant groups as well as Transportation Benefits. We are committed to continuing to provide superior customer service, and would be happy to speak with you to provide further information. Give us a call today at (855) 201-8880 to speak with one of our representatives.