Let Them Through

Minutes can seem like an eternity to those waiting for help. Everyday, paramedics in ambulances and other emergency vehicles respond to urgent calls. Precious time lost getting there could mean the difference between life and death. The biggest problem for emergency vehicles in reaching the scene of an emergency is motorists who don’t make way especially during peak traffic times. Busy intersections and road construction can slow traffic making it harder for paramedics to get to where they are needed. Keep intersections clear even if it means waiting one more change of lights tor you to get through.

What to do…

On a multi-lane highway

Slow down, signal and move to the right. If possible, pull as close as you can to the right side of the roadway and stop when safe to do so. Look for other vehicles that also may have to move across lanes of traffic to yield the right of way.

On a two-lane road

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Signal and move to the right. Pull as close as possible to the right edge of the road and stay clear of any intersection.

On a one-way street

Signal and pull to the right or the left side of the street, clear of any intersections, and stop.

At intersections

Traffic in an intersection or approaching from all directions must yield to an emergency vehicle until it passes through the intersection. Never block the intersection. Do not make a left turn if an emergency vehicle is approaching from behind. In this situation, the motorist should proceed straight through the intersection, then pull to the right and stop.

Remember…

Stay alert. Avoid being distracted. Keep the noise level down in your vehicle. This will help you to hear or see an approaching emergency vehicle with the lights or siren, be prepared to clear the way.

React quickly. Don’t slam on the brakes or pull over suddenly. Use your signals to alert other drivers you intend to pull over.
Check your rear-view mirror; look in front and on both sides of your vehicle. Allow other vehicles to also pull over. Pull to the right and gradually come to a stop.
Wait for the emergency vehicle to pass and watch for more than one emergency vehicle. Check to make sure the way is clear and signal before merging back into traffic.

In Saskatchewan, it is a traffic offence to pass any emergency vehicle stopped at the road side displaying flashing warning lights at speeds greater than 60 km/hr. Please reduce your speed to ensure the safety of the paramedics and other emergency personnel working at the emergency scene.

Do your part to help our paramedics on the scene by:

• Securing pets.
• Staying a safe distance back if you are not a family member but an interested bystander.
• Turning on an outside light if its dark
• Having someone go meet the paramedics at the front entrance to direct them to the scene
• Remove any other obstructions, if possible, like furniture or children’s toys.
• Gather up any medication and relevant health information cards.

In a serious emergency the paramedics are a phone call away. Dial 9-1-1 first before calling family, relatives or the doctor. Time is crucial so don’t guess call EMS right away. If you live in the rural area make sure that you give clear directions and use visible landmarks so that the paramedics can get to the emergency scene as quick as possible.