Emergencies demand quick responses, and for paramedics, every second counts. However, distracted drivers are increasingly delaying ambulances from reaching critical patients, potentially putting lives at risk. Paramedics across Australia are calling on motorists to stay vigilant and follow road rules to ensure emergency services can operate without unnecessary hindrances.
The Rising Issue: Delays Costing Lives
Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance paramedic Alan Eade, with over 30 years of experience, has observed a concerning trend—drivers failing to react appropriately when emergency vehicles approach.
"I need people to be in control of their vehicle, and react gently and carefully," Mr. Eade stated. He emphasized that sirens and flashing lights often cause panic, leading to erratic driver behavior, which can obstruct emergency crews en route to urgent calls.
Mr. Eade stressed that paramedics must assume that some drivers will act unpredictably. "You have to assume that somebody will do something unexpected at all times," he added.
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The Law on Emergency Vehicles
In Victoria, drivers are legally required to give way to emergency vehicles with their sirens and beacons activated. Failing to do so can result in a fine of $346.
The proper response when an emergency vehicle approaches is to:
- Slow down and assess the situation.
- Move left safely to allow the ambulance to pass.
- Avoid stopping in the middle of the road, as this can block emergency vehicles rather than assist them.
- Never attempt to overtake an ambulance—this can lead to serious accidents.
According to Victorian Ambulance Union secretary Danny Hill, many paramedics experience frustration when drivers ignore sirens. "When we're trying to transport a patient to hospital as quickly as we can and other road users don’t make way, it could mean the difference between life and death," he said.
Unsafe Reactions: Creating New Emergencies
Emergency responders not only face delays from distracted or unresponsive drivers but also from those who overcompensate with unsafe reactions.
"When people try to be helpful by crossing median strips or running red lights, that's when problems arise," Mr. Eade said. Such actions can lead to secondary accidents, further straining emergency resources.
Mr. Hill recalled an incident where an ambulance attending a crash was nearly involved in another accident due to a driver trying to overtake the emergency vehicle. "We don't want people acting rashly and creating another incident," he said.
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How Drivers Can Help
Drivers play a crucial role in ensuring ambulances reach patients swiftly and safely. Here’s what motorists should do when an emergency vehicle is approaching:
- Stay calm and aware. Avoid sudden movements or panic reactions.
- Move left safely. Ambulances typically travel in the right lane, so make room where possible.
- Obey traffic rules. Do not attempt dangerous maneuvers like running red lights or driving onto footpaths.
- Avoid blocking intersections. If stuck in heavy traffic, be mindful of not blocking emergency access points.
- Limit distractions. Refrain from using mobile phones while driving, as inattentiveness increases response times for ambulances.
Public Awareness and Enforcement Needed
Authorities are urging stronger enforcement of existing road laws and greater public awareness campaigns to educate drivers on their responsibilities.
As emergency responders put their lives on the line to save others, motorists must do their part by staying vigilant and giving way when required. By following road safety rules and reacting appropriately to sirens and flashing lights, drivers can help ensure that every ambulance gets to its destination without unnecessary delays.
Lives depend on it.
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