**Parking Protocol For Emergency Scenes: Strategies For Ambulance Parking**

Parking an ambulance at the scene of an incident is a crucial aspect of emergency response. It requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure the safety of everyone involved. When arriving at the scene, the ambulance should be positioned to create a barrier between oncoming traffic and the incident site. This involves turning the wheels so that if the ambulance is hit from behind, it will steer away from the scene, protecting the rear patient loading area. In addition, parking diagonally can provide more workspace and make it easier for other drivers to recognise that the ambulance is stopped. When multiple emergency vehicles are on the scene, it is important to park in a way that avoids being blocked by other vehicles. This may involve parking further away and walking to the scene with equipment.

Park diagonally to the flow of traffic to make it clear the ambulance is stopped

When parking an ambulance at a scene, it is important to park diagonally to the flow of traffic. This is for the safety of the ambulance crew, as well as other drivers on the road.

Firstly, parking diagonally to the flow of traffic makes it clear that the ambulance is stopped. When an ambulance is driving at 80mph, it is hard for other drivers to recognise that it has stopped. However, when an ambulance is parked diagonally, it presents two sides of the vehicle to approaching drivers, making it more obvious that the vehicle is stationary.

Secondly, parking diagonally acts as a protective barrier between the scene and oncoming traffic. If the ambulance is hit from behind, turning the wheels so that the vehicle will veer away from the scene can prevent it from being pushed into the area where the crew are working.

Finally, parking diagonally gives the ambulance crew more room to work.

Turn the wheels so that if the ambulance is hit, it will veer away from the scene

When parking an ambulance at the scene of an accident, it is important to turn the wheels so that, in the event of a collision, the ambulance will veer away from the scene. This is a crucial safety measure that helps protect both the ambulance crew and the patients they are treating. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for turning the wheels and parking an ambulance safely at an accident scene:

Firstly, if you are the first to arrive at a vehicle crash, position your ambulance upstream and off-centre of the collision to create a protective barrier for the site. This initial positioning will help block oncoming traffic and provide a safe workspace for emergency personnel. Remember to also activate your emergency lights to warn approaching vehicles.

When parking the ambulance, turn the wheels outward and set the parking brake. This is a critical step to ensure that if another vehicle collides with the ambulance, it will be pushed away from the scene, minimising the risk to the crew and patients. Additionally, parking at a slight angle can provide better protection from oncoming traffic.

In terms of distance, it is generally recommended to park the ambulance at least 25 to 50 feet downstream from the crashed vehicles. This distance should be adjusted based on the specific circumstances of the scene. If you are too far away, other motorists may inadvertently cut through your workspace.

It is also essential to be mindful of the direction of traffic flow. Identify the direction of travel (northbound, southbound, etc.) and ensure your ambulance is positioned accordingly. This consideration will influence how you turn the wheels to veer away from the scene if hit.

In addition to turning the wheels, always use flares, cones, or other approved devices to create a temporary lane pattern and provide advanced warning to approaching motorists. This is especially important in areas with limited sight distance, such as hills or curves.

Remember that your primary goal is to maximise the protection of emergency personnel and patients while also ensuring good access and egress for your vehicle. A quick scene assessment and proper utilisation of flares, barriers, and inter-departmental communication can help keep everyone safe.

Park uphill and upstream of hazardous materials leakage

When parking an ambulance at the scene of a hazardous materials leak, it is crucial to follow specific protocols to ensure the safety of the emergency responders and the public. Here are some essential instructions to follow when parking uphill and upstream of such an incident:

Firstly, always aim to position the ambulance at a safe distance from the scene of the hazardous materials leak. This distance will depend on various factors, including weather conditions, topography, and the specific characteristics of the leaked substance. In general, a minimum distance of half a mile (approximately 8-10 city blocks) is recommended to reduce the risk of contamination.

When determining the optimal parking position, it is vital to consider the direction of the wind. Toxic vapors released during a hazardous materials incident are often heavier than air and tend to settle in low-lying areas. Therefore, parking the ambulance uphill can provide additional protection. Uphill positioning takes advantage of the topography to create a natural barrier between the incident and the emergency responders.

In addition to parking uphill, it is crucial to park upstream of the incident. By staying upstream, you reduce the risk of being directly exposed to any toxic waste flowing in water. This is especially important as many hazardous materials are released into water sources during incidents.

While parking uphill and upstream, it is also essential to be aware of the wind direction. Toxic fumes released during the incident can be carried by the wind, affecting areas beyond the immediate incident site. Staying upwind, or in the direction from which the wind is blowing, will help minimize the chances of inhaling toxic fumes. Utilize tools like binoculars to observe the scene and assess wind direction and the presence of any unusual odors.

If possible, try to position the ambulance at a slight angle to the flow of traffic. This strategy not only provides more workspace but also makes it easier for other drivers to recognize that the ambulance is stationary. Additionally, turning the wheels of the ambulance outward can help ensure that, in the event of a collision, the ambulance is pushed away from the scene rather than toward it.

Remember, when dealing with hazardous materials, your primary objective is to minimize the chances of contamination. Always follow instructions from emergency response personnel and stay informed through official channels and alerts.

If another emergency vehicle is on the scene, park for direct access to the patient compartment

When parking an ambulance at the scene of an emergency, it is important to consider the positioning of other emergency vehicles that may already be on the scene. If another emergency vehicle is present, park your ambulance to allow for direct access to the patient compartment. This means parking close to the scene, ideally within 25 to 50 feet, but not too close that you hinder the operations of other emergency workers. The key is to ensure that the rear patient-loading area is easily accessible and protected from any moving traffic flow.

When parking, position your ambulance at a slight angle, with the rear doors slanting away from the closest lanes of traffic. This serves two purposes: it provides more room to work behind the ambulance, and it helps other drivers recognise that the ambulance is stopped. Additionally, if your ambulance is hit from behind, the wheels will pull it away from the scene, keeping your workspace safe.

When working on a roadway, whether it is a rural road or a multilane highway, it is important to be aware of the unique set of hazardous conditions. Ensure that you are blocking enough lanes and that you are far enough back to create a barrier. Remember that motorists may not always be paying attention, so it is crucial to wear high-visibility vests as required by federal regulations.

If you are the first ambulance on the scene, position yourself upstream and off-center of the collision to protect the site. If there are multiple emergency vehicles, park at a 45-degree angle, facing the front wheels outward, and set the parking brake. In the event of a collision, your vehicle will absorb most of the impact and be pushed away from the scene.

If multiple vehicles are on the scene, avoid being blocked by parking further away

When multiple vehicles are on the scene, it is important to avoid being blocked by parking further away. This may mean parking farther away than normal and walking into the scene with your gear. This is because, as the driver, your priority is to ensure that you do not obstruct other vehicles, especially if they are emergency vehicles that need to get through.

If you are the first to arrive at the scene, you may need to use your vehicle as a protective barrier to oncoming traffic. Turn the steering wheel so that if the ambulance is struck from behind, it will veer away from the incident scene, not into it. The key is to ensure that the rear patient-loading area is totally protected from any moving traffic flow.

If you are approaching a scene with multiple vehicles, follow the "SIREN" method recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Stay alert: Keep noise levels in your vehicle low so that you can hear approaching sirens. Use your mirrors to determine how quickly you need to react and how best to pull over.
• Investigate: React calmly but quickly, scanning in all directions before pulling over.
• React: Always use your turn signal and avoid slamming on your brakes.
• Enter: Before re-entering the flow of traffic, look around carefully and use your turn signal.
• Never: Do not stop in a place that does not have enough room for you to pull over safely, and never try to outrun an emergency vehicle.

Remember that other drivers may not follow road rules when an emergency vehicle is approaching. For example, they may run a red light or stop in a yellow box junction to get out of the way. Therefore, it is important to stay alert and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

Frequently asked questions