Sunday, April 13, 2008- A New Jersey FD Paramedic and a FD EMT were both struck by a car while working at the scene of a crash in Cherry Hill yesterday. The paramedic and EMT, both from the Cherry Hill FD, were working at the scene of the four-car crash, and while loading a patient into the back of the ambulance, a vehicle struck them from behind. With traffic on the road initially backed up after the 1st crash, the clueless driver of the vehicle turned onto the shoulder and hit the paramedic and EMT.

The full story is available at www.firefighterclosecall.com

This one is kind of ironic since this evening I was watching some of the videos from the everyone goes home website, and coincidentally watched the one about using cones on accident scenes.

I do not know if cones were used on this incident. Nor do I know if they were would the clueless driver had obeyed them, or disregarded them as Mr Civillian drove onto the shoulder to continue upon his way.

I do know that this group, and its members, need to get darn serious about making sure that, in fact, everyone (does) go home.

As a member of the group, what we we doing to promote safety within our own departments? Are we actively working to implement change in our departments, or continuing to operate as we always have, and pray that our department does not suffer the next LODD.

I know that my comments, and my efforts, quite frankly will not change what happens in most departments. The best that I can hope for is change in my own local department(s), and the hope that some of you are equally as successful.

Sadly, the safety program that WORKED and PREVENTED a serious injury or LODD rarely get any press coverage. Sometimes, a lack of coverage is a very very good thing!

I understand that those injured in the accident above did not suffer life threatening injuries. Thankfully.