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Comment by Andrew Dalgarno on August 24, 2009 at 9:42pm

I agree with Dustin...

If we are first on the scene, we shut down the highway. Park apparatus across it so no one can get through. After the fire/accident is dealt with, then we will work in conjunction with Police to re-open the highway, usually one lane at a time. We (almost) never re-open on our own, in case the cops want to do an investigation (skid marks, etc.). Keep in mind this is a standard single lane, not free-way style highway.

We shut it down mainly for safety (but also accident investigation, as mentioned above). We never know how many we are going to get to a call, so we usually don't have the man-power to direct traffic.

Andrew

Comment by Dustin J. Millis on August 24, 2009 at 12:18am

LOL... I like Paul's idea!

As for my dept.... if PD is already on scene controlling traffic, we let them do their thing and pretty much let them direct it all. If we are 1st on scene and the accident/emergency is on a public street, the road is shut down! No question about it! Whether its a head on collision, minor PI, or a person who fell in the street and broke a leg, the road is shutdown. Weve all just seen too many ff's get injured because some asshole in their Mercedes talking on a cellphone and drinking a latte comes flying through an emergency scene and causes even more problems. Once the pt's are clear of the scene and ambulatory, the road can open again.

Comment by Paul Montpetit on August 23, 2009 at 4:23pm

signage or get one reallly hot looking babe and have her stand on the opposite side of the road naked....should do the trick......

Comment by Jeff Rollins on August 23, 2009 at 3:16pm

We use the 3' x3' Fold & Roll sign, same as most DOT's use. "Emergency Scene Ahead" it is fluorescent pink, you can see it from far away. In conjunction with the sign, we use an arrow stick and cones. We find this very effective.