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New Response Rules for Austin Apparatus
AUSTIN, Texas - Some union leaders question a new Austin city policy that says firetrucks responding to calls must drive the speed limit and fully stop at intersections.
Austin Fire Department Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr said the policy is meant to improve safety for firefighters and motorists.
But Steven Truesdell, president of the Austin Firefighters Association, told the Austin American-Statesman that firefighters' discretion is being curtailed.
"We don't understand if they have some impetus for making these changes," Truesdell said. "They haven't discussed it with us."
Previously, Austin firefighters could drive up to 10 mph over the posted speed limit. Vehicles were not required to stop at intersections, but operators were told to make sure other drivers knew the emergency vehicles needed to proceed.
Kerr said she does not believe that the policy, which took effect Aug. 11, will affect response times.
"It is all about making sure that everyone goes home," Kerr said. "It helps keep our people safer, not only the firefighters, but the community as well."
The new policy is based largely on a 2003 report in EMS Responder magazine, fire department spokeswoman Michelle DeCrane said. The report concluded EMS vehicles going the speed limit and stopping at intersections were operated safer and had limited significant delays.
The change is part of a department-wide effort to turn informal practices into formal policy, DeCrane said.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Austin Fire Department Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr said the policy is meant to improve safety for firefighters and motorists.
But Steven Truesdell, president of the Austin Firefighters Association, told the Austin American-Statesman that firefighters' discretion is being curtailed.
"We don't understand if they have some impetus for making these changes," Truesdell said. "They haven't discussed it with us."
Previously, Austin firefighters could drive up to 10 mph over the posted speed limit. Vehicles were not required to stop at intersections, but operators were told to make sure other drivers knew the emergency vehicles needed to proceed.
Kerr said she does not believe that the policy, which took effect Aug. 11, will affect response times.
"It is all about making sure that everyone goes home," Kerr said. "It helps keep our people safer, not only the firefighters, but the community as well."
The new policy is based largely on a 2003 report in EMS Responder magazine, fire department spokeswoman Michelle DeCrane said. The report concluded EMS vehicles going the speed limit and stopping at intersections were operated safer and had limited significant delays.
The change is part of a department-wide effort to turn informal practices into formal policy, DeCrane said.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on
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Bold move.
I like it.
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Gesundheit!
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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They won't even be keeping up with the traffic in Austin.
I wonder if they are taking their lights and sirens off the vehicles too.
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Permalink Reply by Jack on
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Stopping at all interesections is a good thing it is called "Acting with due regard."
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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Instead of making blanket policies, DUE REGARD should be made a focus on.
Now such a policy may not affect response times too much and when going lights and siren close to the speed limit, yes you still get there. It mentions stopping at all intersections, but doesn't indicate if just at controlled intersections. It doesn't mention it, but stopping at a green light is ridiculous, my bet is the stopping at intersections is if it is controlled or a red light. Due Regard means you stop at a red light and ensure others stop before proceeding...pretty simple if you ask me.
It is more simple to say to operate with due regard and that we are not going to be any good if we don't get on scene, than to make a blanket policy change and not expect fallout. BTW...don't know if Austin has them, but opticoms on the rigs to change the traffic lights also help in responses.
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Yes Austin has Opticoms, and according to a couple of guys I know who work there, maybe 25% of them work 50% of the time. And that is on a good day. Houston has them and maybe 50% work. Another town closer to me has them but I was told "unofficially" that the maintenance of them has been taken out of the budget.
What will happen, (if it hasn't already started) An apparatus will come to a red light. They will turn off all lights and sirens, and wait until the light changes before proceeding.
If everyone is traveling at the speed limit, there is no point in using lights and sirens. This would take away the lead foot syndrome, and result in increased safety.
I have no problem with wanting to arrive safely, but I also know that; "For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction". It will affect response times proportionally to the time they are going with the flow.
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Permalink Reply by Jeff Betz on
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I'll elaborate on my first (very brief) opinion. I completely disagree with the new Austin policy. No, I don't drive like an idiot or get a big thrill out of the lights and sirens. I've been around 30 years and have seen some emergency vehicle accidents, so I can relate to the thought process here. I just see this as another step to the day where we don't need any lights or sirens, drive to the scene slower than the traffic with our NFPA compliant NASCAR gear on, and watch the damn place burn down for the sake of safety. Heaven forbid, don't let those Firefighters make a decision, they can't handle that!
I suppose you may be thinking "that guy has gone overboard with his reaction", and you're right, I have, Just like Austin Texas has done.
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Permalink Reply by John Rulli Jr. on
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WOW I dont know about that one in a profession where seconds count
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I watch this discussion with interest.
The last time I took up arms for safety, I was accused of being "ball less".
My name is Art and I want to arrive safely.
TCSS.
Art
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