3352962

Reduced Lights & Sirens Ordered for EMS

3352962

The next time you see a swiftly moving ambulance or other emergency medical service (EMS) vehicle in Berrien County, there's a strong likelihood that it will be running silent and without emergency lights operating. It's all part of a new policy being instituted by the Berrien County Medical Control Authority according to the Chair of that group Mary Ann Pater, RN, JD.

Pater has issued a statement this morning, clarifying the policy for both ambulance operators and the general public at large. Here is the statement produced and dispatched by Lakeland Health:

"In an effort to improve the safety of emergency personnel and the general public, the Berrien County Medical Control Authority has directed the reduction of the use of sirens and lights when responding to emergency calls.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are an average of 4,500 motor vehicle crashes involving an ambulance each year, with numerous accidents attributed to use of emergency lights and sirens which cause disruption in the standard traffic laws drivers are accustomed to. Of those persons killed in crashes involving an ambulance, 63 percent were the occupant of another vehicle. Additional studies have shown there is no significant amount of time saved or impact on clinical outcomes while using lights and sirens for response. 

The goal of pre-hospital care, no matter what the diagnosis, is still centered on arriving to the patient quickly, providing necessary treatment, and rapidly transporting the patient to an emergency care facility. However, it’s important for us to weigh the benefits of lights and siren response with the potential risks to everyone involved and make adjustments as needed. 

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In the case of any emergency, community members should still call 9-1-1 as soon as possible. If drivers see an ambulance without any emergency lights or sirens they should treat it like any other vehicle on the road. If an emergency vehicle approaches with lights and sirens drivers should pull off to the right side of the road if safe to do so."

Berrien County is among the first in this part of the state to institute the reduced siren & lights policy, and the policy has already taken effect, following a month-long trial run that proved to be effective. 

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