EXETER _ A change in the law has resulted in the emergency lights and sirens of Exeter Ambulance Association vehicles not being activated when crews respond to some calls.
The change in the association’s operating procedure was done to comply with a new law designed to improve safety.
“Statistics show using lights and sirens in many instances doesn’t get a crew to a scene of an emergency any faster,” said Rich Bowers, Executive Director of the Exeter Ambulance Association. “Studies have also showed that the non-use of emergency lights and sirens have also cut down on the number accidents involving ambulances and other emergency vehicles.”
The Exeter protocol now calls for no lights or sirens when responding to 911 calls in the following categories: Stand by at fire/emergency scenes with no reported injuries; Patient evaluations of any type; Calls dispatched that fall in the Basic Life Support category; and Lift assists.
The change in policy is in response to a change made by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and Department of Transportation laws and guidelines.
“Historically, use of lights and sirens is extremely dangerous when going through an intersection and causes many accidents,” said Ron Galipeau, President. State and local laws now state that we should not be using lights and sirens going to the hospital unless a critical patient is onboard and the caretaker believes the time saved traveling at emergency speed will benefit the patient.”
Galipeau and Bowers emphasized that if a life-threatening event is involved the emergency lights and siren will be utilized. Lights and sirens are authorized for dispatches that report severe respiratory distress, chest pain, active seizure, unconscious or cardio/respiratory arrest.
“In all cases, our drivers are trained to be safe drivers and we strive to have a safe driving environment for everyone on the roads,” Bowers said. According to studies, the use of lights and sirens saves less than a minute.
Exeter Ambulance Association is a non-profit organization that began serving Berks County residents and visitors in 1969. The association employs more than 50 medical transportation professionals, operate five Ambulances, three Wheelchair vans, and respond each year to more than 4,000 calls for help. For more information, see www.exeterambulance.org.
