I've really been disgusted with various people in Leoti recently when it comes to common procedure for drivers during events that require ambulances and/or firetrucks. When you are out on the streets, roads or highways, MOVE OVER when you see these emergency vehicles or Wichita County EMTs or firemen on their way to the fire barn!!! These men and women who are traveling in their personal vehicles usually have their emergency lights, sirens and sometimes, their emergency flashers going. There is absolutely no excuse for them to have to pass you on the road!!!
At one time, common courtesy ruled and people followed these simple rules. Nowadays, legislatures have had to make laws to get drivers to do the right thing.
Sad but very true...
VLE-B
but I've seen them drive up so fast behind me there was no time to SAFELY get out of the way...there are laws that govern how fast they can drive, even when responding to an emergency...usually 10 mph over the posted speed limit.
ReplyDeleteYou're absolutely right about them seemingly coming out of nowhere sometimes. It has happened to me several times. The thing that we need to remember is that in many cases, the emergency volunteer already knows what the emergency involves. If it is really no huge deal, they are usually not driving as quickly as when they are driving to aid someone who is in a great chance of not surviving whatever the problem is. On a personal note, if someone whom I love is in great need of assistance, I would want the drivers to get to them as quickly and as safely as necessary. We all need to be aware of what is happening around us constantly. VLE-B
ReplyDeleteThere is no law or rule as to how fast a person responding to an emergency can drive. Even with emergencylights and a siren, the person is just asking to get by another vehicle, any wreck that is caused by people responding to an emergency it is still the fault of the driver and we take the responsibility. Not the city or county.
ReplyDeleteWichita County is soooooooooooo extremely fortunate to have all of our volunteers of the Fire and EMS crew at our disposal. These men and women are totally outstanding individuals who spend MANY hours away from their home, their families so that they can be properly educated on the latest and greatest methods to handle any emergency that might lie ahead of them. They receive absolutely NO money for all that they do, for getting out of bed in the middle of the night, for leaving a hot meal on the table, etc to come to our need. As I said before, the rest of us need to get the **** out of their ways as they attempt to get to where ever their help is needed. For all of the years that I can recall, I have never felt like any of the personnel were driving irresponsibly. Believe me, they are not out there trying to drum up new business! LOL!!! It is the rest of our' unsaid obligation to WATCH and LISTEN for them and get off of the road as quickly and safely as possible. I can HONESTLY say that I have never EVER heard of one single complaint against these men and women who give their all in Wichita County!!! I have also heard of people who do not live in Wichita County but have had to rely on the life-saving services of our EMTs and firemen. All that they ever do is sing their praises of our emergency people. We have friends and relatives in other communities who tell us that they wish that they had the superb people whom we have.
ReplyDeleteI just had a difficult memory come across my mind. When our nephew, Hunter Carson, who was not quite a year old yet, was involved in a hot grease burning accident, it was these men and women who flew to his rescue. His parents, Rob and Lona Sue, felt an amazing relief just knowing that these people were there to take over where they left off. After the EMTs had performed their life-saving magic, Hunter was transported to the emergency room and then life-watched to the Burn Center in Wichita. The burn specialists reminded Hunter's parents and the rest of us over and over that it was the quick response and expertise of our EMTs that saved our darling boy's life. It is entirely possible that had they just driven the speed limit or 10 mph over the limit, Hunter may not be with us today. To update everyone on our Hunt Man, Hunter is a Junior in high school in Garden City. Because of the great work of our EMTs, he is now enrolled in college classes that he can take right now so that he can reach his career choice of Emergency Medical Technican so that he can re-pay the wonderful people who went above and beyond to save his life. Enough said...VLE-B