There are an estimated 3,200 fire departments in Canada, approximately 80% of these are staffed by volunteer firefighters. As a volunteer-driven organization, Redwood Meadows Emergency Services (RMES) responded to 458 calls for help last year.
Every year, Canadian firefighters are injured or killed in the line of duty. This month, we’re giving some tips to protect your volunteer firefighters as we do our work.
SLOW DOWN. AND THEN SLOW DOWN SOME MORE: One of the most dangerous parts of our job is doing traffic management at motor vehicle incidents. When you see emergency vehicles on the highway, slow down well in advance. The slower the better when we have team members on slippery highways and focused on quickly grabbing equipment from trucks! Resume speed only when you are well clear. Treat every firefighter you see working on the highway as a family member, neighbour or friend – because we are all of these to someone in the community.
FOLLOW FIRST RESPONDER DIRECTIONS: Follow the directions of the first responders. Don’t stop to take pictures (we aren’t that good looking!) and don’t ignore their instructions because you feel they’re meant for vehicles and you’re riding a bicycle or walking.
MOVE OUT OF THE WAY – IT’S THE LAW: When you see the big red trucks heading to someone else’s emergency with lights flashing, pull over to the right side of the road and STOP, until the emergency vehicle passes. Once the truck passes, check your mirrors to ensure more emergency vehicles aren’t following before resuming speed.
KEEP YOUR DRIVEWAYS AND PATHS CLEARED OF SNOW AND ICE: Sliding is fun on sleds and skates in the winter, but not down snowy driveways in firetrucks or while carrying emergency gear. If you know of a neighbor with mobility issues, be a snow angel and help them keep their paths and hydrant access points clear of snow and ice.
Until next month, stay safe!
