Great article! emergency scenes are some of the most dangerous. I have always thought the lights were somewhat a distraction. I value them, but some people are distracted by, and attracted to them. I was on scene many years ago when a car was coming down the road at a high rate of speed, and I knew it wasn’t going to be able to stop. I was standing at the right rear of my apparatus with a cabinet door open and speaking to a CHP officer. As the car approached I acted without thinking and threw him into the open cabinet and jumped in it myself. the whizzed by, missing us by inches. Every time I see the officer we laugh and he tells everyone I saved his life.

That day is a constant reminder for me on how dangerous it is out there. Today we post spotters, position apparatus to protect, and wear high visibility jackets — it’s still not enough.

Be safe!