Emergency Management

"Want, want, want, need, need, need", a co-worker in another life remarked as she hung up her phone. 

And, here is a story echoed in many places about the struggle to provide emergency medical services that the public has grown to expect with resources that are becoming more scarce.

In a Texas Tribune article Terri Langford explores the uncertainty of residents and the challenges to officials for providing appropriate emergency medical care in rural and suburban counties.

"What is the objective of this ride-out?", the Deputy Sheriff asked me.

"At the end of the shift... you and I are going home."

Sure, it's the law that you have to move over (and/or slow down) when emergency vehicles are stopped at the roadside. But lives are still being lost while we're trying to save others.

There ought to be a law. And there are. Plenty of them. But why is that not enough?

Juan Brown brings his wildfire/aircrew perspective to the story. Cites drought and lack of forestry management (excess fuel) as fire factors.

No one ever expects tragedy to happen, and yet tragedy has and will continue to happen every day to someone. When tragedy does happen, those involved look for someone to take charge and be a leader.

[Edited, 16Jan20, to clarify communications from the aircrew and for the addition of link(s) to a pilot's-perspective analysis of the incident. Also, 17Jan20 to add link to Part Two of Juan Brown's video. --ed]

Maybe there's too much LED and Xenon light on scene -- potentially blinding or distracting motorists. Too much red. Not enough amber. You drive where you LOOK!

There are recommendations I have read, that would drastically reduce warning lights, once traffic control is established.

Please take a moment and read the linked presentation.

I-95 Corridor Coalition › Gui...PDF
WARNING LIGHTS, PARKING and SCENE SAFETY 
https://i95coalition.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Guide_Clear_RF.pdf%onscene.us

We had an episode of "Shopping in Dad's Pantry" recently, but it wasn't a severe drawdown because -- strategy.