What is one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities for EMS personnel at roadway incidents?

Being struck by another vehicle is recognized as one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities for EMS personnel at roadway incidents due to the inherent dangers present when responders are working in or near active traffic. When EMS personnel arrive at the scene of an incident, they often operate in chaotic environments where vehicles are moving at varying speeds, including emergency vehicles that may not have been observed by approaching traffic. The high velocity of vehicles on the road combined with limited visibility can increase the risk of a collision with emergency responders who may be focusing on patient care or scene management.

This situation is exacerbated by findings indicating that many drivers are not fully aware of their surroundings, particularly when responding to emergencies or distracted by electronic devices. While distractions and slip and fall accidents are also serious concerns for EMS professionals, they do not pose the same level of immediate, high-risk physical danger as being struck by a vehicle can in an active traffic scene. Similarly, improper lifting techniques may lead to musculoskeletal injuries but are less likely to result in fatal encounters compared to being involved in a traffic incident. Thus, the prominence of traffic collisions stands out as a critical safety issue for EMS teams working on roadways.