Niagara EMS pointed to seconds saved with warnings, but increased chances of crashes
We're getting an explanation from Niagara EMS as to why ambulances don't use their sirens and warning lights as much.
It showed the region's public health committee recently how many seconds are saved with warning lights and sirens, but with a 50-percent crash increase.
Chief Rick Ferron added ambulance workers have the discretion. "But we've tried providing some very strict guidelines concerning that, and what we tell them is that any procedure that you do as a medical professional, must have some benefit/risk analysis. What's the benefits of having these lights/sirens, knowing it could save you about 90 seconds, versus the risk."
EMS added a priority one call of life and death will use lights and sirens.
Commander of quality management Mike Franklin says changes at dispatch have helped. "So, for the benefits... increased health and safety, so there's a decreased risk of a crash, there's a decreased adrenaline response in paramedics, affecting mental well-being, there is also the added benefit of reduced noise pollution."
EMS showed pictures of collisions at various intersections in Niagara.
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