Accidents can be avoided. Also, rarely are things "just accidents" which is why we use MVC rather than MVA for terminology now.
I don't think they did it on purpose, nor do I think they were negligent in not checking the front of the bay before pulling out. They may have been ignorant- not stupid. Before reading this article I could have found myself in the same situation, not because I'm stupid or careless, but because it was never brought to my attention. Just one of those things that happens because it happens.
Not too long ago an ambulance backing down an alley ran over a lady. They failed to use a spotter.
They were backing down an unfamiliar alley. To be honest, I use a spotter because I'm more worried about scratching the truck or hitting an object. The fact that a spotter may notice a person is not my main thought. That's not to say that I don't understand the importance and the dangers of backing a rig up.
There have been other injuries and deaths that have occurred from leaving or backing at the station which is why many FDs do have some type of safety plan in place.
We require a spotter to back our trucks up in our station and on scene whenever feasible. Like I said, we're a small department and I've never heard of someone running over a patient in front of their bay doors.
The dispatcher wasn't driving the truck and didn't run over the patient. At the time of the call the patient could have been "near the station" but managed to get to the doors by the time the trucks were ready to move. And no, the person who called it to 911 did their part so they are not to blame either. If I saw a person laying at the front door of a fire station, it would be reasonable to believe there are people there can can provide assistance.
I'm was not crediting or criticizing the dispatcher, or the caller. From the sounds of it, everyone performed as they should have.
I would not have to park my car in a no parking area, risk the safety of my passengers and wait for someone to open the door. Chances are if they didn't see this guy they probably would not see me kneeling beside him either as they were not looking. Again, this could have been anyone from just someone taking a shortcut to a curious child. Some safety issues must be addressed and they should assume some of their own responsibility in this if nothing else other than to keep it from happening again.
The difference here is that anyone, save an unconscious or other wise incapacitated person should have enough sense to move when the door opens. We have kids that like to use our apron to ride their bikes. When the door opens, they all scatter into the grass. Also- these people are standing, not laying. Adding 3 or 4 feet to a child, and 4 or 5 feet for an adult. It may stand that I'd be more appalled had they run over a standing patient. Just a reasonable assumption that I make when pulling the truck out, however flawed it may be.
Has anyone read the comments made by so called FFs and EMT(P)s at the end of the article? They are just shameful and give blackeyes to any professional FF and/or EMT(P). I can not believe some judge the patient and say "job well done" for almost killing a "bum". Do we have so little respect for human life without judging how others live their life.
It is incredibly disrespectful and disgusting that people are talking like that. Especially if they really are from the department. Absolutely wrong to talk about a person that way.
With all that said- I fully agree that this is an unfortunate accident that we should benefit from. Whether it means opening the door before we get into the truck every time or whatever it takes. One thing my employer does have is surveillance cameras that cover the front and rear bays, as well as the bay personnel doors, and the dispatcher can check it before opening the bay. Our central station is combined with dispatch- our satellite stations have nothing like this. I'm not sure whether these were installed for security, or for something very similar to this. Either way- it works.
Have some empathy for everyone involved.
