The seconds between life and death

The difference between life and death can be an ignorant road user.

The importance of emergency response time during the very critical ‘golden hour’ can take up volumes of books and hours of debate.

Legacy Emergency Specialists shared some tips for drivers on what to do when you hear the sirens.

“The drivers of emergency vehicles are mostly well trained in advanced driving and focused on the safety of others,” said Mr Gavin Cooper, paramedic from Legacy.

The biggest mistake drivers make is panicking when they hear the sirens behind them.

That results in drivers making unnecessary mistakes like stopping abruptly. Some drivers don’t give way at all resulting in emergency personnel loosing precious seconds.

Gavin Cooper.

What do you do when you hear ambulance sirens?

Stay calm and stay aware of vehicles on the left and right of your vehicle as well as vehicles possibly in your mirrors’ blind spots.

Look for a safe spot where you can pull over. If it is unsafe to bring your vehicle to a stop, move forward at a safe speed.

Pull over to the inside lane if possible and wait for the emergency vehicle to pass.

Keep in mind that you might be nearing a scene of a road accident.

When you see a stopped emergency vehicle, slow down and move over a lane if possible. If traffic or other conditions prevent you from changing lanes, you must slow down and proceed with caution.

Next time you see an emergency vehicle in your rear-view mirror, make the right decision; it could be your loved one in the ambulance.

WITBANK NEWS went on a trip aboard Legacy’s ambulance and for the first time saw what the paramedics see when they make their way to assist someone in need.

Here is that trip in action