Does the use of lights and sirens save time? And is that time saved medically important to the patient? Multiple studies conducted over the last 25 years tried to address this question. The data suggests that there is a modest reduction in response and transport times. Compiling the results of the various studies, the use of lights and sirens reduces EMS response time between 1.7 to 3.6 minutes and reduces transport time in be 0.7 to 3.8 minutes. Some of the studies included an independent physician review of the transported medical case. The summary conclusion of the data suggests that the reduction in prehospital time produced a clinical difference in only about 5% of the cases.
Is there an association between the use of lights and sirens, and motor vehicle crashes? One paper estimated that there were over 12,000 motor vehicle collisions involving responding or transporting EMS vehicles in the United States in the 1980s, and 4 times that many incidents involving non-EMS vehicles that reacted in some way to an EMS responder vehicle (Clawson 1987, Clawson 1997). Clear cause and effect data is difficult to derive, as each crash is …show more content…
Their use is to alert other drivers and pedestrians to the approach or stationary position of an emergency vehicle and to request the right of way. This is hopefully done without overwhelming or otherwise incapacitating them. There is less data regarding the use of lights than of sirens. Type, color, and location of lights on EMS vehicles are often subject to local or state ordinances, and the relative effectiveness of light type, color, output, and flashing sequence has not been clearly determined (Delorenzo 1992). The US Fire Administration, in a recent report, even suggested that optimal emergency lighting might be different for EMS vehicles requesting the right-of-way compared to those in a stationary
Is there an association between the use of lights and sirens, and motor vehicle crashes? One paper estimated that there were over 12,000 motor vehicle collisions involving responding or transporting EMS vehicles in the United States in the 1980s, and 4 times that many incidents involving non-EMS vehicles that reacted in some way to an EMS responder vehicle (Clawson 1987, Clawson 1997). Clear cause and effect data is difficult to derive, as each crash is …show more content…
Their use is to alert other drivers and pedestrians to the approach or stationary position of an emergency vehicle and to request the right of way. This is hopefully done without overwhelming or otherwise incapacitating them. There is less data regarding the use of lights than of sirens. Type, color, and location of lights on EMS vehicles are often subject to local or state ordinances, and the relative effectiveness of light type, color, output, and flashing sequence has not been clearly determined (Delorenzo 1992). The US Fire Administration, in a recent report, even suggested that optimal emergency lighting might be different for EMS vehicles requesting the right-of-way compared to those in a stationary