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RV-Dreams.com Home -> RV-Dreams Community Forum -> Community Chat -> Howard's crash assistance question
Post Info TOPIC: Howard's crash assistance question
Rick-n-Phyl


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Howard's crash assistance question
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Howard,

As I have said before (in my profile) I have been employed for nearly 25 yrs as a Public Safety Officer here in Michigan. We are cross-trained as police officers, firefighters, and medical first responders. For the last 13 yrs my primary responsibility has been "in the house", responding to fires with the big red trucks, and rescues, which covers all kinds of medical emergencies and traffic acciadents. 

I mention this only to somewhat qualify my humble opinion, which is...you did exactly the right thing. You even list some of the best reasons why, but as I have found out about so many of the RV community you really want to help and do all you can when someone needs.

When we respond to the kind scene you are describing we are bringing some large "rigs" of our own; police cars,fire engines with specialized equipment including everything from the hoses and water and specialized extinguishers to extrication (Jaws of life) equiment, ambulances and wreckers.

In short, as you said, access is often the first problem we have to work around. You are right that one or more 30-50 ft. RVs can really complicate things.

You mentioned people stopping on the other side I-75. Unless they were just morbidly curious, it sounds like they may have been crossing the freeway to help. It scares me to think about how this could compound the injuries. On both sides of the freeway.

We also are bringing teams who have trained together and understand what we will need to do and "speak the language" of what we will need to do. Those not trained, however well intentioned, could increase injury and are themselves at risk of injury. Potential civil liabilities are a whole other topic. The skills to get it done safely are the most important thing we bring.

Of course much of this is dictated by the circumstanes. In the case you site, you did exactly the right thing. On a stretch of less travelled byway like county roads, and someone in a crash without assistance you may opt to stop, perhaps block traffic from re-striking the vehicle with your big rig with emergency flashers on, if it is still in a travelled area of the road. Make the 911 and approach only if your best judgement at the time says you can do so safely. You can't help anyone if you also get injured.   

You know that you did all you could do. Even if it was only to move on.   

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kwf904


RV-Dreams Community Member

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I was an EMT for 15yrs and a firefighter for 20yrs. I have to agree with Rick-n-Phyl. We all want to help, but sometimes staying out of the way is the best option.
Jim

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Jim and Lisa
Hampstead NH

2009 Wildcat 28RKBS
2008 Chevy 3500 Duramax
Howard


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For those that may be wondering what this topic is referring to, please check out this Journal Entry.

Thanks for the wonderful responses!

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