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14 groups issue joint statement on EMS use of lights, sirens

The document lays out principles on when and why to use rigs’ lights and sirens — and when not to

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An ambulance with the emergency lights on was seen in lower Manhattan in 2020.

Photo/Mary Altaffer/Associated Press

This article has been updated to reflect a fourteenth organization, the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada, also supported the statement.

By Leila Merrill

WASHINGTON — Fourteen national and international associations released a “Joint Statement on Lights & Siren Vehicle Operations on Emergency Medical Services Responses” on Monday.

The organizations believe the use of lights and siren should be guided by the principles laid out in the document, according to an email from Matt Zavadsky, chief transformation officer with MedStar and immediate past president of NAEMT.

The document takes into consideration time-sensitive medical conditions and risks to EMS providers and the public. It also discusses quality assurance programs, leadership roles, driver training, service agreements with local government bodies, and crashes and near-misses.

Read the full statement below:

Joint Statement on Red Light and Siren Operations With Logos by epraetorian on Scribd