Having recently had occasion to be a passenger in an ambulance on a run to the hospital, I noticed that the driver of said ambulance wasn't wearing his seatbelt. Is this common? I'm really interested in hearing the experts answer!
It's not common, but it happens. EMS has its share of scofflaws, just like any other profession. Quite a few cops I know refuse to wear seat belts, too, using the flimsy excuse that it prevents them from exiting the vehicle quickly.
At my employer, seat belt use is monitored electronically. Failure to use it will get you fired.
I even asked him about the seatbelt, and he said he "sometimes" fastens it. My mind boggles at that, considering the kinds of accidents I'm sure he's seen.
6 comments:
It's not common, but it happens. EMS has its share of scofflaws, just like any other profession. Quite a few cops I know refuse to wear seat belts, too, using the flimsy excuse that it prevents them from exiting the vehicle quickly.
At my employer, seat belt use is monitored electronically. Failure to use it will get you fired.
Most agencies I've worked with and around have a written policy that seatbelt use is required.
How well it's enforced is another question.
When I was driving big red trucks on a regular basis, the truck *didn't move* until all the passengers were seated and belted.
I've seen both... Less common on the Bolance than in Fire/Police circles to not fasten seat belts.
"Most agencies I've worked with and around have a written policy that seatbelt use is required.
How well it's enforced is another question."
Same here.
Personally, I'm a seatbelt nazi - if you're riding in my truck, you're wearing a seatbelt. Period.*
* For passengers and patients. The crew in the back has to be able to move around frequently and sometimes quickly while treating the patient.
I even asked him about the seatbelt, and he said he "sometimes" fastens it. My mind boggles at that, considering the kinds of accidents I'm sure he's seen.
Every ambulance service I'm familiar with has a policy about wearing seat belts. The exception is in the back if you are doing patient care.
Just because it's policy, doesn't mean that everyone follows it. It happens far more than it should, but it's getting more and more rare.
Post a Comment