Do they give permit for "civil use of emergency siren/light"??

[NeoPTLD]

phew I'm so tired. I just made back home after watching Gangs of New York with two friends and the parents of one of my friend. We parted our ways at Pioneer Square train station. We waited until one of my friend's eastbound train arrived. In our short ten minutes wait an ambulance came toward Pioneer Square(it's like a gather up place in Portland) with the strobes flashing halting traffic on it's way then it parks next to the Court House Square. Two paramedics walked to the middle of square with medical equipment. Everyone around was confused, because they couldn't see any injured person. After we stared for a few minutes and chatted with some strangers, we bacame aware that this was a planned thing. One AMR medic guy was having an engagement. He gave his woman a ring and they made out while their relatives took pictures. The other guy went back to the ambulance and sat there. What the hell...

Are they granted a permit to do this or was this an unlawful use of emergency siren/flahser? I'm leaning toward the second answer, because it's seriously corrupted if they issue permit to use siren/flahser for planned personal affairs. There happened to be a security officer standing there and she says this is like seventh times medics used their siren for an engagement. Big deal. You bet it is. People were abiding the law by coming to a stop when they were approached by an ambulance by alarming them there is an emergency. Whether they had a permit or not, it ain't right to halt the traffic to stop by the power of law over a freaking engagement. It's special to them, but it's just *an engamenent* to everyone else. I don't think they had any right to use emergency signal for personal affair.

In this large community of AnandTech, I'm sure there is a handful of people in paramedic, law enforcement or other emergency services business and I'm hoping they can comment on this.

 

[Colt45]

you do realize somone is going to throw poop at you on your wedding, because you posted this thread, right?

 

[Deleted member 4644]

LAMO

 

[PsychoAndy]

Nope. Technically, it's illegal. Will they be prosecuted for it? Probably not.

I don't see the harm in something like that. If it caused an accident or something, that'd be another story. If I were doing that, i'd wait til I got through traffic, since lights & siren = instant retardation in drivers.

Edit: Not an emergency worker of any sorts.

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: Colt45
you do realize somone is going to throw poop at you on your wedding, because you posted this thread, right?

I'm tempted to say the chance I'll still be around on this online community I ran into once upon a time is very slim by the time I'm seriously considering marriage. No worries for me.

You think it's cool if people were allowed to disrupt the flow of public for the purpose of holding an engagement?
That will be just completely chaotic.

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: PsychoAndy
Nope. Technically, it's illegal. Will they be prosecuted for it? Probably not.

I don't see the harm in something like that. If it caused an accident or something, that'd be another story. If I were doing that, i'd wait til I got through traffic, since lights & siren = instant retardation in drivers.

Edit: Not an emergency worker of any sorts.

They might be prosecuted. There was a moron police officer who got busted for reckless driving and unlawful use of emergency warning device for driving his cruiser through the traffic with his flasher on, because he was running late for his court appearance.

 

[BMdoobieW]

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: Colt45
you do realize somone is going to throw poop at you on your wedding, because you posted this thread, right?

I'm tempted to say the chance I'll still be around on this online community I ran into once upon a time is very slim by the time I'm seriously considering marriage. No worries for me.

No, not an AnandTecher. He's saying a Portland Paramedic will throw poop at you. I try to avoid poop.

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: BMdoobieW

No, not an AnandTecher. He's saying a Portland Paramedic will throw poop at you. I try to avoid poop.

In that case, I'd have to jack his ambulance and auction it off on eBay 😀 😀

 

[halik]

hahah,
that guy is pretty creative though. Set up somethign like this for an engagement 🙂

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: halik
hahah,
that guy is pretty creative though. Set up somethign like this for an engagement 🙂

Sure sure. Creative abuse of authoritive power. I know a lot of you here don't like abuse of power. Those of you who's gotten tickets have complained about how the police use his siren to convenience his way to his lunch stop.

 

[NeoPTLD]

^ for 911paramedic

 

[911paramedic]

That is indeed unlawful use of emergency signals. There are very strict laws regarding our use of them, and it is for life-threatening responses, the blocking of traffic for emergency calls, or the transport of patients with life threatening injuries only.

People do think we can just turn them on when we want but that is not the case, we get the "level of response" from our dispatch center. If it is code-3, that means lights and sirens. If it is not code-3 we cannot use them, period. After we have the patient onboard, it is the medic that determines the speed back to the ER or trauma center. Very few returns are lights and sirens, only critical traumas, critical respiratory patients, etc. return with lights and sirens.

Heart attack patients do not, we can treat them as well as the ER can, and all the lights and sirens only cause anxiety for the patient which worsens their condition. We do use a "slow code-3" when returning to the hospital with some cardiac patients, so we drive normal for the most part, but at lights we "light up" so we can cross the intersection, other than that we drive normal. That is only for critical heart patients that we dont want to upset with normal code-3 driving.

If we used the lights and sirens like you said, and there was an accident (get them all the time at intersections, people rear-end others that are stopped) we would be liable. Probably on a personal level, not the ambulance service either, becase that would be gross negligence.

 

as much as i hate seeing abuse of power, as this one is...it wont be prosecuted. Its just one of the perks of being in emergency service. My brother is a firefighter, my uncle a cop, and I want to be a cop, and it happens for little events like this. One guy rode the engine to prom and stuff, even though they were out of their fire district. The fire dept. was nice and did it for him. Just a perk, dont get that worked up about it.

 

[911paramedic]

Originally posted by: FallenHero
as much as i hate seeing abuse of power, as this one is...it wont be prosecuted. Its just one of the perks of being in emergency service. My brother is a firefighter, my uncle a cop, and I want to be a cop, and it happens for little events like this. One guy rode the engine to prom and stuff, even though they were out of their fire district. The fire dept. was nice and did it for him. Just a perk, dont get that worked up about it.

It is illegal, and people have been prosecuted for it. In a small town you may get away with it but not in a big city.

Emergency lights and sirens are very regulated, for good reason.

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: 911paramedic
That is indeed unlawful use of emergency signals. There are very strict laws regarding our use of them, and it is for life-threatening responses, the blocking of traffic for emergency calls, or the transport of patients with life threatening injuries only.

People do think we can just turn them on when we want but that is not the case, we get the "level of response" from our dispatch center. If it is code-3, that means lights and sirens. If it is not code-3 we cannot use them, period. After we have the patient onboard, it is the medic that determines the speed back to the ER or trauma center. Very few returns are lights and sirens, only critical traumas, critical respiratory patients, etc. return with lights and sirens.

Heart attack patients do not, we can treat them as well as the ER can, and all the lights and sirens only cause anxiety for the patient which worsens their condition. We do use a "slow code-3" when returning to the hospital with some cardiac patients, so we drive normal for the most part, but at lights we "light up" so we can cross the intersection, other than that we drive normal. That is only for critical heart patients that we dont want to upset with normal code-3 driving.

If we used the lights and sirens like you said, and there was an accident (get them all the time at intersections, people rear-end others that are stopped) we would be liable. Probably on a personal level, not the ambulance service either, becase that would be gross negligence.

I thought so too. Too clarify though, he didn't use siren, but he did use the lights when getting in the intersection. What grossed me out is that nearby security guard said this was like the seventh time paramedics showed up with lights and had his buddy have an engagement in city's gather up square.

This is not out in the sticks. It was right in the middle of city center, downtown Portland's transit central where tens of bus lines and two trains gather.

It likely will happen on New Year's or the eve. Maybe if I brought a camcorder and if I'm lucky, the news will cover an unlawful use of emergency signals by AMR for engagements on local section. Dude, that will be tight 😀

 

Originally posted by: 911paramedic

Originally posted by: FallenHero
as much as i hate seeing abuse of power, as this one is...it wont be prosecuted. Its just one of the perks of being in emergency service. My brother is a firefighter, my uncle a cop, and I want to be a cop, and it happens for little events like this. One guy rode the engine to prom and stuff, even though they were out of their fire district. The fire dept. was nice and did it for him. Just a perk, dont get that worked up about it.

It is illegal, and people have been prosecuted for it. In a small town you may get away with it but not in a big city.

Emergency lights and sirens are very regulated, for good reason.

I never said it was legal, and I do understand why they are regulated. Perhaps they cleared it with his supervisor, so they would not be held responsible. *shrug*

 

[911paramedic]

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: 911paramedic
That is indeed unlawful use of emergency signals. There are very strict laws regarding our use of them, and it is for life-threatening responses, the blocking of traffic for emergency calls, or the transport of patients with life threatening injuries only.

People do think we can just turn them on when we want but that is not the case, we get the "level of response" from our dispatch center. If it is code-3, that means lights and sirens. If it is not code-3 we cannot use them, period. After we have the patient onboard, it is the medic that determines the speed back to the ER or trauma center. Very few returns are lights and sirens, only critical traumas, critical respiratory patients, etc. return with lights and sirens.

Heart attack patients do not, we can treat them as well as the ER can, and all the lights and sirens only cause anxiety for the patient which worsens their condition. We do use a "slow code-3" when returning to the hospital with some cardiac patients, so we drive normal for the most part, but at lights we "light up" so we can cross the intersection, other than that we drive normal. That is only for critical heart patients that we dont want to upset with normal code-3 driving.

If we used the lights and sirens like you said, and there was an accident (get them all the time at intersections, people rear-end others that are stopped) we would be liable. Probably on a personal level, not the ambulance service either, becase that would be gross negligence.

I thought so too. Too clarify though, he didn't use siren, but he did use the lights when getting in the intersection. What grossed me out is that nearby security guard said this was like the seventh time paramedics showed up with lights and had his buddy have an engagement in city's gather up square.

It likely will happen on New Year's or the eve. Maybe if I brought a camcorder and if I'm lucky, the news will cover an unlawful use of emergency signals by AMR for engagements on local section. Dude, that will be tight 😀

Lights or siren, together or alone, are not allowed unless deemed necessary. We use them getting to patients, or on an accident scene to slow or block traffic. Using them for something personal like that is not tolerated, period. I am an FTO (field training officer) and I make it clear how and when to use them. The use you are talking about is not right, and AMR would love to hear about it. They are the most anal retentive company I have ever had the displeasure of working for. I never lived this down...

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: FallenHero

I never said it was legal, and I do understand why they are regulated. Perhaps they cleared it with his supervisor, so they would not be held responsible. *shrug*

What kind of idiot supervisor would allow that right here in city center?



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Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: FallenHero

I never said it was legal, and I do understand why they are regulated. Perhaps they cleared it with his supervisor, so they would not be held responsible. *shrug*

What kind of idiot supervisor would allow that right here in city center?



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Area map

I dunno. Go ask. If you are really that upset, go talk to someone about it.

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: 911paramedic

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: 911paramedic
That is indeed unlawful use of emergency signals. There are very strict laws regarding our use of them, and it is for life-threatening responses, the blocking of traffic for emergency calls, or the transport of patients with life threatening injuries only.

People do think we can just turn them on when we want but that is not the case, we get the "level of response" from our dispatch center. If it is code-3, that means lights and sirens. If it is not code-3 we cannot use them, period. After we have the patient onboard, it is the medic that determines the speed back to the ER or trauma center. Very few returns are lights and sirens, only critical traumas, critical respiratory patients, etc. return with lights and sirens.

Heart attack patients do not, we can treat them as well as the ER can, and all the lights and sirens only cause anxiety for the patient which worsens their condition. We do use a "slow code-3" when returning to the hospital with some cardiac patients, so we drive normal for the most part, but at lights we "light up" so we can cross the intersection, other than that we drive normal. That is only for critical heart patients that we dont want to upset with normal code-3 driving.

If we used the lights and sirens like you said, and there was an accident (get them all the time at intersections, people rear-end others that are stopped) we would be liable. Probably on a personal level, not the ambulance service either, becase that would be gross negligence.

I thought so too. Too clarify though, he didn't use siren, but he did use the lights when getting in the intersection. What grossed me out is that nearby security guard said this was like the seventh time paramedics showed up with lights and had his buddy have an engagement in city's gather up square.

It likely will happen on New Year's or the eve. Maybe if I brought a camcorder and if I'm lucky, the news will cover an unlawful use of emergency signals by AMR for engagements on local section. Dude, that will be tight 😀

Lights or siren, together or alone, are not allowed unless deemed necessary. We use them getting to patients, or on an accident scene to slow or block traffic. Using them for something personal like that is not tolerated, period. I am an FTO (field training officer) and I make it clear how and when to use them. The use you are talking about is not right, and AMR would love to hear about it. They are the most anal retentive company I have ever had the displeasure of working for. I never lived this down...

HAHAHAHAHAH dude is that you? if it is say for god sakes say NO IT IS NOT ME!

 

[911paramedic]

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: FallenHero

I never said it was legal, and I do understand why they are regulated. Perhaps they cleared it with his supervisor, so they would not be held responsible. *shrug*

What kind of idiot supervisor would allow that right here in city center?



picture

Area map

Bwaaaaahahahahahahaha, you got that right. Here in Las Vegas, that supervisor would be out of a job for letting that go.

Emergency lights and strobes cause accidents all the time. If a supervisor said "go ahead" then that comany would be liable for SOOOOOOO much if there were an accident related to that. That would be textbook negligence.

We do have to do drivers training updates every two years, including actual driving tests, and education. It is a big deal when you use the lights and sirens. There are a few medics in PRISON for not following "due regard", the legal term, and causing injuries or deaths while driving code-3.

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: 911paramedic
Lights or siren, together or alone, are not allowed unless deemed necessary. We use them getting to patients, or on an accident scene to slow or block traffic. Using them for something personal like that is not tolerated, period. I am an FTO (field training officer) and I make it clear how and when to use them. The use you are talking about is not right, and AMR would love to hear about it. They are the most anal retentive company I have ever had the displeasure of working for. I never lived this down...

LOL I think the effect is far significant if you, their very own field training officer called them about this. Call them up and I wanna see what happens 😀

The incident took place around 10:30-10:45PM on 24th. An ambulance came through Broadway St(East end of Pioneer square) flashes the strobe as it crosses Morrison Street, then parks on Broadway right next to the square. Of course all of this was in downtown, Portland Oregon. Two medics walks out, carrying medics equipment as if they were responding to an emergency. One guy goes back to his ambulance, the other guy holds an engagement with his woman.

 

[911paramedic]

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: 911paramedic
Lights or siren, together or alone, are not allowed unless deemed necessary. We use them getting to patients, or on an accident scene to slow or block traffic. Using them for something personal like that is not tolerated, period. I am an FTO (field training officer) and I make it clear how and when to use them. The use you are talking about is not right, and AMR would love to hear about it. They are the most anal retentive company I have ever had the displeasure of working for. I never lived this down...

LOL I think the effect is far significant if you, their very own field training officer called them about this.

😀 That is me in the picture. I was called "hollywood" for years after that.

I do allow drivers to use only lights (we are supposed to use lights and sirens or nothing at all...) for those 4 AM calls in residential areas. We drive carefully with only our lights on because I really don't see the need to wake everybody on the block up with the sirens. In this case if we got into an accident however, we would be in big trouble. I also dont see the need to use the siren on a long stretch of highway, when we approach cars we turn it on, pass and turn it off but leave the lights on. Sirens are quite loud in the cab, trust me. 😕

 

[NeoPTLD]

Originally posted by: 911paramedic

Originally posted by: NeoPTLD

Originally posted by: 911paramedic
Lights or siren, together or alone, are not allowed unless deemed necessary. We use them getting to patients, or on an accident scene to slow or block traffic. Using them for something personal like that is not tolerated, period. I am an FTO (field training officer) and I make it clear how and when to use them. The use you are talking about is not right, and AMR would love to hear about it. They are the most anal retentive company I have ever had the displeasure of working for. I never lived this down...

LOL I think the effect is far significant if you, their very own field training officer called them about this.

😀 That is me in the picture. I was called "hollywood" for years after that.

So given that, those guys are so owned if you called them about this 😀

 

[911paramedic]

Yes, they are owned. They should not be doing that for any reason. If the local people give you a hard time, call the Colorado office, it is in charge of all the west coast operations.

They should not be doing that, and much less on a regular basis like you say.