Excellent article. I totally agree. We are finding at Sedgwick County EMS (Wichita, KS) that many of our calls only require a ''regular traffic'' response. Even those where we respond ''emergency traffic'' are done so with due regard and following guidelines that promote safety like stopping at all red lights and stop signs, and enforcing a maximum speed limit of 10 mph over the posted limit when conditions allow.

A good dispatching and call taking and interrogation 911 center with Pro QA have tremendously aided in reducing the number of emergency responses. The medic is much safer and the patients are receiving the care they need, when they need it, and in a safe manner.

SOPs that restrict driving speeds and AVL have also helped us enforce safe driving practices. AVL greatly improves dispatching so the right medic unit is responded the first time. Additionally, all medics also receive CEVO driver training every two years and low forces driving is highly emphasized.

I look forward to reading more.
Greg Schuessler