EMS Division ChiefThe Falcon Fire Protection District welcomes its new Emergency Medical Services Division Chief, Jonathan Webb, who, since 1999, worked for American Medical Response. His responsibilities ranged from paramedic to field training officer, field supervisor, operations supervisor, and most recently administration supervisor and materials manager. He is also a petty officer (corpsman) in the U.S. Navy Reserves, where he is responsible for the medical readiness of more than 500 sailors.Webbís responsibilities at FFPD include overseeing the districtís newly established EMS ambulance transport division; developing policies and procedures; developing EMS training for district personnel; working with the districtís medical advisors to establish guidelines that fit its needs; and working with other agencies to develop mutual aid agreements specifically targeting EMS.ìItís exciting to be a part of an organization that is growing as fast as the community is, and bringing a whole new system into the community,î Webb said. ìItís challenging but will be rewarding to see it all come together.îColoradoís Move Over LawOn June 15, Colorado State Patrol Trooper William Boden died when he was struck by a vehicle while on the scene of an accident on Interstate 70. He was the second Colorado state trooper hit and killed by a vehicle this year. While the circumstances behind the incident were still being investigated as of press time, it is a sobering reminder of the dangers that all first responders face on roadways.Colorado enacted the Move Over Law in 2005. This law requires motorists to change lanes and move away from emergency vehicles stopped on the shoulders of roads and highways. The AAA online Digest of Motor Laws (https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/move-over-law/) provides a brief description of Move Over laws across the country. In Colorado:ìState law requires drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles that are displaying flashing lights, including tow trucks, traveling in the same direction, to vacate the lane closest, if safe and possible to do so, or to reduce to a speed safe for weather, road, and traffic conditions. Also included in the law are utility vehicles and road maintenance vehicles.îFalcon firefighters have plenty of stories about motorists who came dangerously close to emergency apparatus and firefighters working at traffic accident scenes. They want to remind drivers to be attentive to the road ahead, and heed the Move Over Law to help protect first responders.Why are roads closed for traffic accidents?Road closures happen for many reasons. Regardless of the cause, an unplanned detour or traffic blockage can be frustrating for drivers.A recent comment on local social media stated that when a road is closed because of a traffic accident, it usually means a fatality has occurred. This is not entirely correct.Crashes that result in a fatality or serious injury can trigger an extended partial or total road closure to allow law enforcement personnel to conduct a thorough investigation. However, other reasons for accident-related road closures include (but are not limited to)
- Hazardous utility damage (downed power line, ruptured gas line, etc.)
- Severe damage to road surfaces resulting from the accident or a resulting vehicle fire
- Vehicles, light poles, trees, or other debris blocking the road
- Delay in removing immobile vehicles
- Hazardous materials spill
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