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Philip Minshew

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10/17/05  Fire trucks for traffic control.

Philip Minshew:

Re:  Rad Field's comments

Why use fire trucks for traffic control? Because it's what we are trained to do!

Mr.  Field should ask those of us who do the job before he assumes he knows our job.

Using fire apparatus to PROTECT the scene of a major accident does just that.  Protects firefighters and paramedics while they are on scene.  When the police show up (usually 5 to 10 minutes after DFD arrival), the apparatus that responded leaves the scene unless a further hazard exists that requires they remain.

Each apparatus that has been struck by "oncoming traffic" has saved numerous firefighter/paramedics from serious injury or death.  Damage to a piece of DFD apparatus is MUCH cheaper than the death of an officer.   A replacement truck or engine is placed in service while the regular apparatus is being repaired so the "much needed asset" is not out of service.

What did he mean by in earlier years before the Fire Department "barricade" escapades?  We have always responded to major accidents with an engine and an ambulance. DFD members are both firefighters AND paramedics.

If you want information about DFD procedures, ask us.

     Commander X:
   This is a rebuttal to Phillip Menshew's rebuttal to Rad Fields' comments on Dallas Fire Rescue response to accidents on freeways. I would rather not use my name because I worked for the DFD for over 35 years and was in a command position. 
   I know the policies and why they were put into effect. 
   Using 1 engine, 1 micu and 1 truck to answer any problem on freeways: Due to delayed police response (that's another item that could stand some investigation), increased speeds by civilians who refuse to slow down for emergency equipment, and really slow response by wreckers.
   The Department's response to having several accidents was to use at least 1 additional piece of equipment costing over $300,000 and 4 additional personnel to act as a barricade to protect the people working the accident.
   The normal response to an accident without people pinned (meaning rescue is not involved) is anywhere but the freeway, 1 engine and 1 micu.  
   This policy has unnecessary people and equipment out of service for no other reason than to barricade the freeway when they should be available for emergency response. This causes delayed response in the areas surrounding the freeway putting undue strain on the system.
   You might think of this as the way Congress reacts to a problem by passing an act that either creates three unforeseen problems or makes the original problem worse.  I will be happy to share my knowledge about the workings of the DFD if your readers are interested.		  


 

                                        

    





                            

 

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