With National Emergency Medical Services Week just around the corner (May 14-20, 2000), Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue wants to remind individuals to "help us, help others." The District is using the campaign to highlight two issues that continually threaten the safety of its firefighters and paramedics while they are helping others.

"Give Us a Break"
An increase in traffic congestion nowadays has made accident scenes more hazardous for emergency responders. While extricating and assisting patients, firefighters and paramedics are routinely subject to motorists speeding and not paying attention while passing an incident scene. Over the years, there have been numerous episodes on Highway 26 and 217, as well as Interstate 5, in which motorists have narrowly missed hitting firefighters. In one case, a motorist actually hit a fire engine. Karen Eubanks, Public Information Officer, states, "Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue is in the business of helping people in need. Unfortunately, helping people in need can be dangerous for us." The Fire District urges you to slow down and pay attention when passing an emergency scene. For optimum safety, discontinue cellular phone conversations, turn down the radio, and be aware of emergency responders, until you have safely passed the incident.

Pull to the Right
When firefighters are responding to an emergency, someone needs help and seconds count! Increased traffic congestion and motorists not paying attention impacts our ability to respond quickly to emergency incidents. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue reminds you to be aware to emergency lights and keep music inside your car low enough to hear approaching sirens. If you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching, pull your car to the right curb or shoulder and stop until the fire apparatus has passed. At an intersection, pull to the right as much as possible or use caution and common sense to find another place to pull safely out of the way.