On this episode of the Standard of Care Podcast, Nick and Samantha take a look at some of the liability issues surrounding the use of red lights and sirens.  What does the law allow the driver of an emergency vehicle to do?  What is “due regard”, anyway?  Are shorter response times making drivers more unsafe?  How does a plaintiff prove his or her case against the driver of an emergency vehicle, and what can you as the driver do to protect yourself?  Please like, comment, and subscribe!   

Links: 

Epps, K. (2019, May 04). EMT sentenced to 1 year in jail for fatal ambulance wreck. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from https://www.ems1.com/ambulance-crash/articles/emt-sentenced-to-1-year-in-jail-for-fatal-ambulance-wreck-o70N1PhOFiuyvdBK/

Janofsky, M. (1993, December 22). Domino's Ends Fast-Pizza Pledge After Big Award to Crash Victim. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from https://www.nytimes.com/1993/12/22/business/domino-s-ends-fast-pizza-pledge-after-big-award-to-crash-victim.html

Jarvis, J. L., MD, MS, EMT-P, FACEP, FAEMS, Hamilton, V., MA, EMT-P, Taigman, M., MA, &  Brown, L. H., PhD. (2020). Using Red Lights and Sirens for Emergency Ambulance Response: How Often Are Potentially Life-Saving Interventions Performed? [Abstract]. Prehospital Emergency Care. doi:10.1080/10903127.2020.1797963, from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10903127.2020.1797963

Jarvis, J. L., MD, MS, EMT-P, FACEP, FAEMS & Verkest, M., A.A.S, CCP-C, FP-C, C-NPT, Paramedic. (2019, August 7). The EMS Lighthouse Project: A Dangerous Proposition: Use of Red Lights and Sirens Study [Audio blog post]. Retrieved 2020, from https://www.flightbridgeed.com/index.php/emslighthouseproject-podcast/13-ems-lighthouse-project-podcast/468-a-dangerous-proposition-use-of-red-lights-and-sirens

Kupas, D.F., MD, EMT-P, FAEMS, FACEP, et al., (2022, February 14).  Joint Statement on Lights & Siren Vehicle Operations on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Responses, Retrieved 2022, from https://www.nvfc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/22Feb-Joint-Statement-on-Red-Light-and-Siren-Operations.pdf

Kupas, D. F., MD, EMT-P, FAEMS, FACEP. (2017, May). Lights and Sirens Use by Emergency Medical Services (EMS): Above All Do No Harm [Pdf]. Washington DC: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Office of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), from https://www.ems.gov/pdf/Lights_and_Sirens_Use_by_EMS_May_2017.pdf

LLP, A. (2018, June 30). Louisiana Jury Awards $117 Million to Woman Injured in Ambulance Accident While Pregnant. Retrieved November 19, 2020, from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/louisiana-jury-awards-117-million-to-woman-injured-in-ambulance-accident-while-pregnant-164761026.html

Mikkelson, D., & Mikkelson, D. (2011, April). Do Mail Trucks Always Have the Right of Way? Retrieved November 19, 2020, from https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/four-play/

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FAST25 | May 19-21, 2025 | Lexington, KY

🔥 FAST25 is back—bigger, bolder, and hotter than ever! 🔥

This isn’t just another conference—a high-energy, immersive experience for pre-hospital and critical care transport pros. Expert-led sessions, hands-on workshops, and unfiltered discussions will take your practice to the next level.

🚀 New for 2025: The Creator Festival – Featuring “Burnt Ones,” a spicy take on Hot Ones, where top EMS creators tackle scorching hot wings while answering the most challenging questions in the industry. Expect live demos, interactive exhibits, and big-name influencers sharing their insight in a way you won’t find anywhere else.

Plus, a killer vendor experience, special guests, catered lunches, and after-hours events that make networking effortless and enjoyable. FAST25 is where it all happens.

📍 Central Bank Center | Lexington, KY
🏨 Hilton Lexington/Downtown (special rates available!)
🎟️ Tickets are limited—grab yours now: flightbridgeed.com/fast25