[Mo779]

After having lived in The Villages for several years, and as I am a (retired) First Responder, I am wondering why it is necessary for First Responders(EMS, Fire & Police) to respond in emergency mode (lights & sirens) in the wee small hours of the morning? I understand the need for them to get through intersections when there is traffic - however, is it REALLY necessary to respond with lights & sirens when there is no traffic??

[pooh]

Well, fire trucks can proceed through controlled intersections, can even go against the flow of traffic, but must have sirens going and lights flashing when they do so. This could be why, even in the late evening and early morning hours, we see flashing lights and hear sirens. Also, there COULD be traffic....just because we are home sleeping, doesn't mean roads are traffic free.

[gerryann]

Originally Posted by Mo779

After having lived in The Villages for several years, and as I am a (retired) First Responder, I am wondering why it is necessary for First Responders(EMS, Fire & Police) to respond in emergency mode (lights & sirens) in the wee small hours of the morning? I understand the need for them to get through intersections when there is traffic - however, is it REALLY necessary to respond with lights & sirens when there is no traffic??

You are absolutely right. It's so ridiculous when there is no need for all the noise in the middle of the night. Even intersections.....if no traffic, then just go through and get where you're going.

[golf2140]

You must be new to The Villages. They have timers installed on all the sirens. They are checked after each shift. The unit that has the most time using their siren get a bonus. It's that simple

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Mo779

After having lived in The Villages for several years, and as I am a (retired) First Responder, I am wondering why it is necessary for First Responders(EMS, Fire & Police) to respond in emergency mode (lights & sirens) in the wee small hours of the morning? I understand the need for them to get through intersections when there is traffic - however, is it REALLY necessary to respond with lights & sirens when there is no traffic??

Did you really think that you would get the factual answer to your question by posting on this board?
Here is the email for Mike Tucker, the Fire Chief.........he most likely can answer your question.
michael.tucker@districtgov.org
BTW here is the Departments web page;
VCDD Public Safety

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Mo779

After having lived in The Villages for several years, and as I am a (retired) First Responder, I am wondering why it is necessary for First Responders(EMS, Fire & Police) to respond in emergency mode (lights & sirens) in the wee small hours of the morning? I understand the need for them to get through intersections when there is traffic - however, is it REALLY necessary to respond with lights & sirens when there is no traffic??

In a word............liability.

When exceeding the speed limit; going against traffic signs or signals; stopping on the traveled portion of the roadway; or violating a multitude of other traffic control laws and regulations, the use of emergency lights and sirens is an affirmative defense in the event of an accident.

The apparent absence of traffic is irrelevant. Generally, traffic crashes involve the traffic that you didn't see.

My personal observation has been that emergency vehicles speeding through the area generally have their emergency lights on but only use the sirens when approaching traffic.

In my home county a deputy who exceeds the speed limit while responding to a call without emergency lights in operation is subject to discipline.

[renielarson]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Did you really think that you would get the factual answer to your question by posting on this board?
Here is the email for Mike Tucker, the Fire Chief.........he most likely can answer your question.
michael.tucker@districtgov.org
BTW here is the Departments web page;
VCDD Public Safety

I don't think the OP was actually asking a question. I took it as a rhetorical question...nothing more.

[Matzy]

There is one point which Carl of Tampa mentioned: While responding to a call without lights in operation is subject to discipline, that counts for many states. Another point could be using sirens is that there could be traffic not just at intersections, early bicyclers, walkers on the road, etc.

[Pepperhead]

If they don't use the lights and sirens, they must observe speed limits and obey traffic devices. Is that what you would want them to do if it were you they were trying to help?

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by brightspot01

I don't think the OP was actually asking a question. I took it as a rhetorical question...nothing more.

I took it as a rhetorical complaint.

[kittygilchrist]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I took it as a rhetorical complaint.

I took this literally, as the OP twice questions whether the sirens are necessary. Maybe differing interpretation depends on whether you take "necessary" at face value meaning essential, or as a figure of speech, as in "is that really necessary?"

I don't think an emergency vehicle driver called on to deliver a crew of responders as fast as possible and not following usual traffic rules can be too careful and that the siren is a tool to warn anyone in the way to get out of the way.

Should the midnight train shy from blasting the horn at crossings to keep from disturbing someone's sleep? I think not. I do sympathize if one lives close to the fire station.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by Pepperhead

If they don't use the lights and sirens, they must observe speed limits and obey traffic devices. Is that what you would want them to do if it were you they were trying to help?

If I've been desperate enough to call for help in the middle of the night, I want them to use lights and sirens and drive really, really fast!

[graciegirl]

I don't mind. I have my hearers out.

[skip0358]

I drove & rode for 42 years as a volunteer firemen and ambulance driver. If you responding to an EMERGENCY the lights and SIRENS were being used. Maybe not on the residential street but at ALL intersections and ALWAYS on the main drags. You as the driver and officer in the front seat are liable and I wasn't being sued or going to jail for fear of waking someone up. I think the responders in TV are very conservative with their sirens and I'm only 3 blocks from Station 51. JMO

[CFrance]

I heard a siren at 5:00 a.m. I don't mind. I just hope whoever they're responding to survives.