This article is based on the class "Improving Safe Use of Lights & Sirens in EMS", found on Prodigy EMS.

In the fast-paced world of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), the use of lights and sirens is a common sight. However, recent studies and discussions led by experts Dr. Jeff Jarvis, Mike Taigman, and Brian Maloney have shed light on the potential risks and minimal benefits associated with their use. This blog post delves into the critical insights from a webinar on EMS safety measures, highlighting the overuse of lights and sirens and proposing a methodology for safer EMS response and transport practices.

Overuse and Associated Risks

The traditional rationale behind the use of lights and sirens is to save time during emergencies. Yet, evidence suggests that the time saved is minimal, and the practice is often overused. With 87% of calls using lights and sirens, the risks of collisions, fatalities, and litigation significantly increase. A study revealed that using lights and sirens raises the odds of being involved in a collision by 53% during responses and by 184% during transports to the hospital.

Clinical Intervention and Methodology for Safer Practices

Treating the use of lights and sirens as a clinical intervention, experts argue for a more judicious approach. The proposed methodology involves analyzing EMS call data to identify calls where life-saving interventions are genuinely required. Initial findings suggest a potential for a substantial reduction in the use of lights and sirens without compromising patient outcomes.

Implementing Change: A Case Study

Brian Maloney’s experience with Plum Emergency Medical Services illustrates the successful implementation of these insights. By engaging in open dialogues with the team, setting clear expectations, and providing feedback on the use of lights and sirens, Plum EMS saw a significant reduction in their use during transports, from 26.8% to an impressive 4.24%.

Conclusion

The discussion underscores a critical shift in EMS response philosophy, advocating for safety, evidence-based practices, and a reduction in the unnecessary use of lights and sirens. This approach not only enhances the safety of EMS personnel and the public but also aligns with the broader goal of delivering efficient and effective emergency medical care.

‍