During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, we hailed first responders as heroes, and rightly so. The pace of the world slowed as we battled against the deadly virus. We had time to reflect on the careers that were essential to our livelihood. We then thought about a friend, family member or neighbour who had to get up each day we were on lockdown to ensure the country was still in operation.
Now the worst of the pandemic is behind us, some appear to have forgotten the critical role played by these heroes. The Barbados Ambulance Service, the Barbados Fire Service and the Barbados Police Service must be allowed to conduct their duties unhindered.
It was concerning when Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams, Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard and Head of Emergency Ambulance Service Dr David Byer lamented the fact that some Bajans are not acknowledging emergency vehicles’ sirens by pulling over as stipulated by law.
The issue became a public talking point when four fire officers and two other motorists were involved in a major accident at a busy intersection, as the emergency vehicle was heading to a house fire in the City last Friday.
Two fire officers complained of pain in the chest and legs and were transported by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, while the other two sought medical evaluation at the private Sandy Crest Medical Centre in St James.
Minister Abrahams, who was on the scene, pointed out that the siren is sometimes ignored.
“Generally, I’ve observed recently that the beacon and the siren don’t get the respect they require and there are a lot of near misses responding to emergencies,” he said.
The fire chief reminded motorists of the need to pull over.
“Generally, once the sirens are sounding and the lights are burning we encourage all Barbadians to pay caution when they hear the siren and pull over to the left or an appropriate side where possible to allow any emergency vehicles safe passage,” Maynard said.
Days later, at a fire in The City, he was forced to issue another warning. This time, he pleaded with residents and businesses to clean up their surroundings. He was prompted to do so because of a bond, which contained various chemicals, oils, grease, abandoned vehicles and wood, next to the site of a house fire.
“These items, as they deteriorate with the old wood, card boxes and bird dung can cause a fire. Therefore, I want to encourage all Barbadians to clean up your place whether Government owned or privately owned,” he said.
Such challenges that impede the ability to perform emergency duties are not isolated to the Fire Service.
Dr Byer said the ambulance service also faces the challenge of motorists refusing to pull over, daily.
He also reported that in some cases, motorists would tailgate the ambulance to get ahead of traffic.
“We still get instances of tailgating and motorists who try to get into the spaces created by those who pull over. Sometimes they’ll take a risk because they may see a free space, but that is dangerous for them and the persons in the ambulance,” Dr Byer said.
Motorists need to be more attentive and mindful when traversing. When these services are deployed and the siren is on, that is a clear indication that there is an emergency. It means that someone or multiple people are in distress – whether medical distress or the distress of losing property. Therefore, complying with the law and pulling over does not only help the emergency personnel but the motorists may be helping a friend, family member or a neighbour.
The full weight of the law should be brought to bear on anyone who hears a siren and does not pull over or decides to tailgate, instead of making way for the emergency vehicle.
The clarion call to adhere to the law and acknowledge the siren must be heard by all motorists. And while some have posited that the siren volume is too low, this does not negate that motorists should practise driving with due care and attention at all times. If this is done, it would be much easier to brace for any eventuality should an emergency vehicle need clear access.
We must help first responders so they can help us.
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