EMS: Courage and Compassion in Action: Making the 'Right' Decision

By Shawn Godfrey08:00AM / Monday, September 24, 2007Print Story | Email Story

Shawn Godfrey is a certified paramedic and the operations manager for the Village Ambulance Service Inc. in Williamstown.

If you or a loved one is in need of emergency assistance, you want help to get there right away. Did you know that there's one thing everyone can do to help the emergency responders provide assistance as quickly as possible? It's as simple as pulling your vehicle to the right for sirens and lights. Massachusetts law requires all motorists to pull to the right and stop until all emergency vehicles have passed. This applies to oncoming emergency vehicles as well as those approaching from behind. A universal problem faced by many emergency medical technicians, paramedics, firefighters and police officers is when a motorist does not recognize an emergency vehicle approaching from behind until the last moment. He or she often panics, then immediately stops or abruptly swerves the vehicle, no matter what the driving conditions or circumstances are. Clearly, this maneuver isnâ€™t safe for any of the motorists involved. As a paramedic, I often encounter drivers who pull over and stop in the left lane or stop in the middle of an intersection, directly in the path of oncoming traffic. This radically complicates the situation when other vehicles have already pulled to the right or, better yet, out of the intersection entirely. Motorists who fail to pull to the right not only narrow the available roadway for emergency vehicles to get through, but create an unsafe environment for emergency personnel, other motorists and pedestrians. Emergency responders recognize that motorists can easily panic at the sound and sight of an ambulance, fire engine, or police car rapidly approaching with a blaring siren and flashing lights, however, it's important for you to think ahead. Train yourself to instinctively pull to the right at the sound and/or sight of an emergency vehicle, just as you automatically slow down and stop for school buses when their red and amber lights are flashing. When driving, take a hint from other motorists: When you see vehicles pulling to the right side of the road, check all of your mirrors and, if necessary, safely pull to the right, stop, and remain there until all emergency vehicles have passed. "Do's" of the Road * Remain calm * Safely pull to the right and come to a complete stop * When on a high-speed road or when there is no room to stop, slow down as much as possible * When in the left lane, gradually pull over into the right lane as traffic in the lane to your right moves over * If you cannot move to the right because of an obstacle, such as another vehicle, simply stop. Your immediate action will let the operator of the emergency vehicle know what you are doing; it will allow the emergency vehicle driver to anticipate where to maneuver * On a four-lane highway or street without barriers, both sides of traffic should pull to the right. (The emergency vehicle may have to turn in front of oncoming traffic) * Stay approximately 500 feet behind emergency vehicles * Be careful when driving by or around a motor vehicle accident or any situation where emergency vehicles are parked and the firefighters are working "Don'tS" of the Road * Donâ€™t panic * Don't stop in the middle lane when there is adequate room to safely pull to the right * Don't pull to or stop in the left lane, the center lane, or left-turn lane * Don't proceed through a red light or stop sign when an emergency vehicle approaches from behind * Don't abruptly turn to the left into a driveway or roadway * Don't race ahead to get through a green light or race to turn before the emergency vehicle nears * Don't disregard the presence of the emergency vehicle by continuing to drive Laws of the Road Below is the Massachusetts driving law regulating emergency vehicle right of way. Chapter 89: Section 7. Right of way of fire engines, patrol vehicles and ambulances; obstruction; penalties Section 7: The members and apparatus of a fire department while going to a fire or responding to an alarm, police patrol vehicles and ambulances, and ambulances on a call for the purpose of hospitalizing a sick or injured person shall have the right of way through any street, way, lane or alley. Whoever willfully obstructs or retards the passage of any of the foregoing in the exercise of such right shall be punished by a fine of $50 or by imprisonment for not more than three months for the first offense and by a fine of not more than $500 or by imprisonment for up to one year for a second and subsequent offenses; provided, however, that for a third or subsequent offense the court or the registry of motor vehicles, in addition to any such fine or imprisonment, may suspend the license of the person so convicted and may order mandatory classroom retraining in motor vehicle and traffic laws. Emergency Vehicle Operation Law Although most public service agencies mandate their staff receive numerous hours of practical driver training, there is always the young hotshot emergency provider who disregards important safety rules and regulations and attempts to capitalize on his or her new-found accessibility to a siren switch and flashing lights. All 50 states have certain exemptions for emergency vehicles when responding to emergency calls in addition to the so-called "due regard" law. The law is designed for the safety of all persons using highways, streets, intersections and freeways. However, it does not protect emergency vehicle operators from the consequences of their actions when they arbitrarily exercise the "special privilege" of operating an emergency vehicle in the emergency mode. It is my belief that all emergency service administrators, including the entire medical transportation industry, demand and enforce stringent company driving policies and offer regular refresher programs to maintain safe and appropriate employee driving practices. Below is the Massachusetts driving law regulating emergency vehicle operation: Chapter 89: Section 7B. Operation of emergency vehicles Section 7B: The driver of a vehicle of a fire, police or recognized protective department and the driver of an ambulance shall be subject to the provisions of any statute, rule, regulation, ordinance or bylaw relating to the operation or parking of vehicles, except that a driver of fire apparatus while going to a fire or responding to an alarm, or the driver of a vehicle of a police or recognized protective department or the driver of an ambulance, in an emergency and while in performance of a public duty or while transporting a sick or injured person to a hospital or other destination where professional medical services are available, may drive such vehicle at a speed in excess of the applicable speed limit if he exercises caution and due regard under the circumstances for the safety of persons and property, and may drive such vehicle through an intersection of ways contrary to any traffic signs or signals regulating traffic at such intersection if he first brings such vehicle to a full stop and then proceeds with caution and due regard for the safety of persons and property, unless otherwise directed by a police officer regulating traffic at such intersection. The driver of any such approaching emergency vehicle shall comply with the provisions of section fourteen of chapter ninety when approaching a school bus which has stopped to allow passengers to alight or board from the same, and whose red lamps are flashing. Pedestrians Pedestrians are also required to give the right of way to an emergency vehicle. If, as a pedestrian, you are already on the road, move from the road as quickly as possible. If you are ready to cross an intersection and see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching, do not enter the intersection; stay on the sidewalk until all emergency vehicles have passed. Helping to Make a Change With the advent of new high-decibel stereo systems, sound-proof automobiles, cellular telephones and, unfortunately, drivers who simply don't pay attention, getting to an emergency scene quickly can be frustrating. Many times emergency responders are faced with drivers who can't see or hear them. This creates an incredibly difficult and stressful situation as the emergency responder attempts to weave his or her way through traffic. All drivers must know their responsibilities when approached by an emergency vehicle with its red lights flashing and/or siren sounding. Whether it be avoiding the superfluous cell phone call or turning down the volume on your car stereo, you can help preserve precious minutes that may be the difference between life and death. Sources: The General Laws of Massachusetts; www.mass.gov

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Your Comments

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Great article. Thanks for all the helpful tips. I would also like to add that after the emergency vehicles go by it would be nice if oncoming traffic would let those of us who have pulled over back into traffic and not just whiz by like we have just pulled over for the heck of it!
from: LISA	on: 09-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Glad you're back! I missed your articles.
from: Jorge	on: 09-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I agree. Some emergency responders drive just as bad as the people they are trying to get to pull over. Im glad to read you guys go through hours of training to hopefully prevent that.
from: Stephan	on: 09-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I agree with jorge!! glad you are back!! I always pullover for emergency vehicles!! ;)
from: goldie	on: 09-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

you know until i started working as an EMT and now as a paramedic i never realised how frustrating it is when people dont move out of our way. people dont realise that we have laws to follow just like them, for example in california as most californians dont seem to know that an emergency vehicle cannot pass another vehicle on the right side while going code 3, they only seem to realise that THEY have to move to the right when we sit on the asses for a while. thanks for writing these articles and for getting this info out to people who otherwise dont seem to know better, keep up the good work.
from: Jenn	on: 09-24-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Glad to see you are back "in action"! I'm glad you included for people to not only pull over to the right, but to STOP as well. I hate when motorists pull to the right but slowly drift along side the emergency vehicles.
from: Paul	on: 09-25-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Thanks for the articles.
from: Colleen	on: 09-26-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I especially like how you included the Mass laws in the column. Plus, you weren't bias to just laypeople, focusing on emergency operators as well.
from: Mike	on: 09-27-2007 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Weekend Outlook: Fresh Start

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
12:04PM / Thursday, January 01, 2026

Check out the events happening this weekend, including hiking, volunteering, fundraisers, and more.

Editor's Pick

First Friday
Downtown North Adams
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.

The new year is here so kick it off with music, art, and games that will fill downtown North Adams for its First Friday event, themed "Fresh Start."

Participating businesses will have extended hours and many galleries will host openings, closings, and other special events.

More information and event line-up here.

Friday

Discover Greylock Hike
Mount Greylock Visitor Center, Lanesborough
Time: 1 p.m.

Celebrate the great outdoors with a walk in the woods to explore seasonal changes the signs of wildlife along an easy-moderate trail.

This family-friendly 2-mile hike follows the Bradley Farm Trail with a gradual 440-ft elevation gain.

Hikes may include tree identification, local history and orienteering. Be aware that trail conditions may be snow-covered, icy or muddy.

More information here.

Future Labs Gallery All Members Reception
43 Eagle St., North Adams
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

View artwork by more than 40 Future Labs Gallery member artists. More information here.

Collaged Coasters for Tweens and Teens
Milne Public Library Williamstown
Time: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

"Decompress and Decoupage." Decoupage is the art of applying a collage of paper onto a surface. Make collage wooden coasters whether it's a gift or a piece of art to hang on your wall. More information here.

Karaoke
Dalton American Legion
Time: 6 p.m.

Sing your heart out while supporting the local American Legion Post. More information here.

Joni Mitchell Tribute Band Performance
17 Main St., South Egremont
Time: 8 p.m.

Big Yellow Taxi, a Joni Mitchell tribute band, will perform many of Mitchell's popular songs.

Tickets are $20. More information here.

Saturday

Music Bingo
Wahconah Country Club
Time: 6 p.m.

Help raise money for the girls and boys basketball program by playing a game of musical bingo. More information here.

Lecture by Former Peace Corps Volunteers
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2 p.m.

Two former Peace Corps volunteers Eduardo and Edmundo tell their story of collecting used equipment from the Berkshires and shipping it to Honduras. More information here.

Tracking Winter Wildlife for Beginners
Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Lenox
Time: 11 a.m.

Take a beginner-friendly walk through fields and forests to search for tracks, scat, and signs of the delicate but exciting interactions between predators and their prey.

With any luck, you will find signs of coyotes, foxes, deer, rabbits, and more. Tickets are $15 for Mass Auburn members and $20 for non-members.

More information here.

'The Princess and the Frog' Screening
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 1 p.m.

Bring your family to the library for a free screening of the Disney classic, "The Princess and the Frog." Enjoy popcorn and to be more sustainable bring your own bowl.

More information here.

Volunteer to Build Lee's Rink
Lee Athletic Field
Time: 10 a.m.

Volunteers are needed to help build Lee's skating rink. Email the Youth Commission to let them know you can make it.

More information here.