In this episode of FOAMfrat, Tyler speaks with paramedic Kyle Rice to discuss a deeply personal and eye-opening experience—rolling his ambulance after running a red light. Kyle shares the lessons he learned about complacency, crew resource management, and the often-overlooked dangers of driving with lights and sirens. Together, they explore how EMS providers can stay vigilant behind the wheel, adopt safer driving practices, and shift their mindset when responding to emergencies. If you're an EMS provider, this episode is a must-listen for understanding the real-life risks of complacency and how to prevent accidents.
Key Topics Covered:
The complacency trap: How repeated actions can dull awareness behind the wheel
Navigating intersections: Why clearing intersections is a critical step in EMS driving
Lights and sirens: Rethinking their use as a medical intervention with risks and contraindications
Crew resource management: The importance of teamwork and communication between driver and partner
Leadership response: How Kyle’s leadership team handled the accident with a focus on learning and improvement
Addressing stress and burnout: The role of fatigue and mandatory overtime in EMS driving accidents
Key Takeaways:
Complacency can be deadly: Kyle emphasizes how easy it is to fall into autopilot when you've driven the same streets countless times, which can lead to missing critical signs and signals.
Check every intersection: No matter how familiar you are with an area, always stop and clear intersections to avoid accidents.
Lights and sirens are not benign: Treating the use of lights and sirens as a medical intervention helps providers weigh the risks involved in their use.
Crew resource management matters: Having your partner's extra set of eyes can make a difference in preventing accidents, especially during stressful situations.
Fatigue and stress are real contributors: Kyle discusses how fatigue from mandatory overtime and work-related stress can impact decision-making on the road.
Guest:Kyle Rice is a paramedic with years of experience in EMS, and he’s here to share his personal story of an ambulance accident that could have ended much worse. Kyle's transparency and willingness to discuss his mistakes offer valuable insights into how EMS providers can improve their safety practices.
