Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
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TAHLEQUAH, OK - When a life is on the line, Cherokee Nation Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are in route. However, many drivers are unaware of where to go when an ambulance is approaching. The law is specific regarding emergency vehicles.

"The law requires you to pull over to the right side of the road and come to a complete stop for an ambulance running in an emergency status with both lights and sirens," said Julie Scott, Cherokee Nation EMS instructor and paramedic. "This law pertains to both approaching and oncoming traffic when an ambulance is in view."

"Emergency medical technicians (EMT'S) are required to drive with ‘due regard' for the general public when operating in an emergency status. If the person is sitting at a stop light, then they just need to sit where they are and allow the ambulance to go around them. Our drivers are trained to do exactly that, drive around vehicles at stop lights."

EMT's are required to take part in an Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (EVOC) annually. This 12-hour course consists of classroom training combined with maneuvering a driving range.

"Another problem we as emergency medical service personnel encounter is onlookers at the scene of an incident," said Scott. "In order to reduce the risk of further accidents or injuries occurring I would encourage people to pay close attention to where the EMS crews are and drive safely past the area."

For more information concerning safety when driving around emergency vehicles, please e-mail to: EMS Training or visit the Cherokee Nation health web site.

Related Cherokee Nation contact information:

Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager Cherokee Nation - Public Affairs Phone 918-456-0671 (Ex.2324) E-mail: ldaugherty@cherokee.org

Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation Natural Resources Specialist Phone: 918-456-0671 (ex.2843) E-mail: bpeak@cherokee.org