 |
NEWS - New emergency response trailer helps keep traffic crash scenes safe for first responders
Michigan DOT sent this bulletin at 06/06/2017 11:28 AM EDT
|
|
Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2017
CONTACT: James Lake, MDOT Office of Communications, 906-250-0993, lakej1@michigan.gov
New emergency response trailer helps keep traffic crash scenes safe for first responders
Safety benefits: - The traffic incident management provides tools and resources for emergency responders to provide a safe scene following traffic crashes. - The traffic control devices help direct other drivers through a crash scene, allowing responders to focus on treating injuries and removing damaged vehicles.
June 6, 2017 -- The top concern of first responders at a traffic crash site is always the care and safety of the people involved. That includes ensuring the safety of their colleagues and partners on the scene with them.
A new traffic incident management (TIM) trailer – a joint endeavor supported by several agencies in Otsego County and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) – provides all the tools police, emergency medical services (EMS), fire departments, and road agencies need to redirect traffic and provide a safe scene. Jason Bodell, Gaylord TSC Traffic and Safety engineer and North Region Traffic Incident Management coordinator, led the project.
"This project was prompted by our collective goal of protecting first responders and controlling traffic at crashes, something multiple agencies saw a need for," Bodell said. "This trailer also will be used to manage traffic during other emergencies and at large events, such as the Wings Over Northern Michigan Airshow."
The trailer was provided by Otsego County EMS, outfitted by MDOT's North Region staff, and will be maintained and deployed by the Otsego County Road Commission (OCRC). MDOT supplied the trailer markings noting the partnership, which also includes Michigan State Police, the Otsego County Sheriff's Department, the City of Gaylord, and local fire departments, as well as the majority of the equipment.
"Safety of our first responders, making sure everyone goes home safe, is our biggest concern when responding to a crash scene," said Jon Deming, Otsego County EMS chief and Emergency Management director. "We must protect the traveling public and the first responders with proper traffic incident management operations."
The trailer was outfitted with a rooftop illuminated arrow board with a power supply, 42-inch cones, a variety of signs with stands, safety vests, a detour map for Otsego County, and a copy of the I-75 freeway closure plan, among other things.
"The benefits of the TIM trailer will be how easy everything is at our fingertips, along with the detour maps laid out at a joint meeting of all our agencies," said Tim Johnson, state foreman for the OCRC. "Another benefit is the large high-visibility signs that will help motorists see where they need to turn to continue on their route."
The trailer and equipment provide additional benefits to law enforcement officers who are investigating crashes once the emergency medical needs of those involved are addressed.
"The TIM trailer is a beneficial tool for us in northern Michigan where we don't have the amount of public service personnel to shut roads down, reroute traffic, and protect the scene for evidence, as well as police the crash all at the same time," said Gaylord Police Chief Brett McVannel. "The trailer will allow our officers to be able to concentrate on the incident they are policing, while the trailer has the tools to ensure the scene is safe, traffic is rerouted, and that the crash has as little of impact on anyone who is not involved."
The trailer is now fully equipped and ready for deployment. For more information, contact Jason Bodell, Gaylord TSC Traffic and Safety engineer and North Region Traffic Incident Management coordinator, at bodellj@michigan.gov or 989-731-5090.
Photo caption information:
TIM trailer exterior – The new Otsego County traffic incident management trailer is well-marked for visibility, and is equipped with a rooftop illuminated arrow board to help direct traffic around crash scenes.
TIM trailer equipment – The new Otsego County traffic incident management trailer equipment list includes 42-inch cones, a variety of signs with stands, safety vests, a detour map for Otsego County, and a copy of the I-75 freeway closure plan, among other things.
TIM trailer partner agencies – The trailer was provided by Otsego County EMS, outfitted by MDOT's North Region staff, and will be maintained and deployed by the Otsego County Road Commission (OCRC). The trailer markings note the partnership, which also includes Michigan State Police, the Otsego County Sheriff's Department, the City of Gaylord, and local fire departments.
###
Download MDOT's Mi Drive traffic information app: www.michigan.gov/drive