Getting a "run" set up...

[vs-eh?]

Man, it's been a while since I created a post...

Anywho... Just wondering how often you guys decide (or need to) set up what is generally called here a "run". This happens pretty rarely, and I only recall being invloved in 2 or 3 (2 of them being pediatric arrests).

A "run" is basically allied services (mainly police, but fire I have seen get invloved), blocking intersections for EMS in a "run" (not a silly run, but a slower brake run) to the hospital. This is a large urban city BTW.

Now fair enough, we only have three municipal services for EMS, Police, and Fire so maybe it makes it easier. Just wondering if you guys do it on occasion and how well it has worked...

I have to say in the 2-3 occasions I have used it, it went very well. Impressive all things considered...

[AnthonyM83]

We get that from PD (leap frogging) for pediatric full arrests and officer injuries. I've only been in one for the latter (about 14 squad cars and a helicopter escort). We don't really have to ask for them...PD shows up for pediatric arrests (and obviously officer down calls) and they coordinate it all themselves after asking what our route is going to be. Makes it nice not having to stop at every intersection...just a nice smooth ride to the hospital.

[wrenEMT]

I have only done it once here. The police "leap frogging" the ambulance and blocking intersections. I didn't have a problem but I had a newbie driving while I was teching and he didn't know what was going on because since I live in a smallish town if the police see us coming in Lights and sirens they sometimes do it as a courtesy not just a necessity.

I'm happy to say that we had no problems getting to the hospital it wasn't a pediatric arrest but my patient was going down hill fast so I was appreciative of getting the escort of sorts. The officer flipped off his lights an what not as soon as we got to the entrance of the hospital. Other reason for the escort was because of the distance from scene to hospital as well.

[Niftymedi911]

Once in 3 yrs here. Had a Critcial Care transfer a AAA that was on the verge of exenguenating. Both helos were busy so we had SO block and leap frog the whole way for 20 min.

[strippel]

Only once, many, many years ago.

A cop's wife overdosed, and was unresponsive. We were 20 miles from the hospital, and there was no ALS available.

[spenac]

I still watch the intersections. Recently had a cop block intersection as we approached, don't recall patient they all run together. A car decided to go around him. Had I not covered the brake, been slowing down, and been watching closely life would have gotten bad quick. Oh by the way I listened as cops stopped the idiot. They made him go with them to the judge and had to pay a $500 fine right there according to the officer later.

[Doug]

once in 11 years...transfering a post arrest from smaller hospital to larger on vent...before i get jumped on for doing this, let me explain, we were told he was post arrest, not told he was still on vent, NOT told that he was actually post arrest 6 times overnight, THEN when asked how long ago his last arrest was told he arrested again since our being dispatched 30 minutes ago (time it took to drive to this more remote hospital) that's right he had arrested while we were on our way down to pick him up...anyway my partner and I talked and after explaining to family possible complications and getting ok, we decided to take it priority 1 back. We got into our truck all set to go, get down the road, SIREN doesn't work nobody moves for us...that plus the entire route we were taking had construction going on 28 miles of often single lane traffic...I got on the county radio and explain the situation and asked only that the roads crews keep an eye out...we got better, the cops in each town ON THEIR OWN met us and turned us over at each town line THROUGH 5 towns to escort us....I was very impressed that they had done this on the fly and it was greatly appreciated...on the plus side guy made it and walked out of hosp. 2 weeks later.

[scott33]

We have had a couple for pediatric resp / cardiac arrests. Impressive stuff.

[tinman694]

I thought everyone on this forum was AGAINST ever using L&S?????

Just wondering?

If coordinated with appropriate help, you can get through urban areas better than you ever could on your own. We still have a 'courtesy clearance' call that goes to local agencies when you call in a 'hot' run. For the most part, the state troopers will assist you if you need it, the city police will not....

Interagency BS is still alive and well.....

[Chief1C]

We've "held intersections" for other companies.. However, if we request assistance at an intersection, the ambulance or apparatus still must come to a stop, ease into the intersection, and make sure it's clear to proceed. At least that is the written SOP. Stop, Look, Live. No reason in the world to drop the ball on that one.