A NSW Ambulance paramedic has shared important advice for drivers on how to respond when an ambulance approaches with its lights flashing and siren blaring.
Paul Michael posted the helpful tips in a video posted on social media.
“Now I think it’s very important to teach them what to do and what not to do when one of these babies (pointing to the ambulance) comes at them with the lights and sirens on.”
Paul said he has seen a lot of people panic and his simple advice is: ‘Relax. There is absolutely no need to panic.”
He advised three things drivers should not do when an ambulance approaches.
‘Number one, I repeat, don’t hit the brakes and just stop the car. “That’s possibly one of the worst things you can do,” he said.
‘Two, don’t block all lanes at the intersection. Okay, if you see us coming and there is a free lane, don’t enter it, because we are going to use it to get through the intersection.’
Paul then revealed his most important advice.
Paul said he has seen many people panic when an ambulance approaches and his simple advice is: “Relax.” There is absolutely no need to panic.
Paul Michael posted helpful tips in a video uploaded yesterday
‘Number three is: don’t enter the intersection. Well, we may be behind you. Our lights are on and the intersection is blocked because you’re in the front lane or whatever.
Paul advised drivers not to sneak into the intersection and said if there is a red light camera they will be reprimanded.
“They are putting themselves in danger,” he added.
Paul ended his video with some very useful tips.
‘So just relax, calm down and move to the left.
‘Just move to the left. That’s all we want. A nice little merger on the left. Don’t panic.’
Australians praised Paul for sharing his advice.
“A much needed video, very clear and sweet,” wrote one.
‘Thank you. This really helps. I was always told you have to run a red light if there is an ambulance behind you,” wrote another.
‘Haha, driving an ambulance is so frustrating! “People do some dumb things when they see you, or there are people who don’t see or hear you,” wrote a third.