RED LIGHT? MOVE RIGHT!
September 5, 2006

As the area's leading paramedic ambulance provider, REMSA, along with local fire and law enforcement officials need your help. A few minutes, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between life and death. So when you hear a siren or see emergency lights, remember to do your part to help make sure emergency vehicles can get to those who need help. With bad weather this winter, it is important to obey the rules when seeing emergency flashing lights. REMSA would like to share the following information to keep the roads safe:

Remember, the R-I-G-H-T thing to do:

React
Respond quickly but calmly. Scan all directions for more than one emergency vehicle. Plan your next move.

Initiate
Begin your move to the right. Use your turn signal. Try not to slam on your brakes or pull over suddenly and never run a red light to move to the right.

Gauge
Remember to safely gauge the distance between your car and the cars around you, and pull over as far right as possible. Never stop at a place that doesn't have enough room for you to pull over safely.

Halt
Stay completely stopped to the right of the road until the emergency vehicle has safely passed. Remember there may be more than one vehicle responding, so scan around before you merge back into traffic.

Tolerate
Emergency personnel only use their lights and sirens when they are needed to offer critical care and assistance. So please, pull over. It only takes a few seconds of your time. Someday you may be the one calling for help -- for you, a loved one, friend, or neighbor.

Other Helpful Reminders from REMSA:

Crosswalks and Roadsides
Be alert for pedestrians who may be in the crosswalk, or the edge of the road. They may be looking for the emergency vehicles too.

Highways
Gradually brake to avoid losing control in loose gravel on the shoulder.

Pedestrians
Never cross in front of an emergency vehicle that may be stopped at a busy intersection waiting for another vehicle to pass.

Bicyclists
Pull as far to the right as possible to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

Remember, when you see red and blue lights or hear sirens, MOVE TO THE RIGHT...you are making a difference in the life of someone in your community.

To set up a media interview with a REMSA representative, please call Scott Walquist at 775.686.2116.

REMSA is a private, not-for-profit emergency medical services system serving northern Nevada. REMSA’s state-of-the-art 9-1-1 dispatch communications center is fully accredited, as are all emergency medical transport services of the company. REMSA provides quality patient care with no taxpayer support or other subsidies.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720