The John Petropoulos Memorial Fund (JPMF), the CVFFA Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) and Families For Roadside Safety (FORS) are joining forces to urge drivers to slow down and move over when passing emergency services personnel working at the side of the road.
The organizations are using North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week - from May 4-10th - to encourage motorists to think about the health and safety of emergency services workers.
"First responders are out there every day, trying to save lives at the side of busy roadways. They are vulnerable and you never know who they might be treating. It could be a friend or a loved one," said JPMF Safety Campaign Manager Ian Wilson. "So, slow down, move over and give them room to work."
The JPMF, a Canadian non-profit organization devoted to getting emergency services workers home safely after every shift, has produced a PSA entitled SLOW DOWN: It's No Picnic Out Here to get motorists to reduce their speed when they encounter emergency scenes. A video version of the PSA is available, along with a print version. The JPMF has also recently launched their Driving For Change fundraising and public awareness campaign in Canada.
The Emergency Responder Safety Institute is part of the 107-year-old Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firemen's Association. ERSI was organized to promote the safety of emergency responders working at roadway incidents. ERSI provides free training materials through www.respondersafety.com, the definitive website for responder safety issues. "We are proud to host SLOW DOWN: It's No Picnic Out Here on www.respondersafety.com," said ERSI Project Manager Steve Austin. "It is a tribute to John Petropoulos and all responders who have given their lives helping others."
Families For Roadside Safety, meanwhile, also continues to watch out for first responders. FORS will be hosting a "Move Over" press conference, in conjunction with AAA Carolinas, at Lowe's Motor Speedway in South Concord, N.C. on May 19. The event will explain the "Move Over" law and how to comply with it. Go to www.f-o-r-s.com for more information.
