Did you know that you are a member of the post-crash line up? Yes, you are!

When we think of post-crash care, we tend to think of the traditional players, such as dispatchers, first responders, and trauma center staff.  But there are many more players. Saving lives is a “shared responsibility.”

So, who should be in the lineup to create a high-performing post-crash care team? The dream team consists of multiple agencies who move fast, work together, and save lives.

Traditional roles we think of may include:

• Bystanders – notifies 911, takes actions to stop the bleed
• 911 dispatchers/emergency communication centers – coordinates who responds and when
• Fire – quick dispatch to scene, handles vehicle extraction
• Law enforcement – scene management, investigates crash
• EMS personnel – pre-hospital trauma care
• Trauma center emergency team – longer term, deeper level of medical care

Non-traditional roles include:

• State Department of Transportation (including maintenance and construction staff)  – develops and implements state infrastructure safety programs, coordinates and manages funding and grant management, conducts crash and data analysis, provides Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training, creates the State Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), and implements proven safety countermeasures
• State Highway Safety Office – develops and implements state behavioral safety programs, coordinates and manages Federal funding and grant management, and assists with public education
• County Highway and Road Supervisors Offices (including maintenance and construction staff) – provides comprehensive on-site crash support, from site cleanup to directing traffic; in longer-term, develops post-crash care strategies, policies, programs, offers Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training to staff, creates Local Road Safety Plans (LRSPs), Safety Action Plans, or Vision Zero Plans, and implements proven safety countermeasures
• Emergency Medical Liaison Office – facilitates communication and collaboration between EMS personnel and hospitals
• Trauma Commission – oversees state-level trauma care
• Towing companies – removes debris and affected vehicles
• Media – assists with raising awareness for post-crash care and positive traffic safety culture
• Elected officials – creates traffic safety laws and policies; supports traffic safety through financial investments in infrastructure, enforcement, EMS services, and education
• Victims advocacy programs – advocates for safer driving laws and driving culture
• Support services for victims and their families – provides financial, legal, and emotional support
• General public – make safe driving choices to protect themselves and others to stop serious injuries and fatalities on rural roadways

While the above is not an exhaustive list, it does show how everyone can play a part in encouraging the public and our partner agencies to take steps to promote post-crash care efforts. Are you ready to join the line-up?