PATROL MATTERS - PA Turnpike · PDF filePATROL MATTERS State Farm Safety Patrol Newsletter ......

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PATROL MATTERS State Farm Safety Patrol Newsletter HEARD ON THE STREET | PRIDE AT HOME AND ON THE JOB | TOURING THE TURNPIKE Issue No. 11 WHAT’S INSIDE COLLABORATING WITH OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS S tate Farm Safety Patrol drivers’ effective coordination with other incident responders, including fellow safety patrol drivers, police, EMS, firefighters, and tow truck operators, is imperative to effective traffic management. While each first responder has unique responsibilities at an incident scene, first responders as a whole share one goal: ensure motorist and personnel safety. For this reason first responders on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, including the State Farm Safety Patrol drivers, receive Unified Incident Command Training (UICT) on a regular basis. As a compliment to the training State Farm Safety Patrol drivers already receive, Patrol Matters has adapted the following guidelines from the FHWA Field Operations Guide for Safety Service Patrols to assist State Farm Safety Patrol drivers who work with other first responders on a regular basis: Communicating with Command If the State Farm Safety Patrol driver is first on scene at an incident, the driver makes the initial call to the command center to report the incident and to initiate the incident management process. The information divulged during this conversation has a direct impact on what additional assistance is dispatched and, therefore, the command center needs to know: • Type of incident; • Location of the incident; • Weather at the time of the incident; • Number of vehicles involved; and • Any other hazards at the scene. Following the call to the command center, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can proceed by securing the scene using Temporary Traffic Control: 1) Indicate an incident with an arrow panel and/or emergency lighting. 2) Deploy traffic cones. 3) Place incident advance warning signs when necessary. Through radio and on-scene communication, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can make fellow first responders aware of the coned off area and emphasize the importance of keeping all first responder personnel and vehicles within the coned off area. If necessary, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can adjust the cones to protect all of the emergency vehicles. State Farm Safety Patrol drivers may discuss with incident command the possibility of moving or repositioning other response vehicles to improve traffic flow. If deemed necessary, this discussion can take place at the incident scene in a non-confrontational manner. Otherwise the discussion could be a follow up to the resolution of the incident in order to improve management of future incidents. Lining-Up with Law Enforcement At times law enforcement may need to investigate serious incidents that involve hazardous materials or criminal activity. State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can assist by blocking the scene during the investigation period, allowing law enforcement ample room to conduct their analysis. Additionally, as the first responder on the scene, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers may have pertinent information regarding the incident that will assist in an investigation of the scene. If the driver is unable to share the details while on scene, the details can be forwarded to the appropriate source following the incident’s resolution on the roadway. With potential investigations Collaborating... continued on Page 4

Transcript of PATROL MATTERS - PA Turnpike · PDF filePATROL MATTERS State Farm Safety Patrol Newsletter ......

Page 1: PATROL MATTERS - PA Turnpike · PDF filePATROL MATTERS State Farm Safety Patrol Newsletter ... kids run to meet me at the door saying, ... and there was snow everywhere.”

PATROL MATTERSState Farm Safety Patrol Newsletter

Heard on tHe Street | Pride at Home and on tHe Job | touring tHe turnPike

Issue No. 11

WHAT’S INSIDE

Collaborating with other First responders

State Farm Safety Patrol drivers’ effective coordination with other

incident responders, including fellow safety patrol drivers, police, EMS, firefighters, and tow truck operators, is imperative to effective traffic management. While each first responder has unique responsibilities at an incident scene, first responders as a whole share one goal: ensure motorist and personnel safety. For this reason first responders on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, including the State Farm Safety Patrol drivers, receive Unified Incident Command Training (UICT) on a regular basis.

As a compliment to the training State Farm Safety Patrol drivers already receive, Patrol Matters has adapted the following guidelines from the FHWA Field Operations Guide for Safety Service Patrols to assist State Farm Safety Patrol drivers who work with other first responders on a regular basis:

Communicating with Command

If the State Farm Safety Patrol driver is first on scene at an incident, the driver makes the initial call to the command center to report the incident and to

initiate the incident management process. The information divulged during this conversation has a direct impact on what additional assistance is dispatched and, therefore, the command center needs to know:

• Type of incident;• Location of the incident;• Weather at the time of the incident;• Number of vehicles involved; and• Any other hazards at the scene.

Following the call to the command center, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can proceed by securing the scene using Temporary Traffic Control:

1) Indicate an incident with an arrow panel and/or emergency lighting. 2) Deploy traffic cones. 3) Place incident advance warning signs when necessary.

Through radio and on-scene communication, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can make fellow first responders aware of the coned off area and emphasize the importance of keeping all first responder personnel and vehicles within the coned off area. If necessary,

State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can adjust the cones to protect all of the emergency vehicles.

State Farm Safety Patrol drivers may discuss with incident command the possibility of moving or repositioning other response vehicles to improve traffic flow. If deemed necessary, this discussion can take place at the incident scene in a non-confrontational manner. Otherwise the discussion could be a follow up to the resolution of the incident in order to improve management of future incidents.

Lining-Up with Law Enforcement

At times law enforcement may need to investigate serious incidents that involve hazardous materials or criminal activity. State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can assist by blocking the scene during the investigation period, allowing law enforcement ample room to conduct their analysis. Additionally, as the first responder on the scene, State Farm

Safety Patrol drivers may have pertinent information regarding the incident that will assist in an investigation of the scene. If the driver is unable to share the details while on scene, the details can be forwarded to the appropriate source following the incident’s resolution on the roadway. With potential investigations

Collaborating... continued on Page 4

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PATROL MATTERS

A proud father of five, Tim Grimm also finds pride in his work as a

State Farm Safety Patrol driver for the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Tim took a minute to sit down and talk with Patrol Matters about the two most central parts of his life – his family and his work - and his dedication to both of them. April 27, 1990 marks the first day

that Tim set off on the roads of the Pennsylvania Turnpike as a State Farm Safety Patrol driver. Twenty-one years later Tim still loves his job: “This has been a great job for me, and I really enjoy it.” Like many State Farm Safety Patrol

drivers, Tim’s background as an EMT and firefighter help him in the line of duty. Each day patrolling the Turnpike can bring new and challenging feats and the more training and experience a State Farm Safety Patrol driver has, the more prepared he or she is to respond to any incident. “There’s so many things that you see and do out here. But let me tell you, when you think you’ve seen it all, the Turnpike will surprise you.” Fortunately, the State Farm Safety Patrol

is never alone on the Turnpike. The Patrol works within a team of first responders who keep the highway safe. Training and cooperative work amongst the team helps State Farm Safety Patrol drivers and other first responders to tackle any surprises that may come their way. Whether it is a fellow patrol driver, a call center operator, state police, firefighters, an EMT squad, or a local tow truck company, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers interact with their colleagues and other first responders on a regular basis. Tim had just returned from working

with the fire department to contain a small brush fire on the side of the Turnpike when Patrol Matters caught him on the phone. “It just goes to show that you never know what’s going to happen out here,” says Tim. He estimates that the State Farm Safety Patrol interacts with other first responders at least once a week.Tim describes the relationship between

State Farm Safety Patrol drivers and other responders as a “big team.” Within the big team of first responders, is a smaller team of State Farm Safety Patrol drivers based at different maintenance sheds along the Turnpike. The Donegal maintenance shed includes Tim and three other maintenance utility workers (MUWs). “The four of us here in the shed have a very good relationship. We all talk and are friendly with one another.” The Donegal maintenance shed works

most often with towing operators. “As State Farm Safety Patrol drivers, we are dispatched to all breakdowns that occur

on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Whether it be on the roadway, or at a service plaza, we’re there to provide safety on all tow truck calls.” While Tim mostly interacts with his

colleagues from Donegal and first responders from other departments, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers will occasionally interact on a shed-to-shed basis. During Tim’s time working the evening shift, he communicated frequently with the State Farm Safety Patrol driver, Mike Olasin at the Greensburg maintenance shed. “If either of us needed assistance we would help each other. I think it’s a very good relationship amongst most of the MUWs.”Two of the most important parts of

the relationship between responders are teamwork and effective communication. “A lot of times you are the first one to the scene and you need to be able to advise other responders what’s going on. If you don’t they have no idea what kind of situation they’re approaching,” Tim explains. “There may be times that they [other

first responders] are called to a scene, but really aren’t needed. By communicating what type of incident there is, we can help to ensure that the right assistance is on the way,” adds Tim. Additional help from other first responders is most often required at incidents involving wrecks, breakdowns,

fires and hazardous materials. To ensure that the right team

responds to a call, Tim follows certain protocol when arriving

on scene. He first evaluates the situation and then radios to the communication center in Highspire. “They have direct radio communications with state police, towing services, firefighters, and EMTs,” says Tim. Based on the information that he provides to the command center, dispatchers can then request additional assistance. Understanding each responder’s

responsibilities helps to ensure cooperation and safety at an incident scene. “My priority and purpose is always the safety of the scene,” says Tim. Following the initial call to report an incident, Tim proceeds to secure the

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pride at home and on the Job

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Tim Grimm, pictured above with his State Farm Safety Patrol vehicle, has worked for the Pennsylvania Turnpike for twenty-one years and loves his job.

“My priority and purpose is always the safety of the scene.”

Pride at Home... continued on Page 3

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Issue No. 11

scene. “Safeguarding the scene and protecting the motorist are top of mind when I arrive at an incident, but of equal importance is warning oncoming traffic of the incident ahead.“ Tim uses the State Farm Safety Patrol vehicle arrow board, reflective traffic cones, and emergency flairs to alert passing motorists. Tim also emphasizes the importance

of providing safety to the motorists on scene. “We ease people’s concerns. They are calmer after we get there and talk to them to assure them that they’re safe. Sometimes people are shook up. We talk to them and let them know that everything’s going to be okay.”

“I see a lot of good people out here. I make sure to treat them like I would want my family to be treated if they were broken down.” Tim has been married for 20 years, and he and his wife have worked together to raise five children, three of their own and two that they adopted through foster parenting. The Grimm clan consists of four boys and one girl, ranging from 19 months to 14 years. Tim says, “There is no better feeling in the world than coming home and having the kids run to meet me at the door saying, ‘Daddy’s home, daddy’s home!’” Tim treasures the time that he gets to

spend with his family, and appreciates having the day shift after 20 years of working the midnight patrol. His new schedule has made it easier for him to attend his children’s extracurricular activities. “My oldest boy, Cody, is a hockey player. I take him to his practices and enjoy watching him play. He plays for the school and two other teams. We are both big Penguins fans.” In addition to hockey, Tim and his kids also enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, and going for rides throughout the Donegal countryside. Team collaboration plays a large

role in Tim’s entire life. Whether he is

collaborating with family to think of the next fun activity or with fellow State Farm Safety Patrol drivers on the safety of motorists or with other first responders to secure an incident scene, Tim works as part of a team and keeps safety first

of mind. Tim’s advice to other first responders could also be adapted to all facets of life: “always be aware of what’s going on around you, and try to avoid getting tunnel vision.”

In January 2011, Renee Bissett and two friends were traveling from

Akron, Ohio to Pittsburgh, PA for a concert when they ran into trouble along the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Shortly after crossing the Ohio-Pennsylvania border their Volkswagen Jetta started overheating. Immediately after stopping, Renee phoned AAA for assistance. “Unfortunately, we had trouble getting AAA to come out and help us.”

Luckily for Renee and her friends, the State Farm Safety Patrol was there to provide safety and assistance. “We were in such a dangerous place on the turnpike. We were on a bridge and really the only safe place to move was behind us,” explained Renee. “Frank, the State Farm Safety Patrol driver, used his vehicle and arrow board to alert traffic that we were there. Without his help we would not have been able to move our car to safety.”

In addition to the poor location, Renee and her friends were struggling to stay warm. “It was the dead of winter, it was freezing, and there was snow everywhere.” She was unable to turn on the car and use the car’s heat to stay warm due to the vehicle’s overheating. “Frank let us pile into his truck to keep warm and wait until additional assistance arrived. He was so nice and just great to talk to. He eased all of our anxiety, and stayed with us for over an hour.”

This was Renee’s first time receiving assistance from the State Farm Safety Patrol on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. She says of her experience, “At the time I didn’t exactly understand what this service was. But once we got the comment cards and spoke with Frank a bit, it finally started to register.” Like thousands of

stranded motorists who receive assistance from the State Farm Safety Patrol, Renee is grateful for the help she received. And even though her troubled day on the Turnpike is months behind her, she and her friends each made a point to send in comment cards to express their gratitude. “Quite frankly, Frank was the only shining light in that moment. Thank you Frank!”

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heard on the street

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Pride at Home... continued from Page 2

Frank received three enthusiastic comment cards as a result of this motorist assist, each one thanking him for his superb customer service.

“I make sure to treat them [motorists] like I would want my family to be treated if they

were broken down.”

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Issue No. 11We Want to Hear from you! PleaSe Send feedback to [email protected] |

Collaborating... continued from Page 1

in mind, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers may try to avoid parking on skid marks or other potential evidence and remind fellow responders to do the same.

Once an investigation is complete, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can offer assistance by removing debris from the area and by beginning to clear vehicles off the travel lanes. At this time State Farm Safety Patrol drivers can also start to reduce the number of blocked lanes and begin clearing the vehicles off the travel lanes.

From Talk to Tow

Tow operators are part of the response team, too. State Farm Safety Patrol drivers often work with them to expedite the clearance of vehicles and any crash debris. If there is lag time while the tow truck is in transit to the scene, State Farm Safety Patrol drivers may begin the clearance process by removing any additional debris from the wreckage off of the travel lanes.

Working with fellow responders not only creates a safer environment at an incident scene, but it also offers an opportunity to build professional partnerships. These partnerships benefit all involved parties by helping to build recognition of each responder’s role at an incident scene and understanding of the tasks at hand. Through mutual recognition and understanding, first responders can learn to better rely upon one another on the roadway.

The continued exchange of information and knowledge amongst first responders is invaluable to the safety of motorists and of first responders on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. State Farm Safety Patrol drivers are encouraged to continue to build relationships and to further promote highway safety through collaboration with fellow responders.

This spring: June-August 2011

With warm weather finally here, annual spring events are kicking into high

gear. State Farm Safety Patrol Drivers will see an increase in traffic along the

Pennsylvania Turnpike as automobile enthusiasts of all kinds hit the road.

Carlisle Car Shows

June 24-26: Carlisle GM Nationals

July 8-10: Carlisle Chrysler Nationals

July 22-24: Carlisle Bike Fest

August 5-7: Carlisle Truck Nationals

August 26-28: Corvettes at Carlisle

The Spring Carlisle show that ran from

April 27-May 1 is the most highly attended

event with projections of 100,000 visitors. The following car shows have lower attendee

rates, but the State Farm Safety Patrol can still expect to see an increase in traffic

on the Turnpike from car show enthusiasts who will be exiting off Exit 226 of the

Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Gettysburg Bike Week

July 7-10: Gettysburg Bike Week

This event brings over 30,000 motorcyclists to Gettysburg and

features a bike show, field events, live music and more! Gates

open at 10 a.m. and events run until 10:30 p.m., Thursday-

Saturday and until 2 p.m. on Sunday. Visitors to this event

using the Turnpike will be exiting off Exits 189 on I-76.

The Pocono 500 Pennsylvania Weekend

August 5-7: Pocono 500 NASCAR:

Pennsylvania Weekend

NASCAR enthusiasts from all over

Pennsylvania will be attending this event.

Visitors traveling the Turnpike to reach the

Pocono 500 will be exiting off Exit 95 on

I-476. The State Farm Safety Patrol should

beware of high speeds from these racecar

enthusiasts!

These highly attended events are expected to bring vehicles of every make and

model to the road—motorcycles included.

touring the turnpike