PowerPoint Presentation

Towing ProfessionalsIn Highway Scene Management

Towing Professionals Scene Responsibilities

Prior to Their Arriving On the SceneProvide them accurate, detailed information about the incident Type of vehicle(s)Condition/position of vehicle(s)Additional information about the scene

Prior to Arriving On Scene:

For the towing providers to be able minimize response time and perform our task in the quickest and safest manner it is important that we are provided accurate ,detailed information about the incident. Advising the tow provider of the type of vehicle(s), condition of the vehicle (s), position of vehicle(s), any spills, location, and any other variables that make up the incident are extremely valuable pieces of information. 2Park on scene as directed by incident management parking orderMake contact with Incident CommanderOutline current action planIdentify support needed at time of arrivalTowing Professionals Scene Responsibilities (Contd.)

Towers On-Scene Responsibilities:** Typically the tow company is dispatched to the scene after other emergency personnel have already arrived.

Tower should arrive on scene and park according to traffic incident management parking order, unless directed to set-up off site or advised that they are needed in different location per Incident Commander. Incident Commander may instruct tower to stay back to allow other emergency personnel to arrive/exit and minimize congestion.Make contact with Incident Commander - Outline the current action plan and identify any support needed at time of arrival.

3Towing Professionals Scene Responsibilities (Contd.)Provide Incident Commander with details of plan and estimated time to complete.Work with Incident Commander on opening lanes.Reduces secondary accidents Continue to communicate with Incident Commander.Time changesAdditional equipment needs Remove employees and equipment no longer neededReduce congestion at the scene

Once the Incident Commander has instructed the tow company to begin their stage of clearing the scene, the tow company should be able to provide the Incident Commander with clear details of what their plan is on clearing the scene and an estimated amount of time that it will take to clear their portion of the scene.Work with Incident Commander on opening lanes. Either pulling vehicles off the road or into one lane so the police can open lanes and reduce back up traffic. This helps reduce secondary accidents back in the queue.As work begins for the tow company, they should continue communication with the Incident Commander on any time changes that may occur. Also keep the incident commander updated on any additional equipment that needs to come to the scene so they can assist with the tow company being able to access the scene.As scene clean-up progresses have employees and equipment that are no longer needed to clear out to reduce congestion in incident area.Final Communication to Incident Commander Notification that scene is clear and obtain approval from Incident Commander that their services are no longer needed and they can exit scene.

4Technology that can Assist Towers On-Scene

Always use protective gearProperly rated reflective vest alerts passing trafficTwo-way radiosAllows towers to coordinate, reducing time on sceneRoad cones keep towers safeGo Pros/CamerasTowers should record their portion of the incidentHelps improve the process

Protective gear should be used by all tow companies. Properly rated reflective vest helps make sure the individual is identifiable to traffic passing by the scene.Two way radios allow towers to communicate on scene. This allows them to be able to continue their task while updating co-workers, reducing down time on the scene.Road cones are necessary to keep towers safe as they work on clearing vehicles while travel lanes are reopened.Go Pros/Cameras Towers should record their portion of the incident when possible. This is a great tool to be able to review the process to identify ways to be more productive and safe.

5Technology that can assist Towers On-Scene:IMAP/Police protection is critical until towing is completedExtreme danger to towers from on-coming traffic1 tower death every week of the year

Notify local Traffic Incident Management (TIM) when exiting sceneSpeeds update of electronic road signs, local media Relieves congestion

IMAP/Police protection. It is extremely important that IMAP or police remain on scene until the tower has completed all responsibilities. One of the most dangerous situations is for a tower to be left on scene with no protection in the rear to alert on-coming traffic to slow down. The statistics on tower injury and deaths per year are astounding. There is on average 1 tower death every week of the year because of being hit by a vehicle while hooking up on the road.

Notify local TIMs when exiting the scene so they can provide updates to electronic road signs and local radio and TV traffic departments. This will relieve congestion on detour and secondary routes and provide quicker disbursement of traffic in the queue.

6Towing - Skills Needed to Manage A Scene (Section 8)

Overview of a Towers roll at a scene:

Make contact with Incident Commander for clarification of what stage the scene management is in upon arrival

Be able to provide a concise plan and timeline to the Incident Commander

Utilize proper safety equipment and technology to keep towers safe and minimize amount of time on scene

Make final communication with Incident Commander when exiting scene

7Summary

Towing Slide 1null6582.875Towing Slide 2null29884.297Towing Slide 3null43676.45Towing Slide 4null74944.805Towing Slide 5null42736.09Towing Slide 6null52244.168Towing Slide 7null33593.707