Author: Matt Sleet, Engineer – Boles Fire Protection District, Franklin County, Missouri

There’s an unspoken rule in the fire service: “Pass it on.” Experience is our best teacher, and every responder, regardless of rank, has a duty to share knowledge that can save lives. When my crew responded to a routine motor vehicle accident on an icy morning, we never expected that within minutes, we’d be struck—twice—by oncoming vehicles. Fortunately, through training and preparation, no one was injured.

Our experience serves as a stark reminder: operating on roadways is one of the most dangerous environments for emergency responders. According to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, struck-by incidents are a leading cause of firefighter and EMS deaths each year. While firefighting gets much of the spotlight, roadway incidents demand just as much strategy, training, and attention to detail.

Let’s take a closer look at what happened that day, what we learned, and how we can all maximize risk management in these high-stakes situations.

A ROUTINE CALL THAT WAS ANYTHING BUT

I was beginning a 72-hour tour when the call came in—a multi-vehicle accident on a moderately travelled county road during a flash freeze. It was snowing, temperatures were in the single digits, and reports indicated cars sliding into each other on a hill.

As per protocol, our response included two engines, an ambulance, and a chief officer. Given the treacherous road conditions, we allowed EMS to proceed ahead to reach potential patients while we positioned ourselves to block the roadway.

On arrival, we found multiple vehicles off the road with minor damage. The EMS duty officer attempted to drive past the scene to provide advanced warning, but the hill was too slick—her vehicle slid backward toward the incident. Taking immediate action, I deployed on-spot chains, enabling us to navigate the icy hill without issue.

Positioning our apparatus, I followed standard vehicle accident roadway risk management guidelines:

• Angled the apparatus slightly left to create a buffer zone.
• Turned the wheels toward the centre line—so in the event of an impact, it would deflect away from responders.
• Exited the vehicle cautiously, placing wheel chocks and preparing to direct traffic.

THEN, DISASTER STRUCK—LITERALLY

Two vehicles crested the hill. The first slowed, but the second didn’t brake in time, slamming into the first vehicle and sending it directly toward me. I had only seconds to react. To avoid being hit, I jumped onto the apparatus pump panel. A second later, the out-of-control car crashed into our front bumper, then skidded into a ditch.

Before I could catch my breath, a third vehicle struck the first. As I attempted to reach the area to conduct my traffic control duties, a fourth vehicle crested the hill, lost control, and slammed into our apparatus—this time on the driver’s side.

At this point, it was clear: the roadway was simply too dangerous. I advised my lieutenant to tell the incident commander (IC) that the roadway was going to be completely shut down.

CRITICAL LESSONS FOR ROADWAY SAFETY

While no one was injured, this incident reinforced several key takeaways for emergency responders:

1. DON’T HESITATE TO SHUT DOWN THE ROAD

Keeping traffic moving is often a priority, but when conditions become too dangerous, shutting down the roadway is sometimes the safest option. If the risk to responders and civilians outweighs the need to keep the road open, don’t hesitate to take action.

• If secondary crashes are occurring, request law enforcement to close the roadway immediately.
• Call for the highway department to treat icy or hazardous surfaces.
• Use apparatus, signage, and barricades to enforce closures and redirect traffic safely.

After our apparatus was struck for the second time, our chief immediately ordered a full closure. This decision prevented further collisions and allowed responders to operate without unnecessary risk. When conditions make roadway incidents unmanageable, closing the road isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.

2. APPARATUS POSITIONING CAN SAVE LIVES

When operating at roadway incidents, positioning is your first line of defense. Your apparatus should:

• Be placed at an angle to create a safety buffer zone.
• Have wheels turned away from responders in case of impact.
• Be positioned between oncoming traffic and personnel, ensuring a physical barrier.

3. ALWAYS FACE TRAFFIC AND ASSIGN A LOOKOUT

When operating outside the work zone, always:

• Walk facing traffic to maximize reaction time.
• Keep an escape route in mind at all times.
• Assign a dedicated lookout when setting up or collecting cones, flares, or signage.

4. PREPARE FOR WINTER CONDITIONS IN ADVANCE

Winter storms don’t wait for responders to be ready—you need to prepare before the first snowfall.

• Test on-spot chains and tire chains in autumn to check for wear or damage.
• Conduct regular apparatus checks to ensure all winter gear is in working order.
• Train crews on slippery surface operations, including braking techniques and vehicle stabilization.

FINAL THOUGHTS: RISK MANAGEMENT IS A TOP PRIORITY

Emergency vehicle operations may not be as glamorous as fighting fires or executing rescues, but they are just as critical. A well-trained, well-prepared crew can mean the difference between life and death—not just for civilians, but for responders themselves.

This incident was a wake-up call for my crew, reinforcing the importance of training, positioning, and proactive decision-making. It’s not about taking unnecessary risks; it’s about managing them effectively.

So, as you head out on your next call, ask yourself: Are we doing everything we can to stay safe? If not, it’s time to rethink the approach. Stay sharp, stay warm, and most importantly—stay safe out there.

Matt Sleet has dedicated 22 years to the fire service and currently serves as an Engineer with the Boles Fire Protection District in Franklin County, Missouri. Over the course of his career, he has held multiple roles, building a deep well of experience in fireground operations and technical rescue. Beyond his work at Boles FPD, Matt is a member of FEMA Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Missouri Task Force 1, where he is rostered as a Hazardous Materials Specialist. He is also a Hands-On Training (H.O.T.) Instructor and a past lecture presenter with County Fire Tactics, specializing in engine company operations. With a passion for firefighter training and operational readiness, Matt remains committed to both teaching and continuous learning—bringing real-world experience and a lifelong dedication to the craft of firefighting.