Winnipeg drivers panicking when emergency vehicles approach paramedics biggest frustration

A Winnipeg paramedic says drivers failing to properly move out the way for emergency vehicles continues to be a problem on city streets and she is reminding motorists of the importance of getting out of the way.

Far too often, drivers panic and slam their brakes when an emergency vehicle is approaching, said Michelle Bessas, district chief of paramedic operations.

“It’s a common, frustrating thing that we deal with every day,” she told Global News.

Bessas, who has been with the City of Winnipeg since 2002, provides advance life support to the pediatric population, primarily. If a patient is in need of medicine, Bessas would be the one to prescribe it.

“A delay in our response can be the difference between life and death, or it can be the difference between permanent disability and making a full recovery,” she said.

WATCH: How to share the road when emergency vehicles approach

When emergency vehicles are approaching, drivers should pull to the right and gradually come to a stop. Drivers should then wait for the emergency vehicle pass and watch for other emergency vehicles that may be responding to the same call.

“It’s very easy,” Bessas said. “Be aware of your surroundings and try not to be distracted.”

If you’re blocking the path of an emergency vehicle, you must proceed through a red light or stop sign, when it is safe to do so, according to the city.

It is also the law to move over to the furthest lane and slow down when passing vehicles parked with emergency lights on.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers travelling on a roadway with a posted speed limit of 80 km/h or more, must slow to 60 when passing emergency vehicles on the road side. Below 79 km/h, drivers must slow to 40.