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Tom Costello, of  NBC News, reported September 3, 2014, in "Why Some Drivers Don't Get Out of the Way for Emergency Vehicles", that when every second counts some motorists do not get out of the way. With modern technology, more emergency vehicles may be sent to emergency situations, meaning that drivers need to be alert. Where there is one emergency vehicle, there could be more emergency vehicles. According to the report, a patient's chances of surviving drop 10 percent with every minute that passes. Failing to yield can be dangerous.  Nationwide in 2012, 60 people died in accidents which involved emergency vehicles.

When should a driver go through a red light to make room for an emergency vehicle? NEVER say law enforcement and EMS (Emergency Medical Services) drivers.  Motorists should not risk their own safety to make room for emergency vehicles.

The Official Florida Driver's Handbook 5.19 - Emergency Vehicles further says:

Pedestrians and drivers must yield the right-of-way to law enforcement vehi­cles, fire engines and other emergency vehicles using sirens and/ or flashing lights. Pull over to the closest edge of the roadway immediately and stop until the emergency vehicle has passed. Do not block intersections.

"Charlotte, Collier and Lee Counties EMS all provide excellent service to our area in saving lives.  With every minute counting, it is our responsibility as motorists to be diligent and watch out for EMS. Let them do their jobs," says Southwest Florida Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Charlotte County (Source: Charlotte County FL) - The county has a combined Charlotte County Fire and Emergency Medical Services department.  This department provides fire suppression/rescue operations, pre-hospital emergency medical care and transport, special operations, (Hazardous Materials-Technical Rescue, marine Operations and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting.  They cover 693 square miles with a population of approximately 162.5 thousand. They operate out of sixteen stations through the county.

Collier County (Source: Collier County Government) -  The Collier County EMS Department responds to more than 36 thousand 9-1-1 calls annually.  They currently run 20 stations with 23 full-time ground transport ambulances as well as a MedFlight helicopter available for emergency response 24/7. Collier County "strategically places ambulances though out the 2,025 square miles of Collier County".

Lee County (Source: Lee County EMS) - Lee County EMS is Florida-certified.  The paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) work under the direction of emergency physicians and provide care on the scene and during the transport to the most appropriate medical facility. They cover more than one thousand square miles with 36 ambulances and two non-transport units.  Each ambulance has, at a minimum, a Florida-certified Paramedic and EMT.  From 2012-2013 Lee County EMS was  dispatched to more than 80 thousand calls for service.

Southwest Florida Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.