Fire Chief Gregory Wickham has highlighted a critical issue facing the Guyana Fire Service: motorists’ failure to yield to fire trucks and ambulances. This negligence often results in delays that could jeopardize lives during emergency situations.
In an interview with the News Room, Chief Wickham explained that many drivers do not obey laws requiring them to pull to the side of the road upon hearing the sound of sirens from emergency vehicles. “That is something that we have been working on,” he stated, noting ongoing efforts to collaborate with the Commissioner of Police to raise awareness and improve driver compliance.
Ignoring the right-of-way for emergency vehicles—including those from the Fire Service, Police, and Ambulance Services—poses significant risks. Wickham emphasized the urgency of this issue, stating, “We want road users to be much more aware and obedient, ensuring that when they hear the sound of the siren, firefighters going to render assistance are given way.”
The Chief highlighted that this responsibility extends to ambulances, as the Fire Service manages the ambulance service as well. He reiterated that response times are affected by both the timing of calls and the distance from fire stations. To address this, more fire stations are being constructed to enhance response times significantly.
Wickham urged all road users to understand the crucial role they play, stressing that every second counts in emergency situations. He referenced the Road Traffic (Guyana Fire Service) Order, which mandates that drivers pull over and stop as close to the left side of the road as possible when an emergency vehicle approaches. This rule is especially vital at night, where drivers should dim their headlights until the emergency vehicle has passed.
On dual carriageways, the law clearly states that vehicles must stop on both sides of the road and remain stationary until the emergency vehicle has completely cleared the area. Moreover, following or trailing an emergency vehicle after it has passed is prohibited, as it not only violates traffic regulations but also risks impeding emergency operations.
Chief Wickham’s call for cooperation underscores the importance of public awareness and adherence to traffic laws, aiming to ensure swift access for emergency services to those in need.
