On Friday February 22^nd, shortly before 20:00 hrs, the EMS units of Ross/West View EMS were dispatched to Interstate 279 Northbound @ the Perrysville Exit (exit 12) for a reported motor vehicle crash with injuries.  As policy for the suburban EMS Company, a medic unit, Operations Supervisor, and Rescue Truck were dispatched.  The Rescue Truck is dispatched to all emergencies that occur along the interstate. This is in accordance with the guidelines established by the Pennsylvania State Police, PENNDOT, and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) to help establish a “safe work zone” for the EMS crews. The EMS service follows the guidelines provided to them through the Highway Incident Scene Safety and Management (HSTC) course offered by the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy.

  As crews were evaluating and treating multiple patients from the crash, the Rescue Truck was placed along the freeway to provide a safe and secure environment for the crews working.  Shortly after operations began, crews were disrupted by the loud sound of vehicles crashing, and the incident commander (Coleman) immediately reporting that the Rescue Truck had been struck by a vehicle.  The young male driver had witnessed the lane restrictions and attempted to move out into the fast lane to continue past the scene, however due to the road conditions, the vehicle began to spin on the icy roadway striking the front of the rescue truck positioned for the crews. The driver of the vehicle sustained minor injuries and was not transported by EMS.