What steps should you take when encountering road closures or detours on an emergency run?

• A. Ignore closures and proceed as planned.
• B. Notify dispatch, select an alternate route, and reassess risk and ETA.
• C. Stop and wait for instructions indefinitely.
• D. Take the first detour regardless of risk.

Answer: (B)

When road closures or detours appear during an emergency run, the priority is to manage the situation through communication, coordinated routing, and ongoing risk assessment. Notify dispatch about the closure so they’re aware of the change and can help coordinate the response. Work with dispatch to identify a safe alternate route that keeps you on the fastest feasible path while complying with traffic laws and road restrictions. Reassess the situation, including how the detour affects risk and the estimated time of arrival, and adjust your plan or resources as needed. This approach keeps everyone informed, reduces the chance of getting stuck or encountering new hazards, and helps ensure you reach the scene and deliver care as efficiently and safely as possible. Ignoring closures, waiting for instructions indefinitely, or taking an arbitrary detour without evaluating risk can create dangerous situations and delay critical care.