A fire engine and an ambulance struggled to get back to their stations following a callout due to ‘inconsiderate parking.’
Firefighters from Maiden Newton station were called to assist a man in Rampisham.
The man had climbed a ladder when his foot became trapped half way up the steps.
A spokesman for the fire service said: “This caused a crush injury to his foot. Some safety advice was given. Had he been wearing shoes the injury would have been reduced and he may not have become trapped.”
An ambulance also attended but the man was only suffering from bruising.
After dealing with the incident both the ambulance and the fire engine had trouble passing parked cars in Cattistock.
The fire service spokesman explained: “Now, generally, people are considerate, but they only leave enough room for a car to pass. Today the incident required a fire engine and an ambulance which are obviously bigger. Please, please when you park, think lorry, then we can all get through.”
The incident comes after Bridport firefighters and the ambulance service were delayed in reaching a patient in Allington, Bridport, last Tuesday due to inconsiderate parking.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have issued the following advice:
Pull in your wing mirrors (don’t forget to flip them out before driving off)
Don’t park too close to corners, fire engines are larger than cars and need more room to turn
If you’re parking opposite someone, remember that a fire engine needs three metres, or two car widths, to pass safely
Make sure your wheels are straight and not sticking out
Park as close to the kerb as you can
Always follow the Highway Code and obey the road markings such as yellow lines and box junctions
In narrow streets, only park on one side of the road where possible
Make sure you leave enough space for pedestrians on the pavement
Don’t block driveways
The fire and rescue service has the power to do anything it reasonably believes necessary to prevent or extinguish a fire.
Firefighters can, when necessary, enter a premises by force, without the consent of the owner or occupier, or move or break into a vehicle without the consent of its owner.
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