Local Lawmakers Again Push for Bill Criminalizing Crash-Scene Photography

[Rhubarb]

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One of the best tools for firefighters was the advent of personal video cameras.

Once they became more common we began to film almost every scene we responded to. The result was the ability to review not only what was on the scene initially but also the actions of the responders and the results of those actions.

This became an essential tool in improving actions taken at subsequent calls. We could see both good and bad actions and train toward improvement in performance.

I was involved in two mass casualty scenes where recordings of the event were used to later analyze the response and we learned some very good lessons from them. For one thing, we found out that the accepted methods of stabilizing vehicles contained unseen hazards and thus, new and safer methods were developed. This led to decreased risk to both responders and victims as well.

To ban crash scene photography and filming would only be taking a giant step backward.

Yes, punishing the dumbass who posted the pictures is quite appropriate and legislation laying out SPECIFIC rules, including penalties for non compliance with regard to the publishing of such film or photos is prudent. Banning all film/photos is a thoughtless knee jerk reaction.

Totally agree with everything you say.
There was a horrendous crash at Bonfire Night (5th November) on the M4, CCTV footage was put on the news the first night but withdrawn with an apology to the families affected. Very little was broadcasted fortunately. Everyone that took video was asked to give it up for the very purpose you state. Everyone willing gave up phone video and photo's.
The blame for the multi-pile up was established quickly. The area is well known for fogs, combined with an unapproved bonfire party by the motorway the visibility was reduced to nil.