If a pedestrian steps into the path of your emergency vehicle, what is the correct course of action?

• A. Accelerate to pass quickly.
• B. Honk and continue.
• C. Slow or stop, yield right of way, and communicate with your crew and bystanders.
• D. Exit the vehicle and physically push the pedestrian away.

Answer: (C)

When a pedestrian steps into the path of an emergency vehicle, safety and controlled movement come first. You should slow or stop and yield the right of way so the person can move out of danger, and you also communicate with your crew and bystanders to alert them to the hazard and coordinate how to proceed. This approach gives the pedestrian a clear chance to clear the path and lets you reassess traffic, signals, and lane clearance before continuing. Accelerating to pass quickly, honking and continuing, or exiting the vehicle to push the pedestrian away all introduce unnecessary risk or potential harm and are not appropriate responses.