Lesson 7 Arriving At The Scene

No scene is typical, but in the most common setting a customer will be waiting to have service provided. There is tremendous value in a friendly, helpful introduction followed by a reiteration of all details pertaining to the call information. It is easy practice to kindly mention defects and damages to the vehicle that will make the individual aware of not only the damage but also that you are both aware of pre-existing damage. This can reduce damage claims and dissatisfied customers that could think that the operator might have caused the damage. Again, a friendly disposition is recommended to establish customer trust and awareness.

How you approach the scene of your call can determine the time spent on scene and the effectiveness of safety practices. Here's a good example, when arriving at a customer's residence it sometimes helps to look at the inclines and position your truck accordingly. If you plan it just right, you won't have to push the vehicle very much because the car will roll down the inclines. Using this technique can reduce the amount of strain you put on your body everyday from not having to push vehicles as hard. Much caution should be used however because of the limited control of a disabled vehicle.

Accident scenes can be complicated and certain hazards cannot always be noticed at first glance. It is always recommended to get out and assess the whole of the scene with heavy emphasis on exposure to traffic and the potential danger of oncoming motorists. Determine the extent of the damage to affected  vehicles and verify that the people involved are ok. Each operator should invest time into the TIMS Training that is available to become proficient in regards to positioning techniques and incident command. Making contact with the agency that requested your presence is vital to not only determining the type of service you will be providing but also gives a chance to confirm information on any applicable holds or requirements that may be needed to release the vehicle from the storage facility. It is the responsibility of the wrecker service to clean up the crash debris and apply oil absorbent to any leaks or substances on the road surface.