When chocking the wheels of a vehicle involved in an accident, firefighters should:

Chocking the wheels of a vehicle involved in an accident is a critical safety procedure to prevent unintentional movement, which can pose a significant risk to both the emergency responders and any victims involved. The correct approach requires chocking the wheels in both directions to ensure stability regardless of potential forces that may act on the vehicle, such as incline or uneven surfaces.

When chocks are placed in both directions—front and back of the tires—it effectively secures the vehicle from rolling in either direction, enhancing safety during the emergency response. This method compensates for any situational variables that might cause the vehicle to shift, thereby providing a safer environment for personnel working on or around the scene.

While leaving the vehicle in park contributes to overall safety, relying solely on the parking mechanism without chocking could potentially allow movement if the vehicle were to be disturbed. Additionally, while different materials can be used for chocks, including wood and plastic, it is important for firefighters to use appropriately designed chocks that are rated for vehicle stabilization, rather than limiting themselves to a specific type.