Well That Felt Awkward!

On my way to work on Monday, I was stopped at a stop light (on a road with three lanes) and an ambulance pulled up behind me.  I thought my usual "good vibes to all" thoughts and waited for the light to turn green.

It did, and I drove forward and just as I was starting through the intersection the ambulance lights lit up and the siren went off.  GAH!

The initial "GAH!" was at the sudden noise (usually with them I hear them coming as they approach, I can't say I've ever been right next to one when it started up) and the second was the fact that I didn't know what to do.

There were cars blocking me in on my right, none of us going fast yet (the light just having turned) and I really genuinely didn't know what to do.  My instinct was to stop so I think I slowed down a little, but then I could see the ambulance RIGHT RIGHT behind me and I knew I had to get out of the way so I sort of shimmied my way forward hoping the other cars would stop or move and give me space and I sort of managed to make some room and they got by me but I feel like I wasted precious seconds of them going to help someone and I still feel bad about it.

I'm not sure what else I could have done other than lurch forward and slam over to the right but it didn't feel like that was the right or safe thing to do.  I don't think I handled it well and I hope the EMTs know I wasn't being dumb, I just kind of froze and wanted to help but also hadn't been in that situation before.

Like I said, usually I hear/see them coming and have a few seconds to sort of plan my action.  This time it was RIGHT NOW RIGHT BEHIND ME MOVE IMMEDIATELY all of a sudden and I did not have a solid, instant reaction.

I'm sure it was just, well I hope it was just my imagination that I saw the passenger side EMT throw their hands up in a "come on!" gesture but I mean if they did, I get it and I'm sorry.  I tried.  It was weird.  I don't think any of us knew quite what to do and I honestly just wanted to get out of your way ASAP and yeah, it was weird and awkward and uncomfortable and I wonder what actually went on.  (Like are they often out for a drive and get a random call and have to suddenly go?  I guess I thought they were mainly in one of those little house/garage places until a call came, but I don't know.)