Ambulance Operations

Emergency Vehicle Laws The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may: Park or stand irrespective of the provisions of this chapter; Proceed past a red light or stop signal, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation; Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.

Emergency Vehicle Laws The exemptions herein granted to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of this Act.

Emergency Vehicle Laws The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons.

Driving Excellence

Good Driving Basics Wear seat belts Practice; Become familiar with: Acceleration Deceleration Braking Cornering Fender and bumper clearance

Good Driving Basics Hand position 9-3 o’clock positions One hand pulls; the other slides Neither hand should pass 6 o’clock Keep to the left (other traffic should be to the right) Never rely on what another motorist will do

Maintaining Control Braking Pump brakes slowly, smoothly NEVER brake on curve Brake going into curves; accelerate moving out of them

Maintaining Control Railroads Plan alternate routes for grade crossings Wait out long trains if there is no over or underpass in a reasonable distance

Maintaining Control School buses There is NO emergency vehicle exemption from laws pertaining to school buses If red lights are flashing, stop and wait until driver motions you on.

Maintaining Control Bridges and Tunnels Ability to pass may be limited Consider alternative routes if traffic is heavy Be sure height roadway will accommodate ambulance

Maintaining Control Traffic Patterns Learn traffic flow patterns in your area based on time of day, day of week, locations Plan for alternative routes through or past specific problem areas

Maintaining Control Road Surface Pay attention to irregularities in road surface (bumps, potholes) Inner lanes of multi-lane highways usually are smoothest

Maintaining Control Hydroplaning Occurs on wet roads at speeds >35mph Water causes loss of contact between tire and road surface If you can’t see tread marks of car ahead of you in water on highway, there is risk of hydroplaning Slow down; lightly tap brakes to ensure dryness

Maintaining Control Backing Up ALWAYS have someone spot for driver while ambulance is backing Move slowly, carefully

Maintaining Control Escorts Extremely dangerous Use only when unfamiliar with location of patient or hospital Allow safe distance between escort vehicle and ambulance

Intersection Collisions Most common form of ambulance collision Causes: Other drivers “timing” lights Emergency vehicles following each other Multiple emergency vehicles converging on same location Motorists going around stopped traffic Vision of pedestrians in crosswalk obstructed by other vehicles

Intersection Collisions Slow down at intersections. Ensure other drivers have seen you and stopped before you proceed.

Warning Devices

Warning Lights Use at all times when responding to emergency calls Also, turn on headlights during daylight hours Use minimal lighting in heavy fog or when parked

Siren Relatively ineffective Never pull directly behind a car and blast your siren Sirens may affect patients adversely Sirens may cause driver to speed excessively or to take risks

Give other drivers time to notice, react to warning devices.