1. Safely Backing Large Vehicles
Created 10/30/2011 by Alex Belgard
Special thanks to Ben Minehart for photography
Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad

2. What could go wrong? Just one example… Cornelius, NC 8/12/2010
Ambulance was backing into the bay without a spotter
Struck a wall, causing serious damage to their station

3. The driver can’t see out the back…
Even with a backup camera, it is difficult for the driver to maintain awareness of what’s behind the ambulance
Many accidents involving emergency vehicles occur when backing up
Almost all of these accidents are preventable

4. Avoiding Backing Accidents
Can you avoid backing entirely?
Maybe go around the block instead of backing up to turn around?
Not always possible
Use a spotter (also known as a backer) whenever possible
If patient care requires all personnel to remain in the truck, have someone look out the back window and verbally communicate with the driver

5. What does a spotter do?
The spotter helps guide the driver to safely back the vehicle
The spotter warns the driver if the vehicle approaches any obstacle
The driver is still ultimately responsible for safe operation of the vehicle

6. Safety Notes
Spotter must wear high visibility vest when operating in any roadway
Never stand directly behind the vehicle when it is in reverse
Driver: If you lose sight of your spotter, stop immediately
Since 2004, at least 2 firefighters have been struck and killed by apparatus backing up

7. Drivers Responsibilities
Perform a 360º walkaround of the truck
Roll down window so you can hear if your spotter yells “stop”
Turn off music & any other distractions
Maintain visual contact with spotter

8. Spotters Responsibilities
Identify all obstacles
Overhead
Tree branches
Signs
Ground level
Vehicles
Pedestrians
Stationary objects
Not only behind, but also to either side of the vehicle

9. Spotters Responsibilities
Prevent damage and injuries by continuously looking for hazards as the truck backs up
Direct driver using hand signals
Yell “STOP” to prevent a collision
If in doubt, stop and reassess the situation

10. Procedure
Stand several feet behind & 1-2 feet laterally from rear corner of the ambulance
Ideally, make eye contact with driver in mirror
If you can’t see the mirror, the driver can’t see you

11. Hand signals – straight back
To direct the driver straight back, raise both arms, and move hands backwards and forwards

12. Hand signals – straight back

13. Hand signals - turn
To direct the driver to turn, extend one arm in the direction you want the back of the ambulance to go
Move other arm horizontally side to side

14. Hand signals - turn
 Go that way
Go that way 

15. Hand signals – prepare to stop
To signal the driver that they will need to stop soon, raise both hands with palms facing each other

16. Hand signals – prepare to stop
Move hands closer together as driver approaches the desired stopping point

17. Hand signals – stop
To signal the driver to stop, close fists and cross arms in an “X”
Remember to stop the driver before they get too close to any object
If there is a risk of collision, also yell “STOP” loud enough to be heard over engine noise

18. Pay attention It should be obvious, but…
Don’t be on your phone
Don’t be chatting with bystanders
Etc…
Spotting requires your undivided attention