Ambulance Operations

Temple College EMS Professions

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 oclock positions  One hand pulls; the other slides  Neither hand should pass 6 oclock


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 cant 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.