cevo refresher rural / metro corporation. course objectives to develop professional emergency...

CEVO RefresherRural / Metro Corporation

Course Objectives

• To develop Professional Emergency Vehicle Operators. (EVO)

• To motivate EVO to recognize the importance of Defensive and Perceptive driving.

• To define the personal qualities and attributes which are necessary for operating an emergency vehicle.

Course Objectives

• To identify problems facing EVO’s.

• To examine state and local laws dealing with the operation of an emergency vehicle.

• To provide the EVO with an opportunity to perform “hands-on” vehicle familiarization through a designated driving course.

Course Objectives

• At the end of this training session, the Emergency Vehicle Operator (EVO) will be able to:

– Assess and evaluate various driving incidents

– Identify the strengths and weaknesses of EVOs by utilizing the DriveCam technology.

Rural/Metro Corporation

EVO Requirements

Driver Selection Criteria

• Must possess a valid operator’s license, issued by the state he/she is employed, that permits, by its class, if such class exists, the operation of an emergency vehicle.

• Driving record shall demonstrate a respect for public safety through the compliance with all traffic laws and regulations.

• When possible it is desirable that an applicant have 5 or more years of driving experience, which should include experience beyond that of a personal passenger car.

Driver Policy

• Must possess and maintain a valid operator’s license for the state you are employed.

• Must observe all safety, traffic and criminal laws.

• Must not consume or be under influence of alcohol/drugs while driving a company vehicle.

• Any illegal, dangerous, or other conduct while driving that would tend to place the lives or property of the company or others at risk is strictly prohibited.

Driver Policy

• Any EVO who receives a traffic citation from or is arrested by a law enforcement officer, or who is involved in any kind of motor vehicle collision while driving, must inform an appropriate supervisor about the incident immediately or as soon as possible thereafter and must ensure that such report is documented.

Driver Policy - Training

• All EVO must participate in and successfully complete the Driver Development Program.

• An EVO involved in a preventable collision or who received a traffic violation, as allowed under the driver policy, may be required to participate in EVO re-training course before being allowed to return to EVO status.

• Failure to comply with the provision of the training policy shall result in the suspension of driving privileges until which time all requirements have been satisfactorily met.

Driver Policy

• Any employee who violates any part of the Driver Development Policy series or who becomes uninsurable as a driver will be subject to reassignment and/or disciplinary action, including termination from employment.

Motor Vehicle Record Checks

• It is the policy of the Company to ensure all EVO are qualified to drive and drive safely.

• When driving is a condition of employment, employment is contingent upon satisfactory proof of an acceptable driving history.

• All drivers must be cleared and authorized by National Risk Management to drive for company business.

• A disclosure & release of information form must be submitted to the Director of Risk Management for each applicant or employee.

Motor Vehicle Record Checks

As a means of verifying drivers’ performance, MVR shall be obtained per the following schedule:

• During the selection/placement process for new applicants;

• Annually for existing drivers;• In conjunction with involvement in any on-duty

collision or upon receiving a citation for moving violations while operating a company controlled vehicle.

MVR Rating System: Points

• 0-9 Points = Acceptable

• 10+ Points = Unacceptable

• Class 1 & 2 Violations are not eligible to receive driving privileges

Class 1 Violations

• Occurring within 7 yrs of the MVR run date shall include, but not be limited to:– Vehicular homicide;

– Using a motor vehicle in commission of felony;

– Aggravated assault w/ motor vehicle;

– Leaving scene of an accident;

– Reckless driving resulting in bodily injury or property damage.

Class 2 Violations

• Occurring within 5 yrs of the MVR run date shall include, but not be limited to:

– Driving while intoxicated

– Driving under the influence of drugs

– Operating a vehicle under suspension

– Reckless driving not resulting in bodily/property damage

Class 3 Violations

• (4 points each) occurring within 3 yrs of the MVR run date shall include, but not be limited to:– Aggravated Speed 19+ over the speed limit (6pts)

– Speeding up to 18 mph over posted speed limit

– Permitting an unlicensed person to drive

– Driving w/o seat belts

– Failure to obey traffic signal/sign

– Care required related violations (ex: driving too fast for conditions)

Motor Vehicle Collision(s)

• Occurring within 3 years of the MVR run date shall be reviewed.

• MVC determined preventable shall receive 5 points each.

• It shall be the employees responsibility to provide the police reports and any other documentation required for the Director of National Risk Management to evaluate the MVC.

VEHICLE INSPECTION

Vehicle Pre-Shift Inspection

Why do we perform vehicle inspections?

• To ensure the vehicle is ready and can safely perform the job

• Identify small problems before they become much bigger problems

Type I Ambulance• Conventional Truck, Cab-Chassis

with Modular Body Ambulance

• GVW: 11,000-15,000 lbs

Type II Ambulance• Standard Van, Integral Cab-Body• GVW: 9,000 lbs

Type III Ambulance• Cutaway Van, Cab-Chassis with

Modular Body Ambulance

• GVW: 12,000-15,000 lbs

Emergency Support Vehicles• GVW: 18,000-20,000 lbs

Fire Apparatus• GVW: 35,000 – 75,000lbs

Inspection – Approaching Vehicle

• Vehicle leaning

• Leaks - obvious puddles under vehicle

Inspection - Outside

• All lights

• Wheel lugs

• Mirrors

• Windshield and wipers

• Tire pressure (use a proper gauge)

• Tire wear no less than 4/32”

• Doors and compartments secured

Inspection - Engine

• Hoses

• Radiator

• Battery and cables

• Fluid levels – Oil– Transmission Fluid

• Belts

(If local policy includes underhood checks)

Inspection – Operator Area

• Fluid level gauges

• Horn & Siren

• Safety belts

• Interior lights

• Parking brake and indicator

Inspection – Patient Area (Ambulance)

• Equipment secured & stowed– O2 Bottles

– Cardiac Monitor

– Sharps Container

– Response Bag

• Seatbelts – lay across bench ready to use

Inspection – Crew Cab (Fire)

• Equipment secured & stowed– SCBA packs

– Flashlights

– Tools

– Equipment bags

• Seatbelts all in good working order

VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS

Vehicles have changed…

THE LAWS OF PHYSICS HAVE NOT!

Vehicle Characteristics – Fire / EMS

• It is larger and heavier than a standard car.

• It is wider and longer which makes it harder to maneuver.

• It is taller and therefore top heavy.

• It’s height means you must be aware of height clearances.

Mirrors and Blind Spots

Know what’s in your blind spots

Mirrors and Blind Spots

The driver of this minivan is unable to see ANY of these children in their blindspot to rear even with properly adjusted mirrors.

• Blind spots are on each side and to the rear of vehicle.

• Driver must rely more on the outside mirrors.

• Due to the size of the vehicle, blind spots are larger.

• Vehicles in convex mirrors are closer than they appear.

Mirrors and Blind Spots

Mirrors and Blind Spots

• Mirrors should be scanned every 3-5seconds.

• You should be aware of all vehicles going in and out of your blind spots.

• Leaning forward while checking your mirror changes sight angles reducing your blind spots.

• You should know how to properly adjust your mirrors to minimize these blind spots.

Seatbelts

Put it on!

Seatbelts

• We know that seatbelts SAVE LIVES.

• We should be setting the example in the community.

• Seatbelt use is mandated by Rural/Metro.

• Even in the back of an ambulance, you MUST wear your seatbelt.

Secure Your Equipment

Secure Your Equipment

• On March 16, 2001, “Neal” Sherman, a Virginia EMT & expectant father, had just hung an IV for a heart patient when the driver of the ambulance fell asleep and ran off the road, flipping the ambulance over. The impact sent an oxygen tank into his head. He died immediately of massive head trauma.

»

Secure Your Equipment

DEFENSIVEDRIVING

Defensive Driving

Defensive Drivers:• Drive with a good driving position

• Stay alert, always looking for potential hazards

• Maintain a ‘Cushion of Safety’

• Are always looking for an escape route

• Are always prepared to make an evasive maneuver while maintaining control of vehicle

The Emergency Vehicle Operator…

- Must realize the AWESOME responsibility they have commanding a ?,??? lb mass of metal down congested city streets and expressways while considering the safety of the crew, patient(EMS), and ALL other drivers, pedestrians that come into the vicinity of your vehicle.

- Make allowances for the lack of skill or improper driving practices of other drivers.

- Must always ‘Expect The Unexpected’.

Perceptive Driving

Recognize potential hazards and make adjustments

Perceptive Driving

Perceptive Drivers:

• Adjust their driving to compensate for weather, road, and traffic conditions.

• Recognize situations of increased risks and makes adjustments to driving BEFORE needing to use defensive driving techniques

CUSHION OF SAFETY

Cushion of Safety

What is a ‘Cushion of Safety?’

Keeping area around your vehicle clear of other vehicles and pedestrians as much as possible.

• Use in ALL driving environments:

- City

- Suburban

- Highway

- Rural

• Do not allow other cars to linger in your Cushion of Safety

Cushion of Safety

Cushion of Safety

• The area to front of vehicle is:

– The most important part of your Cushion of Safety

– The area you have the most control of

Cushion of SafetyAs the EVO “A” in the situation to

the left, assuming good visibility and dry roads,

What following distance should you try to maintain?

• 4 sec at less than 40 mph

• (1sec for each 10ft of apparatus)

• Add 1 sec above 40mph

• Add 1+ sec for less than ideal

Cushion of Safety

How can you check your following distance?

Select a stationary object, such as the overpass as a mark. As the rear bumper of the vehicle ahead passes the mark, begin counting – one-thousand-and-one…. until you reach the mark.

Stopping Distance

Perception Distance

+ Reaction Distance

+ Brake Lag (air brakes)

+ Braking Distance

= Stopping Distance

Perception Distance

• Distance traveled during the time it takes to recognize that a hazardous situation exists

• Things that affect your perception distance:

- Inclement weather

- Night / Dusk

- Hill Crests / Curves

- Other traffic esp. large trucks / busses

• To decrease this time and give you more time to react to hazardous situations, you need to SCAN FARTHER down the road.

Perception Distance

Reaction Distance

• The distance the vehicle travels between the time that the driver perceives a hazardous situation and the time that the driver’s foot moves from the accelerator to the brake.

• Average reaction time is ¾ second.

• Things that affect your reaction distance:

- Age

- Physical condition

- Amount of sleep

• To decrease reaction time, cover the brake

Reaction Distance

• Things that affect your Braking distance:

- Rain / Ice / Snow conditions

- Type of roadway (Concrete / Dirt / Blacktop)

- Weight of vehicle

- Condition of tires

- Speed of vehicle

- Traveling uphill vs downhill

Braking Distance

Cushion of Safety

• The area to sides of vehicle:

Keeping area to sides of vehicle clear allows for possible escape routes and gives room for cars/pedestrians unexpectedly entering roadway.

Cushion of Safety

Are you ‘A’ in a safe position?

NO, you are traveling in the blind spots of 2 other vehicles

If you cannot see the other driver in their rearview mirror, then they probably don’t see you

I “A” was returning to the station after dropping off a patient at the hospital. My speed was under the limit and I was following a safe distance behind the car ahead “C”. Suddenly, the car on my left “B” pulled right into my lane, hitting me. I couldn’t have done anything about it.

B

C A A

Who was at fault?

B

C A A

Was this a preventable accident?

B

C A A

What should the EVO have done to prevent the accident?

B

C A A

Momentarily adjust speed so that you are no longer traveling in other driver’s blind spot.

B

C A A

Cushion of Safety

• The are to rear of vehicle:

Keeping the area to the rear of the vehicle clear allows for safer evasive braking.

If you have a tailgater, you should increase your own following distance

Determining

Preventability

Determining Preventability

A ‘Preventable’ collision is one in which the driver failed to exercise every reasonable precaution to prevent the collision from occurring.

Determining Preventability

It is the responsibility of all drivers to approach, enter and cross intersections prepared to avoid collisions that might occur through the actions of other drivers.

Complex traffic movement, blind intersections, or failure of the ‘Other Driver’ to conform to law or traffic control devices will not automatically discharge a collision as ‘not- preventable’

Determining Preventability

Failure to pass safely indicates faulty judgment and the possible failure to consider one or more of the important factors a driver must observe before attempting this maneuver. Unusual actions of the driver being passed or of oncoming traffic might appear to exonerate a driver involved in a passing accident; however, the entire passing maneuver is voluntary and the driver’s responsibility

Determining Preventability

Investigation often discloses that drivers who are struck from behind, failed to maintain a margin of safety in their own following distance. Collisions involving the rear of the vehicle which are preceded by a roll-back, an abrupt stop due to traffic signal changes, or when the driver fails to signal a turn at an intersection, shall be charged preventable.

Determining Preventability

Practically all backing collisions are ‘Preventable’. A driver is not relieved of responsibility to back safely when a spotter is involved in the maneuver.

A spotter cannot control the movement of the vehicle.

Was this Preventable?

Determining Preventability

Collisions with fixed objects are PREVENTABLE.

Collisions with fixed objects usually involve failure to check or properly judge clearances.

Driving a Billboard

Drive Courteously!

Driving A Billboard

You are driving a HUGE billboard representing Rural/Metro and ALL of it’s drivers.

The public’s perception IS reality.

DRIVE COURTEOUSLY!

Driving EmotionallyDriver’s Frame of Mind

Driving Emotionally

• Emotions have an impact on all the driving decisions that you make.– Notice how differently you drive when you

are on a nice, relaxing ‘Sunday’ drive vs running very late to important meeting.

– Drivers need to be aware that with certain emotions, you are more willing to take more driving risks.

Driving Emotionally

• Emotional factors which can affect our driving:

– Running late / In a hurry

– Frustration with other drivers

– Driving after an argument

Speed

Slow down!

Speed

• Speed is a factor in nearly all motor vehicle collisions (MVC)

- MVC’s are many times a combination of several errors by one or more drivers.

- If speed is appropriate, a driver maybe able to avoid or lessen the severity of their or another driver’s error.

• Many don’t realize they are going too fast for conditions.

• Think “If I have to make an evasive maneuver, would I still be able to control my vehicle? Am I going too fast?

Speed

When driving non-emergent:• obey the posted speed limits.

When driving emergent:• No more than 10 mph over posted speed

limit.

Scanning

Ahead

Scan ahead

12 – 15 seconds

Scan Ahead

• DriveCam video clips show that many times when a driver performs a hard or evasive braking, the hazard that the driver was reacting to was visible to the driver LONG before they reacted to it!

- Many drivers are scanning ahead only 2-4 seconds ahead!

• You should be scanning 12-15 seconds ahead

- Drivers that scan well ahead are usually smoother drivers

Scan Ahead

• Practice good scanning habits.• A 5 second scanning method should

include – 1½ blocks ahead (1 second)– 1 block ahead (1 second)– ½ block ahead (1 second)– Directly in front of your vehicle (1 second)– Side view mirrors (1 second)

Distracted andInattentive Driving

#1 Cause of

Motor Vehicle Collisions!

Distracted and Inattentive Driving

Distracted and Inattentive Driving

• Greatest cause of not properly scanning ahead is driving with distractions or being inattentive.

• Causes of distractions include: – Conversations with others in vehicle– Talking on radio, cell-phone, reading pagers,

and text messaging– Eating and drinking– Sightseeing– Daydreaming– Reaching for something within the vehicle– GPS Units

Distracted and Inattentive Driving

Distracted and Inattentive Driving

HeadlightsAlways on for safety!

Headlights

Headlights on at all times: Vehicles Headlights on at all times: Vehicles can be seen in daylight conditions can be seen in daylight conditions approximately 2,500 feet approximately 2,500 feet without without headlights on, while a vehicle can headlights on, while a vehicle can be seen 4,700 feet away be seen 4,700 feet away withwith headlights on. Countries that headlights on. Countries that require full-time headlight use require full-time headlight use report approximately a 25% report approximately a 25% decrease in fatal accidents. decrease in fatal accidents.

Headlights

• Headlights increase your ability to BE SEEN in inclement weather as well as in clear, bright sunny weather.

• Headlight use is required by Rural/Metro

ON THEROAD

CityDriving

Increased congestion challenging your Cushion of Safety

City Driving

This section is called “City Driving”. The term “city” is used to describe any congested driving environment with pedestrians, traffic lights, intersections, and parked vehicles, as well as any of the other hazards associated with driving in the city.

City Driving – Scanning Ahead

In a city environment you should be scanning

1 - 1½ blocks ahead or 12 – 15 seconds ahead.

Scan to either sides of your projected path keeping eye out for potential hazards or escape routes

Do not focus on just one potential hazard. In a city environment there often is multiple hazards.

I “A” was driving in the right lane, returning from the hospital with only my crew in the back. I noticed a pedestrian waiting to cross the street. Since we were not in a hurry, I stopped to wave the woman across in front of me. When she got to the middle of the street, she was almost struck by another car passing me.

A

B B B

Was stopping for the pedestrian a safe procedure?

Why or Why Not?

A

B B B

City Driving – Jay Walkers

• The presumption is that you are on emergency vehicle and as such are responsible for the pedestrian until they safely reach the other side of the road.

• The size of the ambulance or fire truck makes it difficult for other drivers to see hazards such as pedestrians crossing the street.

City Driving – Jay Walkers

• Your stopping generally gives the pedestrian the false impression that it is safe to cross, and they are therefore less likely to check for other traffic.

• If you observe a pedestrian waiting to cross, cover the brake, and be ready to stop if the pedestrian steps out in front of you.

City Driving – Intersections

• 80% of intersection collisions occur within 4 seconds of a light change.

• When light turns green, wait for 1-2 count then proceed.

• Be aware of ‘stale’ green lights.

• Approach and enter green light intersections ‘expecting the unexpected’ and cover the brake.

City Driving – Intersections

• At red lights stop behind the pedestrian walk zone. Should you realize you stopped too far forward – DON’T BACK UP!

• If waiting to make a left turn – KEEP YOUR FRONT WHEELS STRAIGHT!

• When stopped, you should wait for a 1-2 count after car ahead starts moving. This will re-establish your Cushion of Safety ahead of you.

City Driving – Intersections

• When you have a choice of two designated left turn lanes, you should select the lane to the right.

I “A” was stopped behind a car at a red light. I was not on an emergency run. When the light turned green, the driver ahead got out and lifted the hood, I guess he had engine trouble. When I backed up a little to get around him, I hit the car behind me.

A

Was this Preventable?

• The EVO was at fault.• The accident was preventable.• When stopping behind another vehicle:

Stop far enough back to see the wheels of the vehicle ahead plus some pavement.

• Do not back without a spotter.

HighwayDriving

High Speed Risks

Highway Driving

Highway Driving – Entering

• On entrance ramp, maintain good following distance of others entering highway

• Use mirrors to check SEVERAL lanes of highway before and as you merge.

• Use acceleration lane and merge at same speed as the traffic flow.

Highway Driving

• Maintain practice of Cushion of Safety.

• Scan ahead 12-15 seconds or ¼ mile.

• With 2 travel lanes in your direction, travel in the right lane – the left lane is for passing.

• With 3 or more lanes in your direction, the middle lane is best.

- The left lane is for passing.

- The right lane has entering/exiting traffic.

Highway Driving - Passing

• When changing lanes:

- Check your mirrors. (Check several lanes)

- Lean forward

- Signal

• When passing you should be going at least 5 mph faster than the other vehicle, but within the speed limit.

Highway Driving - Passing

• If the distance between front tire of car being passed and lane marker narrows – HEADS UP! Is that vehicle coming into your lane?

• When returning to your lane, you should see ALL the front of other vehicle in inside rearview mirror.

• Re-establish your Cushion of Safety

Highway Driving - Exiting

• Plan ahead. Be in the correct lane for exit.

• Signal well in advance

• Move into deceleration lane at earliest point

• Slow below the recommended exit speed

• Continue maintaining a good following distance

RuralDriving

Limited visibility and

poor road shoulders

Rural Driving

• Oncoming traffic, trees, and telephone poles make it difficult finding escape routes.

• Practice scanning ahead 12-15 seconds.

• Cover brakes at times of curves, and hill crests due to limited visibility

• The lane width can vary greatly and lack shoulders.

SPECIALCONSIDERATIONS

Backing

Avoid whenever possible

Backing

Backing

Are backing accidents preventable?• YES!

The most common type of collisions involve BACKING.

• Avoid backing• Consider going around the block• Position vehicle on-scene to minimize backing

Backing – General Rules

• If you can avoid backing, DON’T!.• Use a spotter.• Establish hand signals before backing.• Never be in a hurry.• Scan area.• Open window.• Keep spotter visible in driver’s mirror.• Ensure mirrors are properly adjusted.

Backing – General Rules

• When turning around you should back into the lesser traveled area such as a driveway.

Backing – No Spotter Available

• Reconsider backing up. Is it really necessary?

• Make a reasonable attempt to get someone to act as a spotter.

• Get out of the unit and walk around the unit completely & survey the backing area.

• Don’t forget to check overhead clearance.

Night Driving

Do not overdrive your headlights

Night Driving

• Use high beams when safe / legal to do so. • Use low beams as you approach other

vehicles.• Avert your gaze to the right when meeting

other vehicles.• Do not overdrive your headlights.

– Should be able to stop within the distance lit up by your headlights

• Be aware that many of the drivers on the road after 8:00 p.m. are impaired.

Hydroplaning

Can happen as slow as 30mph

Hydroplaning

• Hydroplaning is when water builds up in front of and under your tires causing loss of traction with the roadway.

• Reflections visible on roadway means conditions could be present for hydroplaning.

• Slow down to reduce likelihood hydroplaning.

• If you find yourself in a hydroplane condition, avoid sudden braking and steering

ImpairedDrivers

A danger to themselves, their passengers and others on the road

Impaired Drivers - Alcohol

• 40% of all fatal traffic collisions involve alcohol.

• Alcohol is a depressant that first affects your judgment, then your motor skills.

• You are legally intoxicated in most states at 0.08% BAC.

• An average weight person takes 2 hours to ‘burn off’ each drink.

Impaired Drivers - Sleep

• Just like alcohol – the effects of drowsiness in driving includes:- Decreased decision making and judgment

- Decreased reactions

• Approximately half of drivers who fell asleep while driving experienced to warning signs prior.

• Ensure that you are well rested when behind the wheel.

Expect the Unexpected

Expect the Unexpected

EMERGENCYDRIVING

Red Lights & Siren Driving (RLS)

Drive as if they don’t hear you

RLS Driving - Driver Responsibility

In today’s traffic, the safe operation of the modern emergency vehicle is a challenge that becomes greater each year, with the increases in new drivers, complex highway systems and sheer volumes of traffic.

The role of the EVO carries with it more responsibility and legal ramifications than most EVO’s realize.

• Top Causes of Emergency Vehicle Collisions:

1. Excessive speed.

2. Failing to stop at controlled intersections.

3. Failing to realize lights and sirens may not provide adequate warning.

4. Unsafe backing and unsafe parking at emergency scenes

RLS Driving – Driver Responsibility

RLS Driving - Driver Responsibility

You can be held both criminally and civilly liable if an accident were to occur while on duty as an emergency responder. The agency for whom you work can also be brought into a lawsuit if the case can be made that you were improperly or inadequately instructed, or no effort was made to control unsafe or reckless operation when responding.

RLS Driving - Driver Responsibility

The right of way given to an emergency vehicle does not relieve the EVO of the responsibility for the safety of others.

The law does not allow exemptions to EVO when EV operation endangers life or property.

RLS Driving – Legal Aspects

If events occur which require an analysis of driver action by legal authorities then your actions will be evaluated by others in at least three respects:

1. Was there a true emergency?

2. Did you exercise Due Regard for the safety of others?

3. Were you Negligent?

RLS Driving – True Emergency

What is a True Emergency?

A true emergency is a situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual and action by an EVO may reduce the seriousness of the situation.

RLS Driving – Due Regard

EVO operates the vehicle in a safe and controlled manner, and that EVO considers the safety of all other people using the roads, including motorists and pedestrians.

A reasonably careful person performing similar duties under the same circumstances, would act in the same manner

RLS Driving - Due Regard

• Was it necessary to use the emergency warning system under the circumstances of the call you were responding to and the medical condition of the patient you were transporting?

• Did the EVO give enough warning of the vehicle’s approach to allow other motorists & pedestrians to clear the way for the ambulance?

RLS Driving - Due Regard

• Was the emergency warning system activated & operating properly prior to the crash?

• Was the EVO using the emergency warning system in the manner for which the system was designed?

• Was the EVO operating the vehicle at a speed greater than necessary to allow the complete control of the ambulance in relation to traffic, road and weather conditions?

RLS Driving – Principles of Operation

1. EVO are subject to all traffic regulations unless a specific exemption is made.

“The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle may exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he does not endanger life or property”

2. Exemptions are legal only in emergency mode.

3. Even with an exemption, the EVO can be found criminally or civilly liable if involved in an collision.

RLS Driving - Types of Regulations

1. Motor vehicle and traffic laws enacted by the state government

2. Local ordinances

3. Company policy.

RLS Driving - Sirens

• Drive as if they don’t hear you!

– Modern cars are more soundproof

– Other sounds cover your siren:

• HVAC blower

• Screaming kids

• High watt, multiple speaker stereos

RLS Driving - Sirens

NYC FIRE DEPT. conducted siren tests by approaching a test car with an emergency vehicle traveling at 5mph with the siren in various modes.

RLS Driving - Sirens

• ‘Wail’ was heard at 227 ft

• ‘Yelp’ was heard at 188 ft

• ‘Hi-Low’ / ‘Hyper-yelp’ was heard at 20 ft

• ‘Electronic Horn’ was heard at 9 ft

• ‘Federal Q’ was heard at 50 ft

Thirty Seconds

If you get to the scene 30 seconds later –SAFELY- no one will

remember that you were late.

If you try to get to the scene 30 seconds sooner and kill someone in the process

NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET!

What do you have control over?

Timeline of a call

TIMELINE OF A CALLEVENT OCCURS

ARRIVE @ DEST

ACTIVATE EMS

DISPATCH

CREW

RESPOND

TO

UNIT

10-8

EN ROUTE

TO

SCENE

ON SCENE

EN ROUTE

DESTINATION

TIMELINE OF A CALL

RESPOND

TO

UNIT

++++

The only significant impact you can have on the total response time for a call, is how fast you respond to the unit.

RLS Driver Frame of Mind

Don’t get pumped up

RLS Driver Frame of Mind

• Emotional factors which can affect our driving:

– Adrenaline

– Responding to or transporting critical patients

– Frustration with other drivers

– Frustration with navigation

– Frustration with dispatch

– Critical calls with children

RLS Aggressive Driving

Slow down!

RLS Passing

RLS Passing

• Passing in the opposing lane of traffic is the 2nd most dangerous RLS driving procedure.

• In most cases, there is NO escape route.• Use opposing lane ONLY as a last resort.• SLOW DOWN! NEVER BE IN A HURRY!• Ensure lights and sirens are activated.• Be aware of turning traffic.• Use DUE REGARD!• Expect and PLAN on the Unexpected.

RLS Intersections

Use ‘Due Regard’

RLS Intersections

• Where does the most common accidents occur when responding “Lights & Sirens?

INTERSECTIONS

RLS Intersections

• You must come to a complete stop at all red lights and stop signs.

• You must use due regard – even when you have a green light.

• Never assume the other driver will stop.

Rochester NY - 35 Injured - When this Quint and school bus collided

RLS Intersections

What are some of the concerns when approaching an intersection?– Restricted Visibility.– Assumption of Other Drivers’ Actions.– Confused Drivers.– Congested Area.– Pedestrians / Bicycles / Skateboarders.– Complex Traffic Control Systems.

RLS Intersections - Crossing Procedure

This procedure does not cover every situation in an intersection crossing, just the most common and may not be applicable in all situations. EVO must use “due regard” when crossing intersections. EVO should be aware of local policies for intersection crossing.

Intersection crossings is the most dangerous and deadly situation an EVO will face during an emergency response.

RLS Intersection - Crossing Procedure

Crossing on Green:– Slow Down– Take foot off accelerator– Cover Brake– Look in all directions– Be especially aware of oncoming

vehicles turning in front of your vehicle.– PROCEED WITH CAUTION

RLS Intersection - Crossing Procedure

Crossing on Red:

– Come to a complete STOP!– Establish eye contact with all drivers of other

vehicles.– Watch for pedestrians.– Proceed forward slowly, with CAUTION,

clearing EVERY LANE of traffic. Cover Brake!– Be especially aware of impatient drivers

behind front vehicles. They may not be aware of why traffic is waiting and try to cut around.

– BE AWARE OF OPEN LANES!– Use caution around trucks and buses.

RLS Intersection - Crossing Procedure

Crossing on Red:

If you are not able to clear traffic, what should you do?

Turn off your lights / siren and wait until the light has changed and proceed with traffic clearing the intersection and then resume emergency travel.

Emergency Driving

I “A” was on an emergency run transporting a young woman with a serious injury.

Before leaving her home, I told her husband which hospital we were going to.

As I approached a busy intersection and slowed to stop, I was struck from behind by her husband “B”.

I guess he was following to closely.

STOP

STOP

STOP

STOP

A AB B

Emergency Driving

What could the EVO have done to prevent this accident?

• Assure the family that the patient is being well cared for and that they need to drive slowly and carefully to the hospital.

• Make sure they know which hospital and how to get there.

• If you have a tailgater, slow down, increase your following distance.

• Check your mirrors every 3-5 sec to see the vehicle as it enters the blind spot.

• Notify police of tailgater.

STOP

STOP

STOP

STO

P

A AB B

“It is the duty of any driver entering an intersection, even with a green light, to make sure he can proceed safely. But, it is also the responsibility of the person driving the ambulance to enter the intersection in a safe & prudent manner”

RLS Intersections

RLS U Turns

RLS U Turns

Avoid if possible.

Consider using:

Parking lot

Circle around a block

RLS Convoys

Exposed to increased risk

RLS Convoys

• Emergency vehicles responding behind another is at an increased risk as other drivers don’t expect additional emergency vehicles.

• Do NOT accept police escorts.• If cant avoid an RLS convoy:

- Stay way back.

- Ensure lights and sirens are activated.

- Be prepared for other drivers to pull out.

- Cover brake.

RLS School Buses/

School Zones

RLS School Buses

You MUST stop for a school bus that is displaying it’s flashing lights. This includes when you are on a priority emergency call.

RLS School Zones

You MUST slow to posted school zone speeds for a school zone that is displaying it’s flashing lights. This includes when you are on a priority emergency call.

Notify dispatch of delay.

RLS Railroad Crossings

RLS Railroad Crossings

RLS Railroad Crossings

Never go around train crossing gates. This includes when you are on a priority emergency call. If you have to, notify dispatch and seek alternate route, or have another rig dispatched.

Exceptions:

- An on-duty uniformed police officer

- A representative of the railroad

Parking On Scenes

Parking On Scene

Parking On Scene

Parking at Motor Vehicle Collision– Use caution on approaching scene– Watch for other emergency vehicles &

personnel, debris, and power lines. – Protect ambulance, do not use it to

block scene unless necessary.– Wear your safety vests.– Plan your exit. Don’t get blocked in.

Parking On Scene

Parking at medical emergency– Use caution on approaching scene– Watch for other emergency vehicles &

personnel. – If NOT in travel lane – consider using

only vehicle 4-way flashers.– If parked in a travel lane – keep

emergency lights on.– Plan your exit. Don’t get blocked in.

Points to Remember

Be safe.Be prepared.Safety must be our number one goal.You cannot be a rescuer if you become a

victim.Your skills and commitment to the EMS

profession are valued.

Conclusion

In today’s traffic, the safe operation of an emergency vehicle is a challenge that becomes greater each year,

with the increases in new drivers, complex highway systems, and crowded city streets.

But these factors can not be an excuse

YOU WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS AS AN EVO!