RPI AMBULANCEEmergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

Originally compiled by C. Moraru, Completed by M. O’Keefe, 11/2010Last Updated by M. O’Donnell, 11/2011

Class Overview

• Class Introduction• General Knowledge• The Vehicle • Safety Cushion• City Driving• Highway Driving• Emergency Operations• Other Considerations• Ending Remarks• Written exam

Class Topics

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

2

Class Introduction

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Attendant Class 3

RPI AmbulanceEmergency Vehicle Defensive

Driver Class

Class Introduction

• “DO NO HARM”

• This class is designed to improve knowledge and skills for emergency and non-emergency driving

• Class consists of theoretical part, followed by a written examination

• This is not a boring lecture – participation encouraged!

An Introduction

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

4

General Knowledge

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Attendant Class 5

RPI AmbulanceEmergency Vehicle Defensive

Driver Class

General Knowledge

• What is Defensive Driving?• What role do emotions play while driving normally? • What about emergency driving?• Responding to emergency – remember NYS Laws and RPIA

SOPs.

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

6

Driving

General Knowledge

• Reaction time – Average is ¾ second. Yours?• What may influence reaction time?• What role do emotions play while driving? What about

emergency driving?• Total stopping distance =

– Perception Distance +– Reaction Distance +– Braking Distance +– Brake Lag distance (air brakes)

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

7

Reaction Time

General Knowledge

• Speed limits on roads may not apply to larger vehicles (i.e. ramp speeds)

• Try to eliminate confusion to other vehicles (use of turn signals, no sudden braking)

• Drive with “Due Regard” for the safety of others.

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

8

Key Points

General Knowledge

• “Scan” the road ahead of you for potential hazards– 12-15 seconds ( ~1 block in city or ¼ mile on highway).– Cars pulling out, pedestrians, etc.– Watch for brake lights 2-3 cars ahead.

• Reversing the Vehicle – check all mirrors first, be aware of surroundings, use a spotter.

• Parking on scene – Don’t block traffic if possible

• What is most dangerous about driving an emergency vehicle?

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

9

Key Points

The Emergency Vehicle

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Attendant Class 10

RPI AmbulanceEmergency Vehicle Defensive

Driver Class

The Emergency Vehicle

• Refer to driver presentation for details of the actual vehicle

• Locations of blind spots – left, right and behind

• Adjust mirrors to reduce blind spots • Check mirrors every 3-5 seconds• Can you eliminate blind spots 100%?• Perform vehicle inspection at start of shift and after calls• Make sure you inspect exterior, engine, patient area and driver

area• Longer braking distance, larger blind spots and larger overall

size

5939

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

11

Driving Situations

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Attendant Class 12

RPI AmbulanceEmergency Vehicle Defensive

Driver Class

City Driving• What hazards might you face if you

were to:– Drive straight– Turn right

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

13

Highway Driving• What may some of the challenges be

when driving on a highway?• Looking at the picture on the right –

who’s fault would it be if the accident would occur?

• What would you say to the ambulance driver if he/she said that the “fool in car C pulled right in front of me. I couldn’t do anything to avoid him and we collided” ?

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

14

Emergency Driving• How should you proceed in

this situation if:– Going straight– Turning right

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

15

Other Considerations• Potential hazards around the hospital emergency bays

– Personnel and families walking around– Other vehicles– Low ceilings

• “Avoid backing whenever possible”• If backing, use a spotter• Hydroplaning – can happen over 30 mph!• SLOW DOWN!

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

16

Closing Remarks• Potential hazards are all around• Minimize all possible issues by:

– Using common sense– Driving slowly and carefully

• Next step: Written Exam

Updated 10/2011 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class

17