Emergency Vehicle Driver Characteristics

Not everyone who drives an automobile is qualified to drive an emergency vehicle
Important characteristics to possess include:
- Being diligent and cautious
- Having a positive attitude about your ability
- Being aware of your tolerance of other drivers
- Physical fitness
- Emotional fitness
- Proper attitude and good judgment

Recognize when you are fatigued and place yourself out of service
Some services may have a "safety nap" or give you time away after a certain amount of calls

Remove distractions while driving
Never attempt to:
- Type on a computer or text
- Operate personal data devices
- Eat or drink
All passengers, including EMT personnel, should wear seat belts unless absolutely crucial for patient care
Children should not be transported on the stretcher unless properly restrained

There are two ways to control a vehicle: changing direction or changing speed
Both require continuous rolling contact between the surface of the tires and the surface of the road
Road surface conditions can affect grip and vehicle control
Evaluate the road surface, especially when cornering
Take corners at a speed that will put you in the proper road position
Use brakes to control the vehicle's movement and direction
Consider weather and road conditions when braking

A driver of an emergency vehicle should possess certain characteristics, including being diligent and cautious, having a positive attitude, being aware of tolerance of other drivers, and having physical and emotional fitness.
Good judgment and a proper attitude are also essential for an emergency vehicle driver.

Planning a route and navigation is crucial for emergency vehicle drivers.
Using detailed street and area maps helps in familiarizing oneself with roads and traffic patterns in the area.
Avoiding heavy traffic areas and knowing alternative routes is essential for safe driving.
Awareness of special facilities and locations in the area is also important.

Recognizing fatigue and taking necessary steps, such as taking a "safety nap" or time away, is crucial for emergency vehicle drivers.
Some services may have specific policies to combat fatigue.

Removing distractions while driving, such as typing or operating personal data devices, is essential.
Eating or drinking while driving is also prohibited.
All passengers, including EMT personnel, should wear seat belts unless absolutely necessary for patient care.
Children should not be transported on the stretcher unless properly restrained.

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for emergency vehicle drivers.
Scanning rearview and side mirrors to see what's behind you is essential.
Being aware of blind spots in the vehicle and using a convex mirror to assist is important.
Leaning forward to look at areas where blind spots exist is also necessary.

Backing up should be avoided whenever possible.
Using a spotter when backing up is essential.
Keeping the spotter in view and agreeing on hand signals before backing up is important.
Keeping the window cracked or rolled down to hear people warning you of dangers is also necessary.

Parking in a manner that allows for efficient traffic control and flow is essential.
Maintaining a safe area for yourself and others is crucial.
Blocking the movement of other emergency vehicles should be avoided.
Parking uphill and upwind in cases of smoke or hazardous materials is necessary.
Keeping warning lights activated when parking is also important.

Vehicle control involves changing direction or changing speed.
Continuous rolling contact between the tires and the road is necessary for vehicle control.
Road surface conditions can affect grip and vehicle control.
Evaluating the road surface, especially when cornering, is essential.
Taking corners at a speed that will put you in the proper road position is crucial.
Using brakes to control the vehicle's movement and direction is necessary.

Getting a feel for brake pressure through experience and practice is essential.
Control braking is used to control the vehicle's movement and direction.
Braking while traveling in a straight line is most efficient.
Braking while cornering can cause the vehicle to skid or spin.
Considering the weather and road conditions when braking is crucial.
Using anti-lock brakes correctly to dry the brakes after driving through water is necessary.
Avoiding traveling through standing water when possible is also important.