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What should emergency response vehicles try to avoid when travelling to incidents?
What should emergency response vehicles try to avoid when travelling to incidents?
Ambulances should position themselves behind the incident when arriving at the scene.
Ambulances should position themselves behind the incident when arriving at the scene.
False
What should crews perform when arriving on the scene of an incident?
What should crews perform when arriving on the scene of an incident?
Risk assessment
If the first emergency vehicle is arriving at an unprotected scene on the hard shoulder, how far should it stop before the incident?
If the first emergency vehicle is arriving at an unprotected scene on the hard shoulder, how far should it stop before the incident?
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When should police or Highways England vehicles be parked at the rear of the scene?
When should police or Highways England vehicles be parked at the rear of the scene?
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In fever cases of emergencies on motorways, it is advisable to provide a situation report to control detailing your exact _______.
In fever cases of emergencies on motorways, it is advisable to provide a situation report to control detailing your exact _______.
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Drivers should not stop at the scene of an incident if they are operating non-emergency vehicles.
Drivers should not stop at the scene of an incident if they are operating non-emergency vehicles.
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What should be activated when parking at the scene of any emergency?
What should be activated when parking at the scene of any emergency?
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Which term is NOT recommended when referring to lanes on the carriageway?
Which term is NOT recommended when referring to lanes on the carriageway?
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When rejoining traffic after attending an incident, your rear blue lights should remain _______.
When rejoining traffic after attending an incident, your rear blue lights should remain _______.
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What may dictate the need for an ambulance to have a police escort?
What may dictate the need for an ambulance to have a police escort?
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Why is personal protective equipment essential when attending incidents on a multi-lane carriageway?
Why is personal protective equipment essential when attending incidents on a multi-lane carriageway?
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What is 'scene preservation' and why is it important?
What is 'scene preservation' and why is it important?
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Which lanes should be used when approaching an incident on a motorway or dual carriageway in flowing traffic?
Which lanes should be used when approaching an incident on a motorway or dual carriageway in flowing traffic?
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What precautions should be taken when approaching an incident on a motorway or dual carriageway by driving on the hard shoulder?
What precautions should be taken when approaching an incident on a motorway or dual carriageway by driving on the hard shoulder?
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Explain the dangers of using sirens when responding in slow moving traffic on the hard shoulder of a motorway.
Explain the dangers of using sirens when responding in slow moving traffic on the hard shoulder of a motorway.
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Why should a number of emergency vehicles responding to a single incident avoid travelling in a convoy?
Why should a number of emergency vehicles responding to a single incident avoid travelling in a convoy?
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Where is the correct place to park at an incident on a motorway or dual carriageway that is already being attended by another emergency service?
Where is the correct place to park at an incident on a motorway or dual carriageway that is already being attended by another emergency service?
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What are 'fend-off', 'fend-in' and 'in-line' parking positions and when would you use them?
What are 'fend-off', 'fend-in' and 'in-line' parking positions and when would you use them?
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What information should be relayed to control in a SITREP?
What information should be relayed to control in a SITREP?
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What information should be relayed to control in subsequent SITREPs?
What information should be relayed to control in subsequent SITREPs?
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Describe the procedure for leaving the scene of an incident on a motorway or dual carriageway, if the path ahead of you is clear.
Describe the procedure for leaving the scene of an incident on a motorway or dual carriageway, if the path ahead of you is clear.
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What procedure should you follow if you come across an incident while driving a vehicle that is not fitted with emergency warning equipment?
What procedure should you follow if you come across an incident while driving a vehicle that is not fitted with emergency warning equipment?
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In what circumstances might you request a police escort?
In what circumstances might you request a police escort?
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An ambulance solo responder can provide an escort for another emergency ambulance vehicle in some circumstances.
An ambulance solo responder can provide an escort for another emergency ambulance vehicle in some circumstances.
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Which of the following are traffic management measures used on smart motorways? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are traffic management measures used on smart motorways? (Select all that apply)
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Emergency response on smart motorways initially prefers flowing traffic to approach incidents.
Emergency response on smart motorways initially prefers flowing traffic to approach incidents.
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What do the red 'X' signals indicate on a smart motorway?
What do the red 'X' signals indicate on a smart motorway?
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The _______ is responsible for enhancing traffic management at an incident scene.
The _______ is responsible for enhancing traffic management at an incident scene.
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How is reverse access utilized on smart motorways?
How is reverse access utilized on smart motorways?
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Match the types of closures on smart motorways with their purposes:
Match the types of closures on smart motorways with their purposes:
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What is one factor that affects fuel consumption on fast-moving roads?
What is one factor that affects fuel consumption on fast-moving roads?
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Which lane on a traditional three-lane motorway is closest to the hard shoulder?
Which lane on a traditional three-lane motorway is closest to the hard shoulder?
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Motorway collisions are more likely to be fatal due to high speeds involved.
Motorway collisions are more likely to be fatal due to high speeds involved.
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What is the primary hazard associated with the absence of a hard shoulder on some motorways?
What is the primary hazard associated with the absence of a hard shoulder on some motorways?
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The nearside lane is lane ______ on a motorway.
The nearside lane is lane ______ on a motorway.
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What should drivers aim to do when driving at higher speeds?
What should drivers aim to do when driving at higher speeds?
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The hard shoulder is intended for emergency use only.
The hard shoulder is intended for emergency use only.
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What should you do before moving off the hard shoulder?
What should you do before moving off the hard shoulder?
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Stopping on the hard shoulder is _____ for both occupants of the stationary vehicle and other motorway users.
Stopping on the hard shoulder is _____ for both occupants of the stationary vehicle and other motorway users.
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What should you be extra vigilant for when using the hard shoulder on smart motorways?
What should you be extra vigilant for when using the hard shoulder on smart motorways?
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When is the hard shoulder allowed to be used for overtaking?
When is the hard shoulder allowed to be used for overtaking?
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What factors increase human risks when driving on motorways?
What factors increase human risks when driving on motorways?
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Which of the following are features of motorways? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are features of motorways? (Select all that apply)
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The speed limit on motorways is 80 mph.
The speed limit on motorways is 80 mph.
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On a multi-lane carriageway, slow-moving vehicles should be watched for at ______.
On a multi-lane carriageway, slow-moving vehicles should be watched for at ______.
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What should a driver do when joining a motorway?
What should a driver do when joining a motorway?
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Which of the following is NOT a requirement during a breakdown on a motorway?
Which of the following is NOT a requirement during a breakdown on a motorway?
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Always stop on the opposite carriageway to an incident.
Always stop on the opposite carriageway to an incident.
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What safety equipment must be worn when approaching a road traffic incident?
What safety equipment must be worn when approaching a road traffic incident?
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Which of the following are types of smart motorways? (Select all that apply)
Which of the following are types of smart motorways? (Select all that apply)
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Match the following actions with their appropriate context when driving on motorways:
Match the following actions with their appropriate context when driving on motorways:
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Study Notes
Attending Incidents
- Convoy Travel: Emergency vehicles should avoid traveling in convoys as it can be difficult for other road users identify the number of approaching vehicles.
- Parking: Ambulances are typically positioned in front of an incident, allowing for safe loading of casualties and a quick exit.
- Scene Protection: Ambulances should park in a safe area that does not obstruct traffic or access to the scene.
- Visual Warnings: Blue lights and flashing headlights should be turned off when parked in a safe area to avoid distracting other drivers.
- Hard Shoulder Incidents: When arriving on the hard shoulder, the ambulance should stop 50 meters before the incident, turn the front wheels towards the nearside (unless a barrier is present, then turn the wheels outwards), and switch off forward-facing blue lights and flashing headlights.
- Main Carriageway Incidents: Parking procedures for incidents on the main carriageway vary depending on local ambulance service policies, but they can include fend-off, fend-in, and in-line parking positions.
- In-line Positioning: The ambulance is parked parallel to the running lanes of a carriageway to allow for optimal visibility of rear-facing lights and markings.
- Fend-in Positioning: The ambulance is angled towards the nearside in the direction of passing traffic, blocking the lane and acting as a visual reinforcement of the cone taper.
- Fend-off Positioning: The ambulance is angled towards the carriageway in the direction of passing traffic, blocking the lane and acting as a visual reinforcement of the cone taper.
- General Guidelines: An ambulance should park 50 meters before the incident, turning the front wheels in a safe direction, and activating all rear-facing visual warnings (blue lights, rear-flashing red lights, sidelights, fog lights, and hazard lights).
- Lane Positioning: An ambulance should position itself within the lane of the incident without encroaching into adjacent lanes.
- Leaving the Scene: When leaving an incident, the ambulance should proceed straight in the lane or on the hard shoulder until enough speed has built up to match traffic conditions before changing lanes.
- Urban and Rural Roads: When attending any incident, remember that crew and vehicle safety must be paramount. Parking should facilitate safe egress and minimize the danger caused by passing vehicles.
- Parking Considerations: Parking should consider patient loading and the potential for deploying ramps or tail lifts, and the use of warning lights should be appropriate to the density of potential hazards.
- Solo Responders: Solo responders should carefully consider parking positions, especially in residential areas, ensuring accessibility and safety for both the responder and the patient.
- Situation Reports (SITREPs): The first emergency vehicle on scene should provide a SITREP to control, detailing the exact location, direction of travel, number and types of vehicles involved, the number of casualties, and whether further assistance is required.
- SITREP Information: The SITREP should include: location (using a marker post or driver location sign), direction of travel, the number and types of vehicles involved, which lanes of the carriageway are involved, and whether any hazardous loads are involved.
- Subsequent SITREPs: Subsequent SITREPs should include: number of casualties, types of injuries sustained, any requests for additional vehicles, requests for an air ambulance, assistance needed from other agencies, and notification to hospitals.
- Police Escorts: A police escort may be requested for an ambulance, usually approved by ambulance control, if a smooth, slow, and uninterrupted journey is vital or to reduce journey time, but should only be used if police resources are available and deemed necessary.
- Police Escort Procedure: A police escort typically consists of three motorcycles: one in front maintaining speed, one on the offside, and one blocking traffic at the next hazard.
### Smart Motorways
- Smart motorways utilize various traffic management tools
- Variable mandatory speed limits (VMSLs) with enforcement
- Driver information through gantry signs and signals
- Motorway service areas (MSAs) and other roadside facilities
- Emergency roadside telephones (ERTs)
- Gantries with variable message signs (VMS) and signals
- Motorway Incident Detection and Automatic Signalling (MIDAS) system
- Access for emergency vehicles
- Emergency response in normal traffic flow
- Red 'X lane' closure signals
- Activated by the Regional Control Centre (RCC)
- Establishes access lane before incident scene
- Lane 1 for nearside lanes and Lane 4 for offside lanes
- Reverse access
- Tactical option when normal flow access is problematic
- Emergency vehicles report to a rendezvous point (RVP) at the reverse flow access point
- Scene management
- Responsibility of police or traffic officers for scene safety
- Fire service responsible if police/traffic officers aren't present
- Lane closures and VMS/signal changes communicated to RCC by responders
- Highways England's role is to enhance traffic management
- Devolved nations have own organisations supporting police in traffic management
- Scene management involves using signs and signals, temporary traffic management, and interventions on the approach to the incident
Driving on Multi-Lane Carriageways
- Focus on road safety with added risks compared to regular roads
- High speeds require more attention to avoid accidents
- Motorway collisions are more likely to be fatal due to higher speeds
Fast-Moving Multi-Lane Roads
- Similar hazards to motorways including junctions, roundabouts, and slow-moving vehicles
- Dual carriageways have added hazards like no hard shoulder
Motorway Features
- Slip roads: for entering and exiting motorways, not always present on other multi-lane carriageways
- Hard shoulders: potential danger depending on location
- Absence of hard shoulders: could cause stranded vehicles on the carriageway or vehicles pulling into or out of emergency areas
- Legal restrictions: determine which types of vehicles can use motorways, including lane restrictions and speed limits
Lane Numbering System
- Used by police and emergency services to identify lanes on motorways and multi-lane carriageways
- Nearside lane: Lane 1
- Next lane: Lane 2, and so on
- Hard shoulder: Not counted as a carriageway lane
Using the Hard Shoulder
- The hard shoulder is not a lane, but a shoulder
- It's used as a safe place to stop in an emergency
Assessing Speed and Distance
- Difficult to assess accurately in a fast-moving environment
- Drive within your capabilities and develop experience gradually
Driving Competence
- Develop skills before moving on to higher speeds
- Planning is crucial to safely address hazards on the road
- Steady development of skills and experience is key to safe driving
Fuel Efficiency
- Smooth acceleration and braking reduce fuel consumption
- High speeds lead to higher fuel usage
Hard Shoulder Use on Motorways
- The hard shoulder on a traditional motorway is for emergency use only.
- Drivers should only use it in accordance with the Highway Code and professional guidelines.
- Stopping on the hard shoulder is dangerous due to the risk of collision.
- Never use the hard shoulder for overtaking unless responding to an emergency.
- On smart motorways, the hard shoulder may be used as a running lane (ALR motorways).
- When using the hard shoulder on an ALR motorway, be extra vigilant for stationary vehicles in live lanes and vehicles pulling into or out of emergency areas.
- When driving on the hard shoulder or in an emergency area, be aware of loose gravel and debris that could reduce grip.
- Before leaving the hard shoulder or emergency area, observe traffic approaching from behind and choose a safe moment to move off.
- When leaving the hard shoulder, build up speed to match vehicles in lane 1 before moving into the carriageway.
Human Factors and Motorway Driving
- Motorway driving presents unique challenges, increasing human factor risks.
- Tiredness or boredom during long journeys can lead to reduced concentration.
- Frustration from stop-and-go traffic can also negatively impact focus.
- Complacency in low-density traffic can make drivers less alert to potential hazards.
- Driver behavior while entering or exiting motorways from service stations or slip roads can pose a risk.
Motorway Features and Considerations
- Motorways have specific features, some of which apply to multi-lane carriageways.
- Slip roads are used for entering and exiting motorways.
- Hard shoulders (or their absence) create specific hazards.
- Legal restrictions exist on which types of vehicles can use motorways, and designated speed limits apply.
- Junctions are always numbered.
- Signs are always blue.
- Right-hand lanes are for overtaking.
- Entering and exiting a motorway almost always involves a slip road.
- Speed limit is 70 mph (unless otherwise indicated).
- Hard shoulder is available for emergencies.
- Overhead gantries provide information and traffic control.
Multi-lane Carriageway Hazards
- Junctions to the right and left present risks.
- Roundabouts require careful navigation.
- Slow-moving vehicles can disrupt traffic flow.
- Hard shoulder may be unavailable, and pedestrians or cyclists could be present.
Carriageway Layout
- Hard shoulder provides a safe area for stopped vehicles.
- Overhead gantry displays information and signals.
- Slip road provides access to and from the motorway.
- Central reservation separates opposing lanes of traffic.
- Hazard line marks the beginning of a hazardous area.
- Lane markings guide drivers to stay within their lanes.
- Reflective road studs provide visibility at night.
Joining the Carriageway
- Observe traffic speed and density before entering.
- Choose an entrance point and signal right.
- Adjust speed based on the chosen entrance point.
- Check mirrors and perform a shoulder check.
- Avoid driving over solid white lines or chevron road markings.
- Access the carriageway in the left lane.
While on the Carriageway
- Allow time to adjust to traffic speed and volume.
- Look ahead and behind, scanning frequently.
- Use mirrors regularly to be aware of traffic behind.
- Understand and anticipate other drivers' blind spots.
- Adjust your position for improved visibility.
- Monitor vehicle instruments, speed, and potential engine or road noise.
- Anticipate and plan maneuvers early to achieve a safe following distance.
- Use all controls smoothly, especially at high speeds.
- Signal before making any maneuvers.
- Only use headlights to warn of presence in emergencies.
- Maintain good lane discipline.
- Overtake on the right, except when traffic is queued or slower to the right.
Breakdown Procedures
-
Multi-lane carriageway:
- Go left to the verge, lay-by, or hard shoulder.
- Exit the vehicle by the side furthest from traffic, wearing high-visibility clothing.
- Place a warning triangle 45 meters behind the vehicle.
- Call for assistance using a mobile phone.
- Consider using hazard warning lights.
-
Motorway:
- Go left to the hard shoulder or emergency refuge area.
- Exit the vehicle by the side furthest from traffic, wearing high-visibility clothing.
- Do not place a warning triangle.
- Call for assistance using the emergency telephone provided.
- Consider using hazard warning lights.
Overtaking
- Avoid overtaking before an acceleration lane.
- Avoid forming a third line of vehicles abreast.
- Leave a one-lane gap when overtaking large vehicles.
- Be aware of other drivers' blind spots.
- Look for early signs that a driver might overtake:
- Head and body movements.
- Vehicles moving toward lane lines.
- Closing the gap to the vehicle in front.
Approaching Carriageway Junctions
- Plan early for vehicles potentially leaving or joining the carriageway.
- Consider adjusting speed or changing lanes safely.
- Look for early clues that traffic may be joining.
Leaving the Carriageway
- Avoid braking in lane 1 unless traffic dictates.
- Use acceleration lane 1 to avoid heavy braking in the exit slip road if traffic is light.
- Be alert for sharp bends at the end of slip roads.
- Watch for drivers leaving from lanes 2 or 3 at the last minute.
- In queuing traffic, beware of vehicles using the hard shoulder to extend the slip road.
- The first exit direction sign is the recommended starting point.
- If the carriageway is busy, enter lane 1 sooner rather than later.
- By the half-mile direction sign, you should be in lane 1.
- At the 300-yard countdown marker, check mirrors and signal if necessary.
Having Left the Carriageway
- Check your speedometer regularly.
- 30 mph will feel much slower after being on a high-speed road.
Smart Motorways
- Assist drivers: Provide information and traffic management.
- Promote safer driving: Manage traffic flow and reduce collisions.
- Promote more economic driving: Enable smoother, more efficient journeys.
-
Types:
- Controlled: Variable speed limits and lane closures.
- All lane running: Hard shoulder becomes a driving lane during peak times.
- Hard shoulder running (dynamic): Hard shoulder can be used as a driving lane when needed.
- Gantries: Located every 800-1000 meters and display signals above each lane.
Road Traffic Incidents
- Serious or fatal RTCs are crime scenes, but responders must still prioritize patient care.
-
Minimum PPE:
- High-visibility clothing (fastened).
- Hard hat.
Approaching the Incident
- Traffic moving: Use only visual warnings.
- Traffic stationary: Use audible and visual warnings, and be cautious of passengers exiting vehicles.
Vehicle Positioning at an Incident
-
If responding to an incident on a main carriageway, park in a safe, visible position, such as:
- In-line: Park 50 meters behind the incident, with wheels facing in (if no barrier), switch off forward-facing lights (where possible), use rear lights and hazard lights, keep rear doors closed, and walk behind the barrier if possible.
- Fend-off: Park 50 meters behind, using all rear visual devices, angled to afford maximum visibility of the back of the vehicle and high-visibility markings. If fending off one lane, park at a slight angle, avoiding intrusion into the adjacent lane. If fending off two lanes, angle the vehicle to obstruct both lanes without intruding into the clear one. Only return to the vehicle if absolutely necessary.
- Fend-in: Park 50 meters behind the incident, using all rear visual devices, positioned for maximum visibility of the rear of the vehicle and high-visibility markings.
-
Protected incident parking:
- If the scene is already protected by Highways, Fire, or Police.
- Park at the front of the incident within the coned-off area.
- Allow easy patient access and vehicle egress.
Motorway Collision
- When approaching an incident on the opposite carriageway, ALWAYS continue to the next junction and return on the correct carriageway.
- The ONLY exception is if directed by a uniformed police officer or Highways Agency Traffic Officer.
Safety
- Always wear PPE.
- Never stop on the opposite carriageway to an incident.
- Never drop off a crewmate to cross the carriageway to attend an incident.
General Safety Reminders
- Maintain lane discipline and a safe following distance at all times.
- Ensure sufficient fuel for the journey.
- Be alert, take active steps to prevent boredom and fatigue, and concentrate fully.
- Use mirrors often and give signals in plenty of time.
- Understand road markings, matrix signs, and gantry signs.
- Do not walk or reverse on the carriageway.
- Do not rubberneck but anticipate slowing traffic due to other drivers' curiosity about incidents.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the proper handling procedures for emergency vehicles at different incident scenes. This quiz covers crucial aspects such as convoy travel, parking strategies, and visual warnings to ensure safety and efficiency. Understand how to manage hard shoulder and main carriageway incidents effectively.
