Emergency Vehicle Operations

Study Notes

Modern emergency vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including defibrillators, monitors, blood and oxygen testing equipment, ventilators, CPR devices, GPS systems, and data recorders.
Drivers of emergency vehicles have a tremendous responsibility to ensure the safety of themselves, their crew, patients, and other road users.
Activating lights and sirens does not guarantee that other drivers will yield or understand the emergency vehicle's presence.

The US General Services Administration developed specifications for emergency medical transport vehicles in the early 1970s, which are reviewed and updated every 5 years.
Many states have adopted these guidelines, which allow for government grant funding.
There are three major emergency medical vehicle designs:
- Type 1: Conventional truck cab chassis with a modular body that can be transferred to a newer chassis (remount).
- Type 2: Standard van with a modular body.
- Type 3: Specialty band with a modular body that can be transferred to a newer chassis (remount).
Heavy-duty vehicles are also used for rescue purposes.

Improvements to emergency vehicles include enlarged patient compartments, safety nets, and padded corners on cabinets.
Recommendations from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International) involve restraint devices and other safety features.
Specialized units include:
- Mobile stroke units, staffed by a nurse, paramedic, EMT, and physician, which can perform CT scans and blood tests.
- Pediatric mobile intensive care units, staffed by specialized teams with training in pediatrics and newborn care.

Every inch of space on an emergency vehicle is designed for storing and securing equipment.
Organizations such as OSHA and the American College of Surgeons influence the list of supplies and equipment carried on emergency vehicles.
Crew members are responsible for ensuring the unit is capable of responding to a call and that proper equipment and supplies are available.

Crew members must check, clean, and replace equipment and supplies after each use.
Medication expiration dates should be checked regularly, and diagnostic equipment should be tested or calibrated.
Pre-call checks should include:
- Fuel and oil levels
- Brake fluids and transmission fluids
- Belts and tires
- Interior and exterior lights and sirens
- Heating and air conditioning systems

Warning signs that indicate a problem with the vehicle include:
- Belt noise
- Brake fade or brake pull
- Drifting or steering pull
- Pulsating brake pedals
- Steering play
- Tire squeal
- Wheel wobble
Any issues with the "4 S's" (starting, steering, stopping, and staying running) should prompt the operator to put the vehicle out of service.

Modern emergency vehicles are equipped with advanced technology, including defibrillators, monitors, and GPS systems.
Emergency vehicle drivers have a huge responsibility to ensure safety of themselves, crew, patients, and other road users.

The US General Services Administration developed specifications for emergency medical transport vehicles in the 1970s, reviewed and updated every 5 years.
Many states have adopted these guidelines, allowing for government grant funding.
There are three major emergency medical vehicle designs: Type 1 (conventional truck cab), Type 2 (standard van), and Type 3 (specialty band).

Improvements to emergency vehicles include enlarged patient compartments, safety nets, and padded corners on cabinets.
Recommendations from SAE International involve restraint devices and other safety features.
Specialized units include mobile stroke units and pediatric mobile intensive care units, staffed by specialized teams.

Every inch of space on an emergency vehicle is designed for storing and securing equipment.
Organizations like OSHA and the American College of Surgeons influence the list of supplies and equipment carried on emergency vehicles.
Crew members are responsible for ensuring the unit is capable of responding to a call and that proper equipment and supplies are available.

Crew members must check, clean, and replace equipment and supplies after each use.
Medication expiration dates should be checked regularly, and diagnostic equipment should be tested or calibrated.
Pre-call checks should include fuel and oil levels, brake fluids, belts, tires, interior and exterior lights, and heating and air conditioning systems.

Warning signs that indicate a problem with the vehicle include belt noise, brake fade, drifting, pulsating brake pedals, steering play, tire squeal, and wheel wobble.
Any issues with the "4 S's" (starting, steering, stopping, and staying running) should prompt the operator to put the vehicle out of service.