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Questions and Answers
What is a critical aspect of a crew member's responsibility?
What should a crew member do if they notice issues with the vehicle's 'four S's'?
What is a common indication of a pending problem with the vehicle?
What is a key aspect of regular vehicle inspections?
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What can affect the vehicle's ability to respond to a call?
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What is a common feature of modern emergency vehicles?
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What is a significant responsibility for emergency vehicle drivers?
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Who developed guidelines for emergency medical transport vehicles in the 1970s?
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What type of emergency vehicle has a modular body that can be transferred to a newer chassis?
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What is a feature of specialized emergency medical units?
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Why are spaces on an emergency vehicle designed for storing and securing equipment?
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Who influences the list of supplies and equipment carried on emergency vehicles?
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What improvement has been made to emergency vehicles?
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Study Notes
Emergency Vehicle Technology
- Modern emergency vehicles are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including defibrillators, monitors, and GPS systems.
- These vehicles are also equipped with data recording systems that track speed, braking, and other movements.
- Patient loading systems with stretchers and mobile data terminals are also common features.
Driver Responsibility
- Driving an emergency vehicle is a significant responsibility, requiring awareness of safety for the crew, passengers, and other vehicles on the road.
- Activating lights and sirens does not guarantee right-of-way or understanding from other drivers.
Vehicle Design and Standards
- The US General Services Administration (GSA) developed guidelines for emergency medical transport vehicles in the 1970s.
- The GSA guidelines are reviewed and updated every 5 years and are used by many states to qualify for government grant funding.
- Two specifications, NFPA and CAAS, are being considered as replacements to the GSA guidelines.
Major Emergency Medical Vehicle Designs
- Type 1: Conventional truck cab chassis with a modular body that can be transferred to a newer chassis.
- Type 2: Standard van with a modular body that allows for movement between the front and back.
- Type 3: Specialty van with a modular body that allows for movement between the front and back and can be transferred to a new chassis.
Improvements and Specialized Units
- Improvements made to emergency vehicles include enlargement of the patient compartment, safety nets, and padded corners.
- Specialized units, such as mobile stroke units and pediatric mobile intensive units, are staffed by specialized teams and equipped with advanced technology.
Equipment and Supplies
- 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 that the unit is capable of responding to a call and that the proper equipment and supplies are available.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
- Crew members are responsible for checking and maintaining equipment and supplies before each call.
- Regular inspections should include checking fuel, oil, and other fluid levels, as well as belts, tires, and interior and exterior lights.
- Any issues with the vehicle's "four S's" (starting, steering, stopping, and staying running) should prompt the operator to put the vehicle out of service.
Warning Signs of Pending Problems
- Belt noise, brake fade, brake pull, and loss of fluid can indicate pending problems with the vehicle.
- Drifting, steering pull, pulsating brake pedals, steering play, tire squeal, wheel wobble, and other issues can affect the vehicle's ability to respond to a call.
Emergency Vehicle Technology
- Modern emergency vehicles are equipped with advanced technology, including defibrillators, monitors, and GPS systems, to provide efficient emergency services.
- Data recording systems track speed, braking, and other movements, enabling data-driven improvements.
Driver Responsibility
- Driving an emergency vehicle requires awareness of safety for the crew, passengers, and other vehicles on the road, as activating lights and sirens does not guarantee right-of-way.
Vehicle Design and Standards
- The US General Services Administration (GSA) developed guidelines for emergency medical transport vehicles in the 1970s, which are reviewed and updated every 5 years.
- The GSA guidelines are used by many states to qualify for government grant funding, with NFPA and CAAS specifications being considered as replacements.
Major Emergency Medical Vehicle Designs
- Type 1 design features a conventional truck cab chassis with a modular body that can be transferred to a newer chassis.
- Type 2 design features a standard van with a modular body that allows for movement between the front and back.
- Type 3 design features a specialty van with a modular body that allows for movement between the front and back and can be transferred to a new chassis.
Improvements and Specialized Units
- Improvements to emergency vehicles include enlarging the patient compartment, adding safety nets, and padding corners.
- Specialized units, such as mobile stroke units and pediatric mobile intensive units, are staffed by specialized teams and equipped with advanced technology.
Equipment and Supplies
- 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.
Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance
- Crew members are responsible for checking and maintaining equipment and supplies before each call.
- Regular inspections should include checking fuel, oil, and other fluid levels, as well as belts, tires, and interior and exterior lights.
- Any issues with the vehicle's "four S's" (starting, steering, stopping, and staying running) should prompt the operator to put the vehicle out of service.
Warning Signs of Pending Problems
- Belt noise, brake fade, brake pull, and loss of fluid can indicate pending problems with the vehicle.
- Issues like drifting, steering pull, pulsating brake pedals, steering play, tire squeal, wheel wobble, and others can affect the vehicle's ability to respond to a call.
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Description
Learn about the advanced technology used in emergency vehicles, including GPS and data recording systems, and the importance of driver responsibility in ensuring safety.
