MetroAtlantaAnnual Driver Training Education

ObjectivesPolicy and Procedures Drive CamCEVO Review Cell Phone UseEmergency Procedures Laws Pertaining to EMSSpecial Considerations

Policy and ProceduresRestraint systems

• Use of seatbelts are required for all occupants.

• Pediatric patients must be placed in the ACR/pedi mate when practical.

• All patients should be transported on the stretcher for safety.

• If transporting 2 patients, seat belted on bench seat or in the captain’s chair is acceptable.

• Patients should not be ambulating. Do not allow a patient to ambulate to, or into the back of the ambulance. Always pull the stretcher out.

• 5 point harness is required for all patient transports.

• Policy 107.05 describes the expectations of Safety Restraint use.

Policy and ProceduresGeneral and Non Emergent Driving

• It is policy of MetroAtlanta to prevent and avoid damages or injuries caused by improper operation of a company vehicle. Each driver is expected to drive the vehicle in a safe and non-negligent manner.

• Each employee must abide by all federal, state and local laws, rules and guidelines regarding vehicle operations.

• Employees not driving or involved in patient care are required to occupy the front passenger seat while the vehicle is in motion. The passenger is expected to assist clearing of intersections, navigating to post and calls, and operating electronics so the driver is able to maintain SAFE control of the vehicle.

• No company vehicle shall be operated beyond the posted speed limit with the exception of an Emergency Response.

Policy and ProceduresEmergency Driving

• It is the sole responsibility of the driver to ensure the safe execution of a maneuver that would normally be illegal under normal circumstances.

• Headlights, all warning lights and sirens shall be utilized at all times when driving emergent.

• A COMPLETE STOP is required at all intersections before proceeding through a red light or stop sign. Only proceed through the intersection when it is safe for you and the public to do so.

• Clear intersections one lane at a time.

• NEVER operate the vehicle at a speed of greater than 15 mph over the posted speed limit.

• Always utilize the far left lane when driving emergent.

• Avoid passing motorist on the right while responding emergent to a call or during an emergent transport. If this must occur, slow and use due regard.

Policy and ProceduresEmergent Driving cont’d

• When approaching an intersection with all lanes blocked, turn off emergency lights and sirens and wait for the intersection to clear. Advise dispatch of the situation and continue emergent as soon as the situation allows.

• The center turn lane(suicide lane) is NOT a lane of travel.

• When entering the “suicide lane” or on coming traffic, you MUST NOT exceed 15 mph.

• NO cell phone use from the driver AT ANY TIME or passenger when responding emergently.

• NO TEXTING AND DRIVING

ANYTIME !!!!!!

Co-Driving

• Co-driving is a concept that the MAAS passenger actively participates in the safe navigation/operation of the vehicle.

• Co-driving shall be used anytime the vehicle is in motion and the partner is seated in the front passenger seat.

• Co-driver responsibilities include but are not limited to: navigation, scanning for hazards, clearing all intersections, spot the driver when backing, be mindful of the vehicle clearance spot when heights are questionable, avoid operating handheld devices.

Policy and ProceduresVehicle contacts

• Advise dispatch immediately. Advise dispatch you have been in a MVC, give your exact location, status of crew members and of other injuries and damage involved.

• If capable, safely exit your vehicle and render aid to the injured parties.

• Make no statements to anyone on the scene concerning fault, including the police officers.

• All crew members must complete an incident report before the end of shift.

• Only discuss the details of the collision with a MetroAtlanta supervisor and Police department.

• Mandatory drug screens are required if there is a vehicle contact.

• Please make yourself familiar with policy 107.15 for specific detail on preventable and non preventable accidents.

Policy and ProceduresVehicle contacts cont’d

• Collision- An occurrence in which there is contact between a company owned or leased vehicle and that of a moving or fixed object.

• Incident- An occurrence that involves a company owned or leased vehicle that is not defined as a collision.

• Preventability- Did I do everything reasonable to avoid the collision, including driving defensively?

• Rear/backing collisions– It is policy to utilize a spotter for any instance in which backing is necessary. It is the

responsibility for the spotter to stand approximately 10 feet behind the vehicle with am/fm radio off and windows down. If the driver loses sight of the spotter, stop immediately.

– If a spotter/backer is not available, make sure you walk around the vehicle and make sure your path is clear. If patient care allows, encourage patient tech to look out windows for any obstructions to the vehicle path.

Vehicle Fueling –Safety PrecautionsThe American Petroleum Institute recommends the following to “Stay Safe at the Pump”

• Turn off your vehicle engine. Put your vehicle in park and/or set the emergency brake. Disable or turn off any auxiliary sources of ignition. (required by Georgia Law)

• Do not smoke, light matches or lighters while refueling at the pump.

• Use only the refueling latch provided on the diesel dispenser nozzle. Never jam the refueling latch on the nozzle open.

• In the unlikely event a static-caused fire occurs when refueling, leave the nozzle in the fill pipe and back away from the vehicle. Notify the station attendant immediately.

Take a few extra seconds and verify you have selected the correct fuel type! We have both Diesel and Gas vehicles so know what you are driving! Don’t go on the pump color!

Yes,

this is the correct one for diesel vehicles! PLEASE Shut Engine Off Prior to Pumping

Vehicle Fueling –Safety Precautions

• Do not over-fill or top-off your vehicle tank, which can cause fuel spillage.

• Keep diesel fuel away from your eyes and skin; it may cause irritation. Remove fuel-soaked clothing immediately.

• Consider using disposable gloves when fueling to protect skin and minimize contact

• In the event a fuel spill occurs immediately shut off the pump and notify your supervisor

• The unit must be attended at the fueling side at all times while pump is activated.

Vehicle Fueling –Safety Precautions

• Don’t Panic! Stay Calm….

• Under no circumstances are you to start the engine or drive the unit…..

• Contact your supervisor immediately!

• Note how many gallons you accidently pumped

• Be honest, it will save us both a lot of headache

• If you fail to take the appropriate actions you may be responsible for portions of the repair cost.

What to do in the event you put the wrong fuel type in the unit?

What happens if the wrong fuel type is put into the unit?

• The unit will need to be towed to the shop • The tank will need to be cleaned out • But the good news: The engine will not be

damaged and a fraction of replacing the engine. • In the Mercedes it cost a minimum of $11,000

dollars if we run the engine on the wrong fuel. • In the Ford it could completely destroy the engine

at a minimum cost of $13,000.

• Lock your vehicle when unattended • Turn your vehicle ignition OFF prior to fueling • Stand by your vehicle when fueling • Maintain proper fuel levels • Please verify the type of fuel prior to activating pump and

pumping • In the event you pump the wrong type of fuel do not start

the unit and immediately notify your supervisor • Notify supervisor should you have any issues or questions• Do not poison your vehicle by using the wrong fuel!

Review of Fueling Safety

CEVO REVIEW

Vehicle Inspection

• Properly check your truck at the beginning of your shift and after every call. After every call make sure all equipment is accounted for, stored properly, and there is no new damage noted to unit.

Cushion of safety

• Check side mirrors every 3-5

seconds.

• Make sure you have a 4 second following distance.

• ALWAYS HAVE AN OUT!

CEVO REVIEW

On the Road• Make sure mirrors are properly

adjusted.

• Ambulances have larger blind spots.

• Leaning forward in your seat allows for a better view.

• Always scan 12-15 seconds ahead in the city.

• Always scan ¼ mile ahead on the highway.

• Always follow the 4 second following rule in ideal conditions.

Special Considerations

• When making a left hand turn, always wait with your wheels straight.

• Hydroplaning can occur at speeds less than 30 mph.

• Slow your speeds depending on weather conditions.

BACKING

BACKING

BACKING

CEVO REVIEW

Backing• Always use a spotter when backing.

• The spotter is responsible for the back and passenger side of the ambulance, therefore, position yourself on the side that will provide the best vantage point to avoid a collision with anything approximately 10 feet behind the ambulance.

• As a driver, if you lose sight of the spotter, STOP!

• If possible, back into the drive way or a less traveled roadway as it reduces the amount of backing without a spotter.

Backing

• When backing, roll the windows down, turn off the am/fm radio and agree on hand signals with the spotter.

• If there is not a spotter available, make sure you complete a walk around looking for obstacles.

• Make sure you look up as well to verify there are no overhead obstructions ( signs, overhangs, etc..) that might impact the vehicle.

CEVO REVIEW

Emergency Driving

• Always attempt to maintain the left lane when responding emergent.

• NEVER utilize the suicide lane as a path of travel.

• Cover your brake when approaching a green light.

• Travel less than 15 mph if you must enter the center turn lane or oncoming traffic.

Emergency Driving

• Never tailgate a vehicle because they will not move over.

• MOST IMPORTANTLY- Always drive with due regard and with the safety of yourself, your passengers and the community in mind.

341(remember this number)

Cell Phone Use

• No cell phone use when operating a MetroAtlanta vehicle, or with any patient contact. This includes while stopped at a red light or stop sign.

• When responding emergency, neither crew member should be on the phone or texting.

• Our job requires the utmost focus and prudence to make sure we arrive to the call and/or facility safely.

• Policy 101.32 clearly lays out the expectation for cell phone use.

Ambulance vs. Passenger vehicle

An Ambulance is wider, taller, and longer than a passenger vehicle

The stopping distance for an Ambulance can be significantly longer compared to a passenger vehicle (weight & mass)

The ambulance is less stable at higher speeds (height & weight)

The ambulance has greater clearance challenges than a passenger vehicle (height, width, and length)

The ambulance is not a “high performance” vehicle; rather, it is either a van or light duty truck modified and equipped to treat and transport

people.

Ambulance vs. Passenger vehicleTake away points

Turns with an ambulance require greater space

Ambulance braking will be extended, allow for extra stopping distance

As speed increases, be cautious of wind conditions and vehicle stability issues

Be aware of clearance issues associated with a larger vehicle

Drive Cam

• Drive cam is not your enemy, it is there for your safety. You can limit the Drive cam from recording by following the laws, policies and safe vehicle operation practices.

• Management is aware that the camera will be activated at times and would prefer a hard brake instead of running a red light or a hard brake to avoid a collision.

• Drive cam can also protect you if there is an impact and you were driving to Metro Atlanta standards and policies.

• Activate Drive cam if an event occurs that needs to be recorded/documented that did not set the camera off. This could be a mirror slap, sideswipe vehicle contact, or a violent or unruly patient encounter.

Special ConsiderationsSchool Zones

• Non emergent- When the school zone warning lights are flashing you must proceed at or below the posted school zone speed limit.

• Emergency- When the school zone warning lights are flashing you must proceed at or below the posted school zone speed limit.

Special ConsiderationsSchool Bus Stops

• Non emergent- Never pass a school bus that is boarding or off loading children with warning signals in use.

• Emergent- Never pass a school bus that is boarding or off loading children until the bus driver accounts for all children and turns off warning signals. Turn off lights & siren until cleared to proceed by the bus driver.

• When meeting a school bus that is boarding or off loading and there is a median, you are not required to stop. BE CAUTIOUS! Many drivers are not sure of proper procedures and may stop.

In most cases, all drivers are required to stop when meeting or overtaking a stopped school bus that has its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended when loading or unloading passengers. The only exception to this rule is when highways are separated in the center by a dirt, grass or concrete median. In this situation, only vehicles following or traveling alongside a school bus in the same direction must stop.

A warning that a bus stop is about to take place will always be given with the flashing amber lights on the front and rear of the school bus. Upon seeing these flashing amber lights, vehicles approaching the school bus from both the front and rear should immediately slow down and prepare to stop. All drivers must pay special attention to children, be focused and exercise caution when in the vicinity of a school bus stop, as student riders can sometimes be unpredictable. Once the bus is fully stopped, the flashing red lights will activate and the stop arm will deploy. Vehicles must stop and should remain stopped until all loading students are aboard in the morning or all unloading passengers have cleared 12 feet off the roadway in the afternoon. Motorists should proceed with caution, only after passengers have cleared the roadway, the stop arm is cancelled and the flashing red lights are deactivated.

Sharing the Road with School Buses

Basically if there’s not a median you need to stop

Special ConsiderationsTrain Track Crossing

• If the railroad warning systems are activated,

DO NOT CROSS!

• If the railroad warning system is not activated, lower cab windows down completely, slow down look and listen.

• If there is not a warning system, roll windows down and look and listen. Slow speed considerably!

Laws pertaining to EMSEmergency Driving

Specific Exemptions

• Proceeding down the wrong way on a one way street: – You must be prudent and aware of the surroundings. – Extreme caution is required. Never travel above 15mph when in oncoming traffic lanes.

• Proceeding through a red light or intersection:– You MUST come to a complete stop and assure traffic has stopped. – You must clear the intersection lane by lane.– You do not HAVE permission, you REQUEST permission.

• Parking in a no parking zone:– You must be on an emergency call and the warning lights must remain flashing.

• Proceeding no more than 15 mph over the speed limit when in the emergency mode– MetroAtlanta has a speed cap of 76 mph. Do not exceed 76 mph regardless of the posted

speed limit.

YOU MUST USE DUE REGARD!!!!

Georgia Law and Emergency vehicles

• When responding to an emergency call, the State of Georgia authorizes the emergency vehicle operator to do a series of things including, but not limited to: park in otherwise restricted areas, proceed past stop signs and red lights, exceed the speed limit, etc.

• However, Georgia Law mandates “the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons”.

• Failure to adhere to the “due regard” provision will place the Emergency Vehicle Operator in violation of the law; with all of its consequences.

• 2010 Georgia CodeTITLE 40 - MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFICCHAPTER 6 - UNIFORM RULES OF THE ROADARTICLE 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS§ 40-6-6 - Authorized emergency vehicles

• O.C.G.A. 40-6-6 (2010)40-6-6. Authorized emergency vehicles

(a) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, when in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, or when responding to but not upon returning from a fire alarm, may exercise the privileges set forth in this Code section.

(b) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle may:

(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;

(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;

(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; and

(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.

(c) The exceptions granted by this Code section to an authorized emergency vehicle shall apply only when such vehicle is making use of an audible signal and use of a flashing or revolving red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of such vehicle, except that a vehicle belonging to a federal, state, or local law enforcement agency and operated as such shall be making use of an audible signal and a flashing or revolving blue light with the same visibility to the front of the vehicle.(d)(1) The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons.

(2) When a law enforcement officer in a law enforcement vehicle is pursuing a fleeing suspect in another vehicle and the fleeing suspect damages any property or injures or kills any person during the pursuit, the law enforcement officer's pursuit shall not be the proximate cause or a contributing proximate cause of the damage, injury, or death caused by the fleeing suspect unless the law enforcement officer acted with reckless disregard for proper law enforcement procedures in the officer's decision to initiate or continue the pursuit. Where such reckless disregard exists, the pursuit may be found to constitute a proximate cause of the damage, injury, or death caused by the fleeing suspect, but the existence of such reckless disregard shall not in and of itself establish causation.

(3) The provisions of this subsection shall apply only to issues of causation and duty and shall not affect the existence or absence of immunity which shall be determined as otherwise provided by law.

(4) Claims arising out of this subsection which are brought against local government entities, their officers, agents, servants, attorneys, and employees shall be subject to the procedures and limitations contained in Chapter 92 of Title 36.

(e) It shall be unlawful for any person to operate an authorized emergency vehicle with flashing lights other than as authorized by subsection (c) of this Code section.