chapter 5 emergency vehicle characteristics and driving

Lindsey/Patrick Emergency Vehicle Operations© 2007 by Pearson Education, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ

Chapter 5Emergency Vehicle

Characteristics and Driving


Objectives

Define the different types of emergency vehicles.Describe the operations of an emergency vehicle.Discuss the characteristics of an emergency vehicle.Describe how to avoid vehicle crashes.Discuss the different type of road surfaces.Describe how to correct various types of situations you may encounter while driving an emergency vehicle.


Case Study

On August 19, 2001, a 52-year-old male volunteer firefighter (the victim) died after he lost control of the tanker truck he was driving when the right front tire ruptured, resulting in a blowout. The road on which the truck was traveling is an interstate highway and is comprised of two eastbound and two westbound lanes. The surface of the highway is constructed of a large, coarse, bituminous material.


Case Study

The highway had fog edge lines, rumble strips, and paved shoulders, and it was straight and level in the area of the collision. The road had a posted speed limit of 65 mph for cars and 55 mph for trucks. Weather conditions on the day of the incident were clear and the highway was dry. The truck struck a large boulder and tree, entrapping the victim in the cab. He was extricated from the truck, and the Medical Examiner pronounced him dead at the scene.


Introduction


Emergency Medical, Fire, and Specialty Apparatus

Ambulance Types

Fire Apparatus


Ambulance Type I


Ambulance Type II


Ambulance Type III


Tanker


Pumper


Brush Truck


Snorkel


Quint


Aerial


Color Schemes


Operation

Size


Points to Ponder

What other problems can the size of the emergency vehicle cause?

In your area, what are some specific places where there is a need to exercise extra caution because of the size of the emergency vehicle?


Operation

Size

Weight

Weight restrictions


Points to Ponder

Locate the gross weight information and the payload information on each of your organization’s vehicles. Identify if the weight creates issue for any of the roadways in your jurisdiction.


Points to Ponder

What are the weight/patient restrictions with only the ambulance operator and an EMT as crew?


Operation

Size

Weight

Weight restrictions

Visibility


Following Distance

Speed Safety Cushion Distance Traveled Distance required to stop (*)

40 mph 4 seconds 240 feet 210 feet

50 mph 4 seconds 320 feet 340 feet (**)

60 mph 5 seconds 400 feet 340 feet


Reasons Drivers Do Not Yield

Emergency vehicle drivers outrun the siren’s effectiveness.

Field of view is blocked.

Direction of the sound of the siren is misinterpreted.

Hearing impaired driver.


Reasons Drivers Do Not Yield

Inattentive driver (loud music, cellular phone, kids, or stress).

The rate of closure by emergency vehicle driver is too fast and doesn’t allow the civilian driver to perceive the presence of the emergency vehicle.


Rate of Closure

Space Management

Speed Management


Speed Management

Two Rules:

Emergency vehicles must not be driven in excess of the posted speed limits regardless of any traffic law exemption.

Emergency vehicles must not exceed cautionary speeds.


Steering

Use both hands on the steering wheel. Exceptions include operating another device on the vehicle, such as shifting, or turning on the windshield wipers. Keep arms inside the vehicle. Do not engage in other activities, such as drinking, eating, or smoking. Maintaining hands in the “2” and “10” position.


Braking and Stopping


Proper Procedure ABS

On vehicles equipped with air brakes, the brake pedal should be initially firmly pressed. The driver must ease up as the braking continues, and ease the pressure on the brake pedal just before stopping to avoid a jerking motion.



It is important to recognize that continuous braking over a period of time builds up a tremendous amount of heat.



On vehicles equipped with a secondary braking system, apply the system in accordance with the directions of the manufacturer. Recognizing that some applications of secondary braking systems can cause a reduction in tire traction.



In areas where there is a high probability of braking, passing through an intersection, or traveling against traffic, the driver should place his/her foot over (cover) the brake pedal. This action will reduce reaction time.


Backing Up

Park as to minimize the need for backing. Give audible notice. Use a spotter.Understand hand signals and audible signals.Use side mirrors. Check the front corners.Maintain speed control.


Lane Changing

Plan ahead

Signal intention

Practice space management

Change lanes smoothly


Lane Changing

Principles which need to be followed but are often ignored or violated: – Always signal before changing lanes.


Turning

Principles which need to be followed but are often ignored or violated: – Always signal before turning. – Whenever possible, turn from one proper lane

into another proper lane.


Passing

Starting Speed Passing Distance Visibility Distance

30 mph 450 ft 900 ft

35 mph 525 ft 1,050 ft

45 mph 675 ft 1,350 ft

55 mph 825 ft 1,650 ft

60 mph 900 ft 1,800 ft


Steps for Passing

Check traffic both ahead and behind.

Check sides and double check blind spots.

Signal before initiating the pass.

Accelerate while changing lanes.


Steps for Passing

Signal before returning to the driving lane.

Check mirror before returning to the driving lane.

Cancel directional signal and resume cruising speed.


Negotiating Intersections

Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling very fast, etc). Observe traffic in all four directions: left, right, front, and back.

Slow down and cover the brake pedal with the foot.



Change the siren cadence not less than 200 ft from the intersection.

Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic, if at all possible.



Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic.

Scan the intersection for possible hazards as well as driver options.



Begin to slow down well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the driver’s foot .

Change the siren cadence not less than 200 ft from the intersection.



Scan the intersection for possible passing options. (Pass on right, left, wait, etc.)

Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic, if at all possible.

Come to a complete stop.



Establish eye contact with the other vehicle drivers; have partner communicate all is clear; reconfirm all other vehicles are stopped.

Proceed one lane of traffic at a time. Treat each lane as a separate intersection.


Crash Avoidance

Identify escape route.

Brake smoothly and firmly.

Accelerate smoothly and rapidly.

Steer to avoid a head-on impact.


Road Construction And Engineering

Road surfaces:

Asphalt

Concrete

Dirt/Gravel


Transitions Between Surface Types


Road Conditions

Bumps

Mud

Potholes


Potholes

Release the brakes just as you get to the pothole. If you hit a pothole with the brakes on, the front tire can actually stop as you cross the leading edge of the pothole. By the time you get to the other side, the wheel is no longer turning, and the impact can tear the tire apart.


Potholes

Hit the pothole squarely, rather than on the side of the tire. The face of the tire can take considerably more impact than the sidewall.


Instead of Swerving

If it is a small object, hit the object head-on.

Do not cause a larger collision by swerving into another lane or oncoming traffic.

If it is a large animal or object, maintain control of the vehicle and attempt to avoid a head-on collision.


Road Conditions

Bumps

Mud

Potholes

Animals, Tree Limbs, and Miscellaneous Objects

Bridges and ramps

Curves

Banking

Posted speed limits

Crown

Water drainage

Roadside engineering


Driving Skills That Influence the Quality of the Ride

Adverse effects on patients when riding in an ambulance

Adverse effects on passengers riding in an ambulance


How Driving Skills Influence the Quality of the Ride

Suspension System

Cornering

Braking


Reaction Time

4-5-12 Rule


4-5-12 Rule

Maintain a 4-second interval between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead for speeds below 40 mph.

Increase the following distance to 5 seconds when speeds get above 40 mph to allow for increased stopping distances at higher speeds.

(Continued)


4-5-12 Rule

Give yourself a 12-second visual lead time. In other words, look ahead for possible hazards and alternate paths of travel should an emergency arise.

Use your 12-second visual lead time to constantly make speed and position adjustments. Simplify your choices as much as possible. Don’t tackle more hazards than you absolutely have to.


How Driving Skills Influence the Quality of the Ride

Suspension system

Cornering

Braking

Reaction time

Accelerating

Speed


Points to Ponder

If two emergency vehicles are going down the same road, one at 55 mph and one at 35 mph, which one do you think is providing the smoother ride?


Points to Ponder

If two emergency vehicles are going down the same road, one at 55 mph and one at 35 mph, which one do you think is providing the smoother ride?

Answer: The one at 35 mph.


Operator, the Machine, and the Environment

The machine, or emergency vehicle, is the most reliable and is responsible for only one percent of crashes.The environment is constantly changing and is responsible for approximately ten percent of the crashes.That leaves the driver. The driver is responsible for a large percent of emergency vehicle crashes. The driver is also responsible for the successful merging of the three-part relationship.


Operations

Preventable collisions

Defensive driving

Maintaining a safety cushion


Points to Ponder

What do you think we mean when we say “maintaining a safety cushion”?


Points to Ponder

What do you think we mean when we say “maintaining a safety cushion”?

Answer: The driver positions his/her vehicle in relation to other vehicles and possible hazards so that the driver has a cushion of empty space completely surrounding the emergency vehicle.


Operations

Preventable collisions

Defensive driving

Maintaining a safety cushion

Tailgaters

Multiple responding units

Communication


Precrash Planning

First, keep the doors locked.

Second, always wear your seat belt.

Third, good housecleaning habits also can prevent serious injury.


Basic Maneuvers

Braking and stopping


Basic Maneuvers

Braking and stopping– Avoid staring at the front of the vehicle while

braking.– Check the conditions to the rear to avoid

being hit from behind.– Check conditions to the side in an effort to

find an escape route.– Search 12 seconds ahead to see if the

conditions, which forced your braking actions, have changed.


Basic Maneuvers


Making lane changes


Changing Lanes for Passing on Multilane Highways

Check other lanes for problems and a clear path.Check your mirrors to find an opening in the adjacent lane.Signal intentions by having the signal lever in the “on” position for at least three seconds before changing lanes.Check blind spots by making a quick glance over your shoulder in the direction the vehicle is to travel.


Changing Lanes for Passing on Multilane Highways

Slightly turn the wheel for a smooth, gradual, accurate movement.Control speed with a slight increase in speed, if required.Time vehicle arrival into the adjacent lane to avoid interfering with other traffic.


Basic Maneuvers


Making lane changes

Passing


Passing

Two-lane roads

Stopped traffic


Basic Maneuvers


Making lane changes

Passing

Backing


Straight Line Backing

Position your body so that you can properly use the side view mirrors.Position both hands on the wheel at nine and three o’clock.Make sure that you have a clear view to the rear.Begin to accelerate slowly.Keep hand movement on the steering wheel to a minimum.


Turning While Backing

Position your body so that you can properly use the side view mirrors.

Position both hands on the wheel, at nine and three o’clock.

Frequently check the front corners of the vehicle—remember that, as you turn, it is the front end that moves sideways.


Turning While Backing

Begin to accelerate slowly.

Turn the steering wheel while maintaining firm control, always keeping your hands on the wheel.

Maintain speed control; in close quarters, creep the vehicle.


Basic Maneuvers


Making lane changes

Passing

Backing

Parking


Perpendicular Parking

Use a ground guide.Position the vehicle two to three feet from the parked vehicles on the right.Stop the vehicle when the driver’s body appears to be lined up with the center of the parking space.



Select a 45-degree target—use the left corner post blind spot of the windshield as a target guide.Creep forward while rapidly turning the steering wheels—check for traffic. Aim for the 45-degree target. Set the tires straight.Shift into reverse.



Line your vehicle up with the space and, looking over your right shoulder, aim the vehicle for the space.

Back to the rear pivot point.

Creep backward and turn the steering wheel.



Get the vehicle straight in the space.

Creep backward and straighten the wheels.

Back to the rear parking line.


Angle Parking

Before parking, check the side view mirrors and check the parking space.

Position the vehicle at least six to eight feet away from the side of the parked vehicles.

See the center of the space without your line of sight curving across the parking line.


Angle Parking

Creep forward and turn the wheel.

Line up with target in center of space.

Straighten the wheels.

Stop at front parking line.


Backing Out of Angle Parking

Use a ground guide.

Back slowly.

Check the traffic as you back up.

Check all corners of the vehicle.


Backing Out of Angle Parking

Clear the fender of the car on the left, then turn the steering wheel hard.

Straighten the wheels.

Shift to drive and move forward.


Basic Maneuvers


Making lane changes

Passing

Backing

Parking

Turning


U-Turn

Slow the vehicle.

Pull to the extreme right of lane or onto the shoulder.

Check traffic in both directions.

Signal your intent to turn.

Turn steering wheel hard in the direction of the turn.


U-Turn

When traffic is clear in both directions, move forward and complete the turn as quickly as possible. Do not accelerate until after the turn is completed.And if the turn cannot be completed in one motion, back only as far as necessary for completion of the turnabout.To turn around by using the right side of the roadway or by backing into a driveway requires a two-lane roadway.


Back Around

Use a two-lane roadway.

Use the same method as backing into a perpendicular parking space.

Check roadway for traffic before and during the maneuver.

Avoid driving head-in into a driveway, as this reduces maneuverability when exiting the driveway.


Basic Maneuvers


Making lane changes

Passing

Backing

Parking

Turning

Urban driving

Rural driving

Two-lane highway driving

Highway/interstate driving


Rural Driving

Be alert for loose livestock and pets.Be alert for bicyclists, school buses, and children waiting for buses.At the higher speeds of driving in rural areas, drivers may have their windows up and the radio on and will not be able to hear the siren until you are close to them.Be alert for slow-moving vehicles, such as tractors, farm equipment, trucks, horses, and buggies.


Vehicle Recovery Techniques

Running off the road

Responding to vehicle malfunction

Tire blowout

Brake failure

Steering failure

Stuck accelerator

Released hood


Running Off the Road

Initial reaction

Control

Pulling back onto the road


Techniques for Pulling Off the Road

Planning

Braking

Parking


Case Study Recap

NIOSH investigators concluded that, to minimize the risk of similar occurrences as noted in the case study, fire departments should:– Develop comprehensive apparatus maintenance

programs in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and instructions that include regularly scheduled inspections, documentation, and procedures for removing apparatus out of service until major defects are repaired.

– Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) on the use of seat belts in all emergency vehicles.

– Ensure all drivers of fire department vehicles receive driver training at least twice a year.

chapter 5 emergency vehicle characteristics and driving

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