Chapter 8 Maintenance

Objectives Identify the major mechanical components of a vehicle. Define the types of preventive maintenance. Discuss the characteristics of an emergency vehicle.

Case Study Negligence: Case study Review and discuss the case study.

Points to Ponder How might the operator be judged negligent in this situation? How might the organization also be found at fault?

Introduction

Points to Ponder How can you ensure that an emergency vehicle is in safe operating condition? Inspect the vehicle according to established procedures.

Points to Ponder Check that all scheduled maintenance has been performed. Check that all needed repairs has been made. If a vehicle is NOT in a safe operating condition, the operator has the responsibility to take the vehicle out of service until the problems have been fixed.

Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification

Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification

Points to Ponder Spend some time with the maintenance officer of your organization or local emergency service organizations. Discuss with them the problem areas you can cover in the lesson that will help do a better job in the organization.

Major Mechanical Systems Engine/drive train Cooling system Braking system

Major Mechanical Systems Engine/drive train Cooling system Braking system: Antilock braking system

Four Main Components to an ABS System Speed sensors Pump Valves Controller

Basic Principles to Braking Leverage Hydraulics Friction regulations

Major Mechanical Systems Engine/drive train Cooling system Braking system: Antilock braking system Drum brakes Disc brakes

Main Components of a Disc Brake Brake pads Caliper, which contains the piston Rotor, which is mounted to the hub

Major Mechanical Systems Engine/drive train Cooling system Braking system: Antilock braking system Drum brakes Disc brakes Air brakes Exhaust brakes

Brake Fade

Major Mechanical Systems Engine/drive train Cooling system Braking system Electrical system/auxiliary power Environmental control systems

Tires Treadwear Traction Temperature Tire pressure and loading

Tire Labels Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) Gross axle weight ratings (GAWR) Recommended tire pressure and load limit Understand tire pressure and load limits

Checking Tire Pressure Most tires may naturally lose air over time. Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pothole or other object, or if you strike the curb when parking. With radial tires, it is usually not possible to determine under inflation by visual inspection.

Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure Step 1: Locate the recommended tire pressure on the vehicle’s tire information placard, certification label, or in the owner’s manual. Step 2: Record the tire pressure of all tires.

Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure Step 3: If the tire pressure is too high in any of the tires, slowly release air by gently pressing on the tire valve stem with the edge of your tire gauge until you get to the correct pressure. Step 4: If the tire pressure is too low, note the difference between the measured tire pressure and the correct tire pressure. These “missing” pounds of pressure are what will need to be added.

Steps for Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure Step 5: Add the missing pounds of air pressure to each tire that is under inflated. Step 6: Check all the tires to make sure they have the same air pressure (except in cases in which the front and rear tires are supposed to have different amounts of pressure).

Tires Treadwear Traction Temperature Tire pressure and loading Balance and alignment Rotation

Tire Rotation

Tires Treadwear Traction Temperature Tire pressure and loading Balance and alignment Rotation Repair

Support Equipment Main and portable oxygen bottles Stretchers, cots, and patient handling equipment Portable, removable medical devices Durable and disposable medical items

Support Equipment Optional vehicle equipment such as battery charger, inverter, or auxiliary power unit Communications equipment Extrication and rescue equipment

Vehicle Inspection Systematic inspections

Vehicle Inspection Systematic inspections: Find and report problems that need to be fixed Keep track of preventive maintenance requirements Document the overall condition of the vehicle

Vehicle Inspection Systematic inspections Inspection methodology Importance of maintaining records Recommended inspection schedule Inspection types

Inspection Types Quick check Full check

Quick Check Inspect each item and place a check mark. Fix any problems found. Note that any starred (*) problems must be fixed before the vehicle is placed in service. Decide whether or not to place the vehicle in service and document the decision. Sign and date the checklist.

Checklist Format Vehicle diagram Inspection sequence

Points to Ponder Suppose a vehicle you have inspected has one cracked turn signal lens and a slow oil leak. Based on the organization guidelines and other circumstances, you may or may not place the vehicle in service. Before making your decision, you may want to talk to a supervisor and/or maintenance. How would you handle this situation?

Points to Ponder One organization might let a vehicle go on a run with a broken windshield wiper on a clear day; another organization might take the vehicle out of service. In either case, the problem should be documented and the repairs made as soon as possible.

Preparation To prepare for performing the Quick Check, you need to do three things: Arrange for another crew member to help check the lights. Place wheel chocks where they can be quickly retrieved if required. Get a blank checklist and fill out the administrative information.

Inspection Sequence Overall Appearance Operator Compartment Exterior: Operator’s side Exterior: Front (Continued)

Inspection Sequence Engine Compartment Exterior: Passenger’s Side Patient Compartment Exterior: Rear

Overall Appearance Check vehicle cleanliness. The overall appearance to the public as a professional organization is enhanced by a clean, well-maintained vehicle. Check general vehicle condition. Is the vehicle sitting level? Are there any puddles or other signs of visible fluid leaks? Are there any signs of new, unreported body damage?

Operator Compartment Check the vehicle log. The most recently completed Full Check and Quick Check checklists should be in the log, along with blank copies of the run report and a complete inventory list of installed equipment. Check for stowage of items. Be sure switches for lights and communication equipment are in the “off” position. Adjust the seat, seat belt, and side view mirrors.

Operator Compartment Release the hood latch. Turn the key to the ON position and check the fuel gauge. Routine refueling should occur when the fuel level is between 1/2 and 3/4 empty. Follow the organization’s procedures for refueling.

Exterior Walk-around: Operator’s Side Check left outside mirror bracket for general condition. Check left side window for general condition. Check left side of windshield and left wiper for general condition. Check the left front wheel and tire for general condition.

Exterior Walk-around: Operator’s Side Check the tire for a properly inflated appearance, but do not check tire pressure. Check left front fender for general condition. Check the pump panel and run the pump if equipped

Exterior Walk-around: Front Inspect front of vehicle and grill for general condition. Remove any obstructions to the grill, radiator, or lights. Visually check condition of headlights and turn signals. Visually check condition of emergency lights from the front.

Engine Compartment Open hood and visually check engine for signs of leaks. Visually check condition of belts. Visually check condition of battery(ies). Check levels of engine oil, windshield washer fluid, and cooling system.

Engine Compartment Check coolant level at overflow reservoir; do not remove radiator cap to check. Replenish fluids according to local organization’s requirements. Always replenish the engine oil when it is one quart low. Close the hood and ensure that it is latched.

Exterior Walk-around: Passenger’s Side Check right front fender for general condition. Check the right front wheel and tire for general condition. Check the tire for a properly inflated appearance, but do not check tire pressure. Check right side of windshield and right wiper for general condition.

Exterior Walk-around: Passenger’s Side Check right side window for general condition. Check right outside mirror bracket for general condition. Check right rear fender for general condition. Check the right rear wheel and tire for general condition.

Patient Compartment: Ambulances Open rear doors and visually check general condition of patient compartment. Check that all equipment is properly secured. Verify that no new equipment that may change vehicle weight has been added to patient compartment. Close rear doors and ensure that they are properly latched.

Exterior Walk-around: Rear Visually check the condition of emergency lights from the rear. Visually check the condition of rear lights and turn signals. Visually check the condition of external flood lights, if installed.

Exterior Walk-around: Rear Check the left rear fender for general condition. Check the left rear wheel and tire for general condition. Check the tire for a properly inflated appearance, but do not check tire pressure.

Conduct Operational Checks Start the vehicle and drive it outdoors. Check the communications equipment, following local procedures. Operate and have the other crew member check the emergency lights. Check the siren, following local procedures. Secure the communications and emergency equipment and return the vehicle to its parking space.

Points to Ponder Conduct and record a quick and full check on an emergency vehicle.

Negligence Related to Inspection Failing to inspect a vehicle thoroughly according to the organization’s requirements. Knowingly operating a vehicle with a problem that should have caused it to be taken out of service.

Maintenance Issues Refusing to drive an unsafe vehicle Operator responsibility for vehicle maintenance

Comprehensive Maintenance Programs Preventive maintenance: Routine Scheduled Crisis

Comprehensive Inspection and Maintenance Programs Uses information from regular inspections to identify maintenance that may be needed. Uses regular inspections, including those performed by the operator, which can provide an indication that maintenance is needed. Documents all inspections, work requests, and work completed. Remember: “If it’s not in writing, it did not happen.” Includes preventive maintenance.

Advantages of Preventive Maintenance It ensures safe, reliable vehicle operation. It reduces the total cost of repairs. It minimizes major equipment failure.

Operator Responsibilities for Maintenance Document any needed maintenance you find. Make sure needed maintenance has been completed before the vehicle is placed in service. Perform any maintenance for which the organization makes the driver responsible.

Performing Maintenance Work requests Vehicle maintenance logs

Vehicle Maintenance Logs Lists all maintenance needed and done, including routine maintenance and problems identified by inspections. Supports the preventive maintenance program. Documents that the vehicle has been properly maintained. Vehicle maintenance log pages are usually organized into binders and saved in an inspection file for use by a maintenance supervisor or manager.

Operator’s Responsibilities for Vehicle Repairs Document any needed repairs you find during an inspection or during a run. Make sure needed repairs have been completed before you place the vehicle in service. Make any repairs for which your organization makes you responsible.

Making Repairs

Decision Aid for Vehicle Malfunctions During a Run Is the driver trained and authorized to make the repair? Is a backup readily available? If operating outside the normal service area, the driver may need to coordinate with an organization based in that service area.

Decision Aid for Vehicle Malfunctions During a Run How quickly can the repair be made? Can the repair be made in less time than it takes for the backup to arrive? Can the vehicle’s electrical system meet the demands made on it during the repair?

Repairs You May Make on the Spot Change a flat tire Use duct tape to make temporary repairs to a broken radiator hose

Problems That May Allow the Driver to Drive the Vehicle Safely

Points to Ponder Find out some of the maintenance problems that would put an emergency vehicle out of service. Who decides that the emergency vehicle should be put out of service? Does every one in the organization know how to contact the supervisors if they are not present? Does the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) cover maintenance procedures?

Case Study Review and discuss the case study.

Case Study Recap How might the operator be judged negligent in this situation? Answer: The operator did not follow established procedures to make sure that the vehicle was in safe operating condition.

Case Study Recap How might the organization also be found at fault? Answer: For not having an effective system to inform the operator of problems and for not making repairs promptly

Summary The driver should inspect his/her vehicle to decide whether it is in safe operating condition. The driver may be found negligent for driving a vehicle that is not in safe operating condition. The driver should indicate that the vehicle is in safe operating condition. The driver should have a strategy for dealing with vehicle malfunctions during a run.

Summary The driver must know whether required maintenance has been performed. The driver must understand his/her organization’s maintenance program. The driver is responsible for documenting any needed repairs.