1. Chapter 8 Maintenance

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

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

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

5. Introduction

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

7. 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.

8. Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification

9. Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification

10. 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.

11. Major Mechanical Systems
Engine/drive train
Cooling system
Braking system

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

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

14. Basic Principles to Braking
Leverage
Hydraulics
Friction regulations

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

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

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

18. Brake Fade

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

20. Tires
Treadwear
Traction
Temperature
Tire pressure and loading

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

22. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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).

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

27. Tire Rotation

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

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

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

31. Vehicle Inspection
Systematic inspections

32. 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

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

34. Inspection Types
Quick check
Full check

35. 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.

36. Checklist Format
Vehicle diagram
Inspection sequence

37. 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?

38. 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.

39. 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.

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

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

42. 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?

43. 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.

44. 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.

45. 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.

46. 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

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. 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.

51. 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.

52. 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.

53. 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.

54. 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.

55. 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.

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

57. 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.

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

59. Comprehensive Maintenance Programs
Preventive maintenance:
Routine
Scheduled
Crisis

60. 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.

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

62. 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.

63. Performing Maintenance
Work requests
Vehicle maintenance logs

64. 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.

65. 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.

66. Making Repairs

67. 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.

68. 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?

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

70. Problems That May Allow the Driver to Drive the Vehicle Safely

71. 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?

72. Case Study
Review and discuss the case study.

73. 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.

74. 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

75. 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.

76. 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.