1. RPI AMBULANCE Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class Originally compiled by C. Moraru, Completed by M. OKeefe, 11/2010 Last Updated by M. ODonnell, 11/2011

2. Class Overview Class Introduction General Knowledge The Vehicle Safety Cushion City Driving Highway Driving Emergency Operations Other Considerations Ending Remarks Written exam Class Topics Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 2

3. Class Introduction Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Attendant Class3 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driver Class

4. Class Introduction DO NO HARM This class is designed to improve knowledge and skills for emergency and non-emergency driving Class consists of theoretical part, followed by a written examination This is not a boring lecture – participation encouraged! An Introduction Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 4

5. General Knowledge Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Attendant Class5 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driver Class

6. General Knowledge What is Defensive Driving? What role do emotions play while driving normally? What about emergency driving? Responding to emergency – remember NYS Laws and RPIA SOPs. Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 6 Driving

7. General Knowledge Reaction time – Average is ¾ second. Yours? What may influence reaction time? What role do emotions play while driving? What about emergency driving? Total stopping distance = –Perception Distance + –Reaction Distance + –Braking Distance + –Brake Lag distance (air brakes) Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 7 Reaction Time

8. General Knowledge Speed limits on roads may not apply to larger vehicles (i.e. ramp speeds) Try to eliminate confusion to other vehicles (use of turn signals, no sudden braking) Drive with Due Regard for the safety of others. Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 8 Key Points

9. General Knowledge Scan the road ahead of you for potential hazards –12-15 seconds ( ~1 block in city or ¼ mile on highway). –Cars pulling out, pedestrians, etc. –Watch for brake lights 2-3 cars ahead. Reversing the Vehicle – check all mirrors first, be aware of surroundings, use a spotter. Parking on scene – Dont block traffic if possible What is most dangerous about driving an emergency vehicle? Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 9 Key Points

10. The Emergency Vehicle Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Attendant Class10 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driver Class

11. The Emergency Vehicle Refer to driver presentation for details of the actual vehicle Locations of blind spots – left, right and behind Adjust mirrors to reduce blind spots Check mirrors every 3-5 seconds Can you eliminate blind spots 100%? Perform vehicle inspection at start of shift and after calls Make sure you inspect exterior, engine, patient area and driver area Longer braking distance, larger blind spots and larger overall size 5939 Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 11

12. Driving Situations Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Attendant Class12 RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driver Class

13. City Driving What hazards might you face if you were to: –Drive straight –Turn right Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 13

14. Highway Driving What may some of the challenges be when driving on a highway? Looking at the picture on the right – whos fault would it be if the accident would occur? What would you say to the ambulance driver if he/she said that the fool in car C pulled right in front of me. I couldnt do anything to avoid him and we collided ? Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 14

15. Emergency Driving How should you proceed in this situation if: –Going straight –Turning right Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 15

16. Other Considerations Potential hazards around the hospital emergency bays –Personnel and families walking around –Other vehicles –Low ceilings Avoid backing whenever possible If backing, use a spotter Hydroplaning – can happen over 30 mph! SLOW DOWN! Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 16

17. Closing Remarks Potential hazards are all around Minimize all possible issues by: –Using common sense –Driving slowly and carefully Next step: Written Exam Updated 10/2011RPI Ambulance Emergency Vehicle Defensive Driving Class 17