Driver Class

1. Driver Class Rev: 26Sept2012

2. Driver Class • Introduction to the Position • Rules & Responsibilities • Duties of the Driver • Radio Communications • Ambulance Operations • Written Examination & Procedures for Advancement RPI Ambulance Driver Class

3. Introduction to the Position • Responsibilities • The person in charge of the safe operation of the ambulance. • In charge of transporting the patient and crew during an EMS call or during normal driving. • Qualifications to Begin Training • Hold the rank of RPI Ambulance Attendant • Hold a current Class D License (from any State). • Pass the Driver Exam RPI Ambulance Driver Class

4. Primary Responsibility • Safety • Your safety • The safety of the crew • The safety of the patient • The safety of others • You can not help the patient if you cause injury to yourself, or cause damage to the ambulance. RPI Ambulance Driver Class

5. General Responsibilities • “DO NO HARM” • Drive and operate the ambulance in a safe manner • Deliver crew and ambulance to scene safely • Assist the crew chief with moving the patient. • Transport patient and crew to the hospital while maintaining a suitable working platform for effective patient care. • Return the crew to quarters or another suitable drop-off point in a safe and professional manner. RPI Ambulance Driver Class

6. DrivingResponsibilities • Be knowledgeable of all buildings, facilities and access roads on the RPI Campus • Be able to navigate to the area hospitals • Samaritan, St. Mary’s, Albany Med, etc. • Be knowledgeable of local geography • Troy, Brunswick, North Greenbush, etc. • Be able to read a map and determine an efficient route to the scene under pressure • Mutual Aid call for Cardiac Arrest in North Greenbush RPI Ambulance Driver Class

7. Rules • Drive with “Due Regard” for the safety of others. • Use Priority I – “Lights and Sirens” when: • Dispatched to Bravo determinant or higher. • Advised by the crew chief. • Use Priority II – “Non-Emergency Mode” when: • Responding to MCIs, other standbys. • Normal driving. RPI Ambulance Driver Class

8. NYS Laws New York State Vehicle & Transportation (V&T) Laws May exceed the speed limit May travel against traffic on a one-way street May disregard traffic control devices May park where ever deemed necessary These exceptions only apply when in ‘emergency mode’ (both lights and sirens). RPI Ambulance Driver Class

9. RPI Ambulance Rules V&T SOP restrictions May exceed the speed limit by no greater than10 MPH. May travel against traffic on a one-way street at a speed no greater than 20 MPH. May disregard traffic control devices after coming to a stop at the intersection. May park where ever deemed necessary. These exceptions only apply when in ‘emergency mode’ (both lights and sirens) RPI Ambulance Driver Class

10. Rules andResponsibilities What do you do if? Always stop! Shut off the siren! Watch out for Children! You do not have the right of way! RPI Ambulance Driver Class

11. Duties During a Duty Crew Conduct a vehicle inspection and complete the vehicle checklist. Ensure that the ambulance is presentable and conducive to good patient care. Assist the crew chief with an equipment checklist and ensure that the ambulance is fully stocked. Notify the duty supervisor of any problems. Drive the crew where they need to go in a safe manner RPI Ambulance Driver Class

12. Duties During A Call Communicate with Dispatch. Ensure the safety of the crew, ambulance, and bystanders before getting into the driver’s seat. Verify all personnel are in secure positions before moving the ambulance. Drive to the scene in a safe and efficient manner at the appropriate response level. Park at the scene in a safe, easy to access location. Leave the vehicle running on high idle at all times while on scene. Use the secondary warning lights while parked on scene. RPI Ambulance Driver Class

13. Duties On Scene/At the Hospital Assist Crew Chief as needed on scene. At the hospital, turn off the ambulance and assist the crew in unloading and transferring the patient to the hospital bed. Move the ambulance out of the bay, if other bays are full. Clean and disinfect the ambulance as appropriate. Prepare stretcher for service. Restock the ambulance to comply with Part 800 as necessary. Obtain run times and number for the PCR from the Rensselaer County over the phone. RPI Ambulance Driver Class

14. Radio Types The “800” Communicate with Dispatch, Ambul. to Ambul. Portable Unit and Mobile Station in the ambulance Ambulance call sign, “5939” Driver call sign, “RPI Ambulance Car 6” • Agency Portables (155.220 MHz) • Vertex Standards, Motorola HT-750 • Amassing a day crew, event operations, training, etc. • Ambulance call sign, “A-39” • Personal call signs, “900” Numbers RPI Ambulance Driver Class

15. VHF Radios VHF Located in Driver and Patient compartments Has RPIA, DPS, other frequencies Crew Chief uses BLS 340 and BLS 400 to communicate with the hospital Statewide Tactical channel “715” (155.715) RPI Ambulance Driver Class

16. RPI Ambulance is dispatched on Channel 1 on RPI Ambulance’s Radios: Dispatcher: “Stand By RPI Ambulance” Tones Dispatcher: “RPI Ambulance for a <determinant> determinant EMS call for <Demographics> <Chief Complaint> at <Location>” Example: “ RPI Ambulance. Delta determinant EMS call for a seizure, RPI Crockett Hall, 72 Griswold Road. Cross Streets are Sage Ave and Bouton Road.” Dispatch RPI Ambulance Driver Class

17. Alpha: BLS Priority II Non-Emergency Bravo: BLS Priority I Emergency, Not Imminently life threatening Charlie: ALS & BLS Priority I Emergency, Possibly life threatening Delta: ALS & BLS Priority I Emergency, life threatening Echo: ALS & BLS Priority I (anyone with an AED) Cardiac or Respiratory Arrest/ Unknown life status Call Determinants RPI Ambulance Driver Class

18. Dispatch Communications Communicating With the Dispatcher Driver: “Dispatch, 5939.” Dispatch: “5939.” Driver: “5939 is <message>.” Message needs to be “Quick and Clear.” • “Optional” Communications • Acknowledging Call, Confirming Crew • Required Communications • En route • On scene • En route to hospital • Arrive at hospital • In Service • In Quarters RPI Ambulance Driver Class

19. Requesting ALS ALS: Call severity exceeds BLS Level Decision of Crew Chief Requesting ALS (800) “5939 Requesting ALS (from) for a (Pertinent Pt Info) (At scene, en route)” “5930 Requesting ALS intercept for 18 y/o male, traumatic fall, +LOC, Head/C-Spine Trauma, destination Albany Med, via 15th street, route 7, 787, Madison Ave, New Scotland” RPI Ambulance Driver Class

20. Requesting Mutual Aid Mutual Aid: Requesting help due to lack of ability to treat patient Equipment failure (A-39) Lack of Crew Requesting Mutual Aid (800) Driver: “Dispatch, 5939” Dispatch: “5939” Driver:“5939 (unable to confirm crew/Equipment failure), requesting mutual aid.” RPI Ambulance Driver Class

21. A Tour of A-39 “800” Emergency Lights VHF Radio Other Light Controls & Snow Chains Siren Control Clipboard & Maps RPI Ambulance Driver Class

22. Under The Hood RPI Ambulance Driver Class

23. Shore-Line Auto Ejector RPI Ambulance Driver Class

24. Ambulance Operations The Forester and the Office RPI Ambulance Driver Class

25. Operational Procedures Starting the Ambulance Headlights always on Backing the Ambulance/Spotter Which Hospital? What route? On campus driving considerations Boundaries Working with other agencies RPI Ambulance Driver Class

26. Maintenance Vehicle Checks (Rig Checks) Check lights, brakes, safety equipment, etc. Fluid checks Oil, Brake Fluid, Engine Coolant, Washer Fluid, Power Steering Fluid, Transmission Fluid, Diesel Fueling the Ambulance Washing the Ambulance RPI Ambulance Driver Class

27. Mutual Aid Mutual aid is called when an agency or area can’t send an ambulance or there are too many patients (MCI, MVA, etc.) Mechanical problems No crew available On another call RPI Ambulance is on the mutual aid list for Brunswick, North Greenbush and Troy RPI Ambulance has been called to support other regions during extreme weather RPI Ambulance Driver Class

28. Common Area Hospitals RPI Ambulance Driver Class

29. Rare Area Hospitals RPI Ambulance Driver Class

30. Other Situations Accidents With/without a Patient onboard While in Priority I mode Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) Equipment Failures RPI Ambulance Driver Class

31. Phone Numbers Instructor will give you the Following Phone Numbers: RPI Ambulance Duty Supervisor Rensselaer County Dispatch, “Rensco DPS” RPI Ambulance Driver Class

32. A Word of Warning Safety is Priority I Ambulances are the most dangerous vehicle on the road Accidents are always your fault Convey the Patient and crew safely to the destination RPI Ambulance Driver Class

33. Probationary Driver A. Hold a valid Driver’s License B. Be an Attendant C. Attend and pass the written exam for the RPIA Driver Training Class D. Complete the Driver Promotional Checklist E. Complete and submit copy of a Driver Equipment Checklist F. After completing requirements A, B and C, complete Driver Training with a Driver Trainer in the driver compartment of the Ambulance, showing proficiency in all necessary skills (driving, backing up, checklists, etc) and submit a Driver Evaluation Form (During this time you may be allowed complete requirement G) G. Drive 2 non-emergency calls with a Driver Trainer in the driver compartment of the Ambulance and submit Driver Evaluation Forms H. After completing both requirements F and G Drive 2 emergency calls with a Driver Trainer in the driver compartment and submit Driver Evaluation Forms. I. Pass the Driver Practical Exam and Cone Course J. Request and receive approval by the Training Committee to be promoted to Probationary Driver RPI Ambulance Driver Class

34. Full Driver A. Be a Probationary Driver B. Hold a CEVO/EVDD Certification C. Request and receive approval from the Training Committee as defined in SOPs to be promoted to Driver RPI Ambulance Driver Class

35. Written Examination & Procedures for Advancement RPI Ambulance Driver Class

36. The End. Go Out and Drive Some EMS Calls RPI Ambulance Driver Class