Drivers are expected to base their driving decisions in both emergent and non-emergent situations on due regard for the safety of others. Due regard means operating the vehicle with a level of care that a reasonably careful person, performing similar duties under similar circumstances, would use to prevent harm to others while balancing the urgency of the situation.

WALK AROUND:

Prior to moving an ambulance, the driver shall complete a walk around of the entire vehicle to assure that:

• All doors are securely closed (including compartment doors and hood).

• All shorelines are disconnected.

• No items have been set on the exterior of the vehicle.

This survey shall be completed each time a vehicle is to be driven.

SPEED:

When operating a vehicle during non-emergency conditions, the driver shall obey all posted speed limits.

During emergency operations, operators may exceed the posted speed limit on highways, freeways, and interstates, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of all road users. Exceeding the speed limit on residential streets or smaller surface streets is prohibited.

Tip: During emergency response/transport, we make up time by not having to wait in traffic, NOT by speeding.

If rain or snow is present, or if road surfaces are wet, slick, icy, or unpaved the following guidelines will apply:

• Posted speed will be maintained or reduced as needed.

• Drivers shall not exceed 25 MPH when tire chains have been deployed or 45 MPH when four-wheel-drive is in use.

BACKING:

When backing a vehicle, the driver shall utilize visual aids including the side view mirrors and backup camera.

The backup camera should not be solely relied upon for backing.

All personnel are expected to assist as a backer when available.

Drivers are expected to position their vehicle in such a fashion as to reduce the likelihood of needing to back up. Whenever possible, position the vehicle to drive straight forward.

Ambulance personnel shall not automatically disengage the rear audible alarm. Remember, the purpose of the alarm is to alert pedestrians and other drivers to a vehicle traveling in reverse. It is a safety measure and should be used as frequently as possible.

Ambulance operators shall activate visual warning devices and utilize the rear audible alarm until backing procedures have been safely completed.

APPROACH TO INTERSECTIONS:

Collisions most typically occur at intersections. During emergency response, the driver of the vehicle is expected to come to a complete stop at all controlled intersections (those that have a stop sign or red traffic signal). Before continuing through the intersection, the driver will assure that the right-of-way has been yielded. At intersections with multiple lanes, the driver will stop at each lane and ensure the right-of-way has been given before continuing through. A good rule of thumb is to make eye contact with the approaching vehicle's driver.

The siren tone should be changed to a “yelp” or “piercer” type tone when approaching intersections. This change in tone aids drivers in noticing your presence.

Drivers are encouraged to slow down, even come to a stop at all intersections until they can ensure the intersection is safe to proceed through. Just because you have the green light does not mean the intersection is safe to pass through.

As with any emergency response, both audible and visual warning devices shall be used at all times.

PASSING:

Whenever possible, passing should occur on the left. Frequently, collisions occur when an emergency vehicle attempts to pass on the right. Yielding to the emergency vehicle, the civilian driver pulls their vehicle to the right and into the path of emergency vehicle causing an avoidable collision.

If your only option is to pass on the right, remember to expect that people will pull to the right as they hear your audible warning devices. They hear you but they may not see you or realize your exact location of traffic. Approach slowly and allow for reaction time and pass cautiously.

If passing on the left requires crossing a double yellow line into oncoming traffic, slow down until you can assure the right-of-way has been granted by oncoming traffic.

Exercise extreme caution when approaching blind hills. Avoid passing until you have a clear line of vision of the road ahead.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANSES:

School Zones: Regardless of the type of response (emergency or non-emergency) it is expected that emergency vehicles will observe the posted school zone speed limit while traveling through the zone. Emergency lights and siren should be deactivated while traveling in school zones.

School Buses: If a school bus displaying its red flashing lights is encountered while responding emergent, the driver shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Do not, under any circumstances, pass a school bus displaying its red flashing lights until the driver of the bus has discontinued the red lights and signaled you to proceed. Siren use shall be discontinued while waiting for and passing school buses. Use extreme caution and keep an eye out for children.

Construction Zones: Exercise caution when responding through marked construction zones. Account for reaction time and give crews working the road a comfortable space.

Railroad crossings: At no time shall any member move a vehicle around a down crossing arm. When approaching uncontrolled crossings, the driver shall stop and look both ways to ensure there are no approaching trains.

DISTRACTIONS:

The driver of an emergency vehicle faces many potential distractions. Whenever possible, the driver should create an environment that allows them the ability to always have both hands on the steering wheel and both eyes on the road.

The driver of the vehicle shall avoid talking on the cell phone when the vehicle is in motion. If phone communication is required, it must be hands-free.

The “sterile cockpit” concept shall be utilized during all critical phases of operation. This means that potential distractions to the driver shall be eliminated during operation. Potential distractions include but are not limited to:

• Use of music radio

• Use of cell phone

• Eating/drinking

• Engaging in conversation

Critical Operations shall be defined as:

• During transport (Emergency and non-emergency)

• During emergency operation

At no time shall the operator of a vehicle engage in the act of text messaging or any other phone use that draws the focus away from the road.

USE OF VEHICLE RESTRAINTS:

Seatbelt use is mandatory for all iCare Ambulance team members.

Ambulance personnel and other emergency providers working in the patient compartment of the ambulance during transport are strongly encouraged to use available seat restraints whenever possible. It is understood that the available restraints may limit the ability to adequately treat the patient while in route to the hospital. An effort should be made to provide care with restraint in place. Don't automatically assume that you will be restrained from providing proper care to your patient.

The patient should be properly restrained to the pram using all available pram straps, including the chest harness. At times there may be a need to loosen or remove straps for the purpose of patient care. The strap should be replaced as soon as possible for the continued safety of the patient.

All family riders, regardless of their seating position, shall utilize seatbelts.

The driver is responsible for making sure that all occupants are restrained before placing their vehicle in motion.

No one under the age of 12 shall be placed in the front passenger seat of any vehicle equipped with a passenger-side airbag. Riders under the age of 12 shall be restrained appropriately in the patient compartment.

All loose equipment shall be secured or restrained while the vehicle is in motion.

SECURITY:

Vehicles shall not be left unattended (out of sight) while running, unless they can be locked.

Unattended vehicles shall be locked, including the patient compartment.