ST. MICHAEL'S RESCUE
Driver Training Program
RESCUE TRAINING MANUAL
AMBULANCE 1/AMBULANCE 2
I. PRELIMINARY QUALIFICATIONS:
Ambulances 1 and 2 (As specified in Rules and Regulations)
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II.
Be at least 18 and possess valid license.
Have at least 2 years driving experience.
Give copy of license to Driver Training Coordinator (DTC).
Be accepted by Department insurance.
Get approval of Driver Training Coordinator.
Attend Road Safety training.
At least CPR certified
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
A.
Responsibilities of the Driver
1.
Scheduled vehicle checkout
a.)
Check under the hood
1. Fluids: Check all fluids with the rig off. Check under
the rig for drips or leaks. With rig running, check
transmission fluid.
2. Belts: Check for tension, cracks, peeling & over-all
condition.
3. Batteries: Check for corrosion on terminals, tightness of
cables, correct color of indicator “eye” if equipped.
4. Loose parts: Anything loose or look out of place.
b.)
Check all lights for operation.
c.)
Check all equipment on truck for serviceability and
cleanliness.
1. Screws, Nuts and Bolts: In places such as door closures,
molding screws, door hinges, window brackets - these
loosen up over time and need to be tightened occasionally.
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2.) Oxygen & Air: Check levels of M-Tanks, gauges and
connections.
d.)
2.
Follow appropriate checkout (rig-check) sheet. This will
have the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.
After each use
Ensure that the vehicle is ready for the next response. Any
deficiencies should be corrected or reported to the Second
Lieutenant.
3.
4.
a.)
Log all movement of vehicle.
b.)
Make sure vehicle is clean (inside and out) and all
equipment is returned to its normal position.
c.)
Ensure all fans, lights, music radios, heaters, air
conditioners are turned off.
d.)
Plug in the vehicle. Make sure the battery charger is
functioning
Emergency operation
a.)
Shall come to a full stop when approaching a school bus
which is flashing red lights and may proceed only when
the flashing red lights are extinguished.
b.)
The exemptions granted to an authorized emergency
vehicle apply only when the vehicle is making use of
audible and visual signals meeting the requirements of
Title 23 VSA 1252. (see attached)
c.)
Yield right of way to any vehicle displaying a blue light.
d.)
The foregoing provisions shall not relieve the driver of an
authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with
due regard for the safety of all persons, nor shall such
provisions protect the driver from the consequences of
his/her disregard for the safety of others.
Emotional State and Driving
How you feel directly affects the way you drive. If you are down
and out you may drive with an uncaring attitude, anything that
happens around you will seem to not matter. If you are mad as hell
you may drive with a vengeance, taking unnecessary risks,
endangering your crew and other drivers. When you get behind
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the wheel of any vehicle you need to focus on the job at hand and
drive as external, rather than internal, conditions dictate.
5.
Public Perception
You are driving a large, bright, moving billboard. Anything you
do will be noticed. The writing on your billboard and the
appearance of the ambulance (clean) states that you are a
responsible, caring professional dedicated to protecting life and
property, people can trust you. Make sure you and your
passengers behave in this manner. Negative opinions are very easy
to form and take years to change.
6.
On-Scene Responsibilities
The driver is responsible for:
B.
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a.)
Positioning of the vehicle in a safe area so as to provide
safe access to equipment, lighting, etc. while obstructing
traffic as little as possible.
b.)
Delivering equipment to the scene as directed by command
or the crew chief on board and the safe removal of the
patient to the ambulance.
c.)
Ensuring that all equipment is returned, or will be returned
to the vehicle before leaving the scene.
Knowledge of the Cab (Ambulance 1 & 2)
1.
Personal adjustments (mirrors, seats). Mirrors should be adjusted
to see a little of the side of the rig and a lot of the space next to the
rig. Mirrors will almost never be perfect. Make sure you can also
see the top, rear corners of the rig. Identify mirror heater switch.
2.
Know each gauge and meter and what it indicates.
Voltmeter, Ammeter, etc.
3.
Know how to operate emergency and scene lights as well as the
climate control system.
4.
Know how to use the map book and street directory accurately.
Consult prior to asking dispatch.
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C.
Radios and Communications
1.
Tango: Our dispatch center located in the lobby of the station.
Shelburne Dispatch: Hinesburg, Shelburne, Charlotte,
Williston, Richmond, Huntington…
PD: Essex Rescue’s dispatch
XRAY: Colchester Rescue, Milton Rescue and CCVFC’s dispatch
Able: Burlington Fire’s dispatch
520: UVM Rescue’s dispatch
630: South Burlington’s dispatch
2.
HEAR Radio: Hospital Emergency Access Radio. Used by all
hospitals (except CVPH) we transport to for communications with
ambulances. HEAR 1 = Primary frequency. HEAR 2 = Secondary
frequency, for drills or MCI’s.
3.
Demonstrate working knowledge of VHF/UHF radios.
4.
Demonstrate working knowledge of cellular phone.
5.
Communications on these frequencies should be in plain English,
the use of "ten-codes" should be limited to the following: 10-4,
10-50 and 10-93
6.
Appropriate terminology would be:
"on/off the air"
"on the scene"
"returning to _____"
"negative" = no
"available"
“over”
"responding”
"enroute to _____"
"affirmative" = yes
"stand by"
"cancel"
If you don’t understand a transmission, ask for it to be repeated. If
you don’t understand because the other party used a “10” code, ask
for them to repeat in plain English.
D.
Knowledge of District Policies & Procedures
Policy and Procedure books are kept in each ambulance and in the station.
Information contained within includes: back up lists, MCI plan,
guidelines, policies, procedures, State rules, etc. You should be familiar
with all of these.
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E.
Knowledge of Compartments & Equipment
Driver shall demonstrate knowledge of location of all equipment carried
on the ambulances. Driver shall also demonstrate operation of all the
equipment on the ambulances. Driver is usually the extra set of hands on
scene that gets to fix anything that breaks. Be prepared to improvise,
adapt and overcome.
F.
Starting and Turning off the Vehicle
Understand starting Ambulances 1 & 2 and the ‘Wait to Start’ light.
G.
H.
I.
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Refueling Procedures
1.
Where/When to refuel.
The ambulances refuel at Chuck’s Mobil or at Simon’s.
Ambulance’s 1 and 2 are fueled once the gauge is at or below ¾.
2.
How to refuel and associated paperwork.
The Mobil card can be found in the glove box of both ambulances.
After refueling and once back in quarters, log the mileage and
gallons filled in the clipboard and place the receipt in the Assistant
Chief’s mailbox.
Knowledge of Stopping Distance
1.
The average stopping distance for an ambulance on
DRY LEVEL PAVEMENT
Speed (mph) Distance (feet)
10
18
20
52
30
100
40
170
50
280
60
425
2.
Safe stopping distance during poor conditions, i.e. rain, snow, fog,
leaves, gravel, etc., is at least three times the above distances. This
is Vermont, when don’t these conditions exist?
Knowledge of Operating Procedure for a Vehicle Involved
in a Collision
1.
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III.
STREET TEST #1
This test requires 100 percent knowledge of the designated streets and locations in
our primary service area that we respond to regularly. It is also the trainee’s
responsibility to know the best route to arrive at each.
IV.
STREET TEST #2
This test involves the Driver Training Coordinator or his/her designee to choose
twenty five streets and locations (i.e. Parks or Landmarks) for the trainee to find
using the resources available in the vehicle and at the station. Five of these
locations can be in neighboring communities.
VI.
BASIC SKILLS
A.
Backing into Ambulance Bays
Ambulance Drivers should be able to back the truck into any bay on the
first attempt.
B.
Backing in General and at Fletcher Allen
Before backing up, roll your window down a bit. This will help you to
hear someone walking behind you or the sound of metal crunching. Also,
remember to not only look where your tires are going but to notice where
the top of the rig is going; beware of low tree limbs and over hanging
porches. You should never shut off your back-up alarm.
While doing on the road hours, make sure the trainee knows all the
different ways to Fletcher Allen. When backing into the ED, ensure the
trainee knows the proper way to back into a spot from different angle,
what all the lines mean and where the truck should be positioned. Also
show the trainee where the ambulance shall be placed after the patient is
unloaded.
C.
Limited Traffic Drive #1 (Day and/or Night)
This drive should allow the trainee to become familiar and comfortable
with the vehicle while not in congested traffic. The trainee should
demonstrate a knowledge and manipulation of the dashboard and cab
switches/radios at this time.
Beware: Stale Green Light = any light that has been green since the first
time you saw it. The longer it is green the sooner it will change to red.
Keeping this in mind will aid you in providing a comfortable ride for your
patient and crew by being prepared for the red.
Beware: Left Turn Lane: When waiting to make a left turn, keep your
tires pointed straight ahead rather than turned to the left. If you get struck
from behind you will be propelled straight rather than into oncoming
traffic.
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D.
Turn in Reverse (Day and Night)
Trainee should be able to back around a curve/curb while not striking the
curb or any other objects (i.e. cones or crew members). Cones may be
used to perform these exercises. Many of the roads and driveways in our
response area will require you to traverse them in reverse. Don’t forget to
practice on snow-covered roads as the snow removes the edges you
normally use as a guide.
E.
Limited Traffic Drive #2 (Day and/or Night)
This drive should also be conducted in less than rush hour traffic. Basic
handling of the vehicle should be sound with emphasis on the following
points:
1. Smooth starts and stops. Keep the crewmembers from falling down,
the patient on the cot, the brakes from overheating and fading out.
This also includes coming into corners too hard - plan ahead.
2. Good lane positioning. Plan/drive in advance. Use the left lane
for Code 3 and the right lane- as situation allows- for Code 2.
3. Squaring of corners for good visibility. Driver needs to be able to
see out both side windows at every intersection.
4. Anticipation of traffic moving.
5. Smooth corners. Patients lying on cot always feel as if they are
going to roll off, don’t add to the feeling.
F.
Simulated Patient Ride
When driving the ambulance, it is often easy to forget just how rough a
a ride can feel and how difficult it can be to work in the back of the
ambulance. The driver trainee shall be buckled in on the stretcher and
shown the difference between smooth and rough driving.
VI.
ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE
A.
"Code Three" Theory
Discussion should include the following topics:
1. Responsibility for safety: ALL YOURS when the lights are on.
2. Best route of travel to the scene: Take into consideration
response factors listed below.
3. Positioning of vehicle: with regard to roadway, traffic and
scene/situation.
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4. Safe passing: Usually on the left, people are taught to pull to the
right and stop (not that they all do this); Do not run up on cars quickly,
people tend to slam on their brakes and you lose you space cushion;
Try not to pass on hills, curves or anywhere your extended line of sight
is restricted.
5. Intersections: Make sure ALL other drivers have given you the
right of way. Be prepared to come to a full stop, people DO run red
lights. If the intersection is jammed up (nobody can move): don’t
crowd, turn off your siren, and wait for things to clear. CLEAR
EVERY LANE.
6. Sirencide: Let your lights work for you. Avoid the tendency to push
down on the accelerator every time the siren is turned on. Sirencide is
the condition of out-driving your siren and it becomes less effective.
For traffic traveling in the same direction (interstate, your side of Rt.
15, etc.) the effective range of the siren decreases as speed increases.
If you are on Route 116 traveling 55 mph and a line of traffic traveling
the same speed is in front of you, the sound of your siren will reach the
ears of the driver in the car closest to you when you are within 20 feet
of that car - this is the effective range. (See attached).
7. Collision avoidance: Two hands on the wheel at all times, use
siren/horn switch. The potholes in VT are sometimes more dangerous
than the other drivers.
8. Actions of other drivers: Following are some examples of driver
reactions. a) Pull to the right and stop in a normal fashion; b) Drive
off the road at a high rate of speed and then try and stop; c) Slam on
their brakes then pull to the right; d) Tap their brakes once, coast for
awhile but never really slow down or pull over; e) See that the person
in front of them is slowing and pulling to the right, pull to the left
directly in front of you, check their side mirror, see options above; f)
Pull out of a side street directly into your path then immediately pull to
the right; g) The last thing in the world that you would expect a
normally sane driver to do. Expect the unexpected!!
9. Right of Way: Remember, you are asking for the right of way when
going Code 3, it’s not guaranteed.
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B.
Driver Observation
1.
Five Observation Runs: Each driver trainee shall sit in the
front of the ambulance for at least 5 calls. Prior to observation, the
crew chief or driver should review radio usage and approve
observation.
2.
Driver Emphasis
 Siren usage during response
 Traffic manipulation
 Stopping distances
 Vehicle positioning
 Knowledge of roads
 Use of maps
C.
Response Factors
1.
Discussion should include the following:
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Nature of call: repeated “I’ve fallen and can’t get up” vs.
cardiac arrest.
Time of day: rush hour, school times, bars just closed.
Weather: snow, ice, and flood.
Location and access: steep driveway, backwoods/off-road.
Neighborhood hazards (children, etc.)
Mental Attitude: How you feel directly affects the way you
drive, don’t drive mad, and don’t drive hurried, care about
what you are doing.
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2.
Discussion should emphasize the following:
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D.
It is better to arrive slowly than not at all.
Always take the safest most efficient route, considering factors
above, to the scene.
Poor Weather Theory
1.
Discussion should include the following:
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Skid Control
Speed in bad weather
Poor Visibility adding to stopping distances
Other dangers associated with weather (i.e. power lines)
Avoidance of certain areas during bad road conditions
1. Sunny Hollow
2. Mill Pond at Route 2A
3. Steep Driveways
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E.
Scene Control and Scene Savvy
1.
Medical Calls at a Residence: Be aware of surroundings. Plan
the best path and means for extrication of patient and make a
recommendation to crew chief. Driver is usually the last one into a
residence - get whole picture, search for meds, ask family for info,
triage family for additional care needed (PFA), always be attentive
to the crew even when doing other things. It is essential that you
remind family members that they are not allowed to follow the
ambulance and that riders are safely restrained.
2.
Structure Fires: Rescue is on the scene to aid any fire victims or
treat injured firefighters. Do not get the vehicle trapped by fire
trucks or hose-lays. Position away from scene pointed toward exit.
If at all possible do not drive thru or park in smoke from the fire.
3.
Vehicle Fires/Motor Vehicle Crash: Leave space for the
engine, heavy rescue. Do not block traffic unless directed by
Command. Do not position the truck close to the accident as this
may compromise safety due to hazardous materials and/or smoke
& fire. Park ahead of accident facing the hospital.
4.
HazMat: Approach from upwind and uphill, stay far away,
contact fire command for instructions. If first on scene: isolate
area and deny access, try to identify product involved, relay
information to responding agencies.
5.
Interstate Response: Traffic is rarely stopped completely. Park
well off the open lane. Advise crew which door to use when
exiting the rig. Use caution when fetching equipment. State police
will need to keep traffic moving to prevent another accident from
occurring; if traffic is stopped when you arrive you can be
guaranteed that it will be moving before you leave.
VII.
ADVANCED SKILLS
A.
Interstate Driving
The interstate is a large part of our service area and a main road of travel
to much of our service area. Getting comfortable driving on the interstate
and knowledge of how to properly use the U-Turns is important. In this
skill, the trainer will explain how to pull out in traffic from a U-Turn,
explain where to position the truck while driving on the interstate and the
use of sirens while driving.
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B.
Congested Traffic Drive
This skill is identical to Limited Traffic Drive #2, except with high traffic
volume on the road.
C.
Braking
In a limited traffic area, (a parking lot) the trainee should demonstrate the
ability to stop the vehicle quickly and safely from a speed of
approximately 35 miles per hour. The trainer should explain to the trainee
what is going to happen before YELLING “STOP” in a panicked voice
and reaching for the dashboard to brace themselves. If the crew is in back,
they should be warned also. This is also a good time to show the crew the
importance of wearing seat belts and the importance of keeping equipment
stowed and secured.
D.
Night Ride
Trainee shall demonstrate proficiency in handling the vehicle in the
darkness. Operation of controls and switches should be demonstrated. The
trainee must have 3 night hours logged.
E.
Width Assessment
This test is designed to practice and demonstrate proficiency in evaluating
narrow areas in which the vehicle may be required to go. Cones shall be
used to simulate vehicles and other objects. The trainee must evaluate
whether the vehicle can be safely maneuvered into the area designated by
the trainer. Cones should be set up in a narrowing funnel; the narrowest
end of the funnel should be no wider than the width of the vehicle plus
eight inches. DAY /NIGHT
VIII. FINAL CHECK RIDE – Primary Service Driver
This test requires the completion of the entire checklist and will be performed by
the Chief or Driver Training Coordinator.
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IX.
FINAL STREET TEST (80% Minimum Passing Requirement)
This test will be a comprehensive review of Street Tests #1 and #2
COLCHESTER
Landmarks
Bayside Park
Breezy Acres Trailer Park
CCVFC
CPD
CRS
Chimney Corners
Colchester High School
Colchester Middle School
Fanny Allen Hospital
Fort Ethan Allen
-Barnes Ave
-Dalton Dr.
-Hegeman Ave.
-Troy Ave
Green Mt. Nursing Home
Green Mt. Trailer Park
-Camel’s Hump Rd.
-Mt. Mansfield Ave
-Mountainview Rd.
-Mt. Sterling Rd.
I-89 Exits 16, 17
Mallets Bay School
St. Michael's (all buildings)
Sunny Hollow
Union Memorial School
Westbury Trailer Park
Winchester Place
Roads
Bay Rd.
Blakely Rd.
College Parkway (Rt. 15)
East Rd.
East Lakeshore Dr.
Ethan Allen Dr.
Hercules Dr.
Main St. (Rt. 2A)
Mallets Bay Ave.
Middle Rd.
Mill Pond Rd.
Roosevelt Hwy (Rt 2& 7)
Route 127 (Beltline)
Severance Rd.
West Lakeshore Dr.
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ESSEX Town/Junction
Landmarks
Champlain Valley Fair
(Gates)
Essex High & Tech School
Essex PD
Essex Jct. FD
Essex Town FD
Essex Rescue
Indian Brook Reservoir
Outlets at Lang Farm
Whitcomb Woods & Terrace
Roads
Baker Street
Browns River Rd. (Rt. 128)
Center Rd. (Rt. 15)
Circumferential Hwy
(Rt. 289, Exits 7,9,10,12)
Five Corners
Jericho Rd.
Kellogg Rd.
Lincoln St. (2A N)
Main St. (15 N)
Maple St. (117 until ~IBM)
Old Stage Rd.
Park St. (2A S)
Pearl St. (15 W)
Pinecrest Dr.
River Rd. (117 past ~ IBM)
Sand Hill Rd.
South St.
South Summit St.
Susie Wilson Rd.
Towers Rd.
Thasha Ln
Upper Main St.
West St.
West St. Ext.
WINOOSKI
Landmarks
31 East Spring St.
65 Barlow St.
83 Barlow St.
Allen House (57 W Allen)
Courtyard Apts (120 E.
Spring)
Elm Street Apts (87 Elm)
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Franklin St. Apts (181
Franklin Street)
Hoods Crossing
I-89, Exit 15
Kennedy HS/Ed. Center
Landry Park
Spinner Place
St. Francis Church
St. Steven’s Church
Winooski FD
Winooski PD
Woolen Mill Apts
Roads
Bellevue St.
Dion St.
East Allen St.
East Spring St.
Florida Ave.
Hood St.
Hickock
Lafountain St.
LeClair Ave.
LeClair St.
Main St. (Route 2 & 7)
Mallets Bay Ave.
Myers Memorial Pool
North St.
Pine St
Tigan Ave.
Weaver Ln.
Weaver St.
West Ln.
West St.
West Allen St.
West Spring St.
WILLISTON
Landmarks
Allenbrook School
Blair Park
Catamount Family Center
Catamount Country Club
Eagle Crest
Falcon Manor
FAHC Williston
Harvest Ln Stores
Power Plant Bridge
Maple Tree Place
Taft Corners
Taft Farms Senior Living
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Thomas Chittenden Health
Wal-Mart Shopping Plaza
Williston FD
Williston Woods
Roads
Essex Rd. (2A North)
Gov. Chittenden Rd.
Harvest Ln.
I-89, Exit 12
Industrial Ave.
Marshall Ave.
Mountain View Dr.
North Brownell Rd.
North Williston Rd.
Oak Hill Rd.
Old Creamery Rd.
Old Stage Rd.
River Cove Rd.
Redmond Rd.
St. George Rd (2A South)
Talcott Rd.
South Rd.
South Brownell Rd.
Williston Rd. (Rt. 2)
West Butternut Rd.
HINESBURG
Landmarks
Ballards Store
Hinesburg General Store
Cedar Knolls C.C.
Cheese Factory
CVU corners
CVU High School
Elementary School
Hinesburg Family Health
Hinesburg FD
Hinesburg PD
Iroquois Trucking
Kelley Field Apartments
Lake Iroquois
Triple L Trailer Park
Roads
Richmond Rd.
Gilman Rd.
Rt. 116
Charlotte Rd.
School Rd/ CVU Rd
Baldwin Rd.
Shelburne Falls Rd.
Silver St.
Texas Hill Rd.
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Whitney Hill Homestead
Williston Central School
ST. GEORGE
Landmarks
Rocky Ridge C.C.
Roads
St. George Villa (all roads)
Rt. 2A
Rt. 116
SO. BURLINGTON
Landmarks
Airport Phase Staging
(Maryland & Delaware)
Dorset St. Fire Station
Roads
Airport Dr.
Airport Pkwy
Dorset St.
Kennedy Dr.
Kimball Ave.
Hinesburg Rd. (Rt. 116)
I-89, Exits 13 and 14
I-189
Patchen Rd.
Shelburne Rd (Rt. 7)
Spear St.
White St.
Williston Rd (Rt. 2)
UNDERHILL
Landmarks
ID School/ Browns River
Middle School
Maple Leaf Farm
Underhill/ Jericho Fire
Roads
Irish Settlement Rd
No. Underhill Station Rd.
Pleasant Valley Rd.
Poker Hill Rd.
River Rd.
Rt. 15
Stevensville Rd.
Williston Country Club
Williston & State PD
Elementary School
Jolley’s Store
Joe’s Snack Bar
Mt. Mansfield Union H.S.
Roads
Barber Farm Rd.
Browns Trace Rd.
Lee River Rd.
Nashville Rd.
Plains Rd.
Raceway Rd. (Both ends)
Rt. 117
Rt. 15
Skunk Hollow Rd.
RICHMOND
Landmarks
I-89, Exit 11
Huntington Gorge
Round Church
Roads
Cochran Rd.
Dugway Rd.
Hinesburg Rd.
Huntington Rd.
Jericho Rd.
Rt. 117 & Rt. 2
Lincoln Hill Rd.
Mechanicsville Rd.
North Rd.
Pond Rd.
Hinesburg Hollow Rd.
Pond Brook Rd.
BURLINGTON
Landmarks
Burlington Health & Rehab
Roads
Battery St.
Church St.
Colchester Ave.
East Ave.
Main St.
North Ave.
Pearl St.
Route 127
JERICHO
Landmarks
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XIII. DRIVER TRAINER ELIGIBILITY
After a period of four months of driving experience, drivers may approach the
Driver Training Coordinator regarding promotion to Driver Trainer. He/She shall
meet the following criteria:
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Be able to teach the aforementioned theoretical concepts
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Be able to instruct persons in the acquisition of the aforementioned skills
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Be recommended by other members of his/her crews
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