Driver Class

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Driver Class
Driver Class
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The Driver Class

• Introduction to the Position
• Rules Responsibilities
• Duties of the Driver
• Radio Communications
• Ambulance Operations
• Written Examination Procedures for Advancement

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The Driver Class

• Introduction to the Position
• Rules Responsibilities
• Duties of the Driver
• Radio Communications
• Ambulance Operations
• Written Examination Procedures for Advancement

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Introduction to The Position

• Who is the Driver?
• The person in charge of the safe operation of the
  ambulance
• In charge of transporting the patient and crew on
  a Call
• Is at least an Attendant with RPI Ambulance and
  holds current CPR Certification
• Holds a Current Class D License (from any State)

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The Driver Class

• Introduction to the Position
• Rules Responsibilities
• Duties of the Driver
• Radio Communications
• Ambulance Operations
• Written Examination Procedures for Advancement

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Rules andResponsibilities
General Responsibilities

• DO NO HARM
• deliver crew and ambulance to scene safely
• facilitate ALL transport of the patient
• transport the patient and crew 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

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Rules andResponsibilities
Rules

• Due Regard
• Priority I vs. Priority II
• When to use each

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Rules andResponsibilities
Rules

• New York State VT 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 rules only apply when in emergency mode
  (both lights and sirens)

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Rules andResponsibilities
Rules

• VT SOP restrictions
• May exceed the speed limit by lt10 MPH
• May travel against traffic on a one-way street at
  lt20 MPH
• May disregard traffic control devices after
  coming to a stop at the intersection
• May park where ever deemed necessary
• These rules only apply when in emergency mode
  (both lights and sirens)

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Rules andResponsibilities
Rules

• What do you do if?

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The Driver Class

• Introduction to the Position
• Rules Responsibilities
• Duties of the Driver
• Radio Communications
• Ambulance Operations
• Written Examination Procedures for Advancement

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Duties of the driver
overview

• These are duties according to RPIA SOPs
• Duties during
• Duty crew
• A call
• Scene/hospital

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Duties of the driver
During a Duty Crew

• Complete a Vehicle Checklist.
• Ensure that the ambulance is presentable and
  conducive to good patient care.
• Notify the duty supervisor of any problems.
• Drive the crew where they need to go in a safe
  manor

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Duties of the driver
During a Call

• Radio communications with dispatch.
• Ensure safety of the ambulance, crew, and
  bystanders before getting into the drivers seat.
• Verify all personnel are in secure positions
  before moving the ambulance.
• Drive to the scene in a safe and efficient manner
  at an appropriate level of response.
• Park at the scene in an appropriate location.
• Leave the vehicle running at all times while on
  scene.

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Duties of the driver
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 the patient and
  transferring the patient to the hospital bed.
• 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 PCR.

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The Driver Class

• Introduction to the Position
• Rules Responsibilities
• Duties of the Driver
• Radio Communications
• Ambulance Operations
• Written Examination Procedures for Advancement

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Radio Communications
The Radios

• 800 Mhz
• Two 800s
• Mobile, hardwired to rig
• Portable, handheld
• Radioing Dispatch. Call sign 5939

• Portables (HT750 155.220)
• Amassing Crew, Communication during operations.
  Call sign RPI Ambulance Car xx

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Radio Communications
The Radios

• BLS Radio
• Located in A39
• Some available channels
• RPI AMB
• RPI DPS
• Hospitals, Mohawk, Empire

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Radio Communications
Radio Communications

• Determinants
• Alpha BLS Priority II
• Bravo BLS Priority I
• Charlie ALS BLS Priority I
• Delta ALS BLS Priority I
• Echo Cardiac or Respiratory Arrest/ Unknown life
  status - ALS BLS Priority I (anyone with an AED)

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Radio Communications
The Dispatch

• RPI Ambulance is dispatched on Channel 1 on RPI
  Ambulances Radios
• Dispatcher Stand By RPI Ambulance
• Tones
• Dispatcher Stand By RPI Ambulance for a
  ltdeterminantgt determinant EMS call for
  ltDemographicsgt ltChief Complaintgt at ltLocationgt
• Example Stand By RPI Ambulance for a bravo
  determinant EMS call for a 18 year old male
  patient with a Laceration at the RPI Houston
  Field House

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Radio Communications
Dispatch Comms

• optional
• Acknowledging Call, Confirming Crew
• Required
• En route
• on scene
• En route to hospital
• Arrive at hospital
• In service
• In Quarters

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The Driver Class

• Introduction to the Position
• Rules Responsibilities
• Duties of the Driver
• Radio Communications
• Ambulance Operations
• Written Examination Procedures for Advancement

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Ambulance Ops
A tour of A39
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Ambulance Ops
A tour of A39
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Ambulance Ops
A tour of A39
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Ambulance Ops
Operational Procedures

• Starting the ambulance
• Headlights always on
• Backing the Ambulance/Spotter
• Which Hospital? What route?
• Proper response level
• On campus driving considerations
• Boundaries
• Requesting ALS/Mutual Aid

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Ambulance Ops
Requesting ALS

• ALS Call severity exceeds BLS Level
• Decision of Crew Cheif
• 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

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Ambulance Ops
Requesting Mutual Aid

• Mutual Aid Requesting help due to lack of
  ability to treat pt
• Equipment failure (A39)
• Lack of Crew
• Requesting Mutual Aid (800)
• Dispatch 5939
• 5939
• 5939 (unable to confirm crew/Equipment failure)

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Ambulance Ops
Maintenance

• Vehicle Checks
• Oil Changes/Routine Maintenance
• Fueling the Ambulance
• Washing the ambulance

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Ambulance Ops
The Area Hospitals

• Samaritan Hospital 2215 Burdett Ave Troy, NY
• Stroke Center 4 Minutes
• Saint Mary's Hospital 1300 Massachusetts Ave
  Troy, NY
• 5 Minutes
• Albany Medical Center 43 New Scottland Ave
  Albany, NY
• Trauma, Stroke Center, Cath. Lab 15 Minutes
• Saint Peters Hospital 315 S. Manning Blvd
  Albany, NY
• Cath. Lab 20 Minutes
• RPI Student health Center Academy Hall RPI Campus

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Ambulance Ops
The Area Hospitals (The Rarer Ones)

• Albany Memorial 600 Northern Blvd Albany, NY
• 15 Minutes
• Albany VA Stratton 113 Holland Ave Albany, NY
• VA Veterans 15 Minutes
• Ellis Hospital 1101 Nott St. Schenectady, NY
• Stroke Center 30 Minutes
• Saint Claires Hospital 600 McClellan St. Schdy,
  NY
• 30 Minutes
• Bellevue Maternity Hospital
  
  2210 Troy-Schdy Road Niskayuna, NY
• OB/GYN 20 Minutes

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Ambulance Ops
Other Situations

• Accidents
• With a Pt onboard/without a patient
• While in Priority I mode
• MCI
• Equipment Failures

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The Driver Class

• Introduction to the Position
• Rules Responsibilities
• Duties of the Driver
• Radio Communications
• Ambulance Operations
• Written Examination Procedures for Advancement

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Written Examination Procedures for Advancement
Backup Driver

• A. Hold a valid Drivers 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 1 emergency call with a Driver Trainer in
  the driver compartment and submit Driver
  Evaluation Form.
• I. Request and receive approval by the Captain
  and Training Lt. to be promoted to Backup Driver

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Written Examination Procedures for Advancement
Driver

• A. Be a Backup Driver
• B. Hold a CEVO Certification
• C. Pass the Driver Practical Exam administered by
  the Captain or Training Lt.
• D. Request and receive approval by a Promotional
  Board as defined in SOPs to be promoted to Driver

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Written Examination Procedures for Advancement
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The End. Go Out and Drive Some EMS Calls