EMS Vehicle Operator Safety

Description

Each year, thousands of emergency medical services (EMS) vehicle collisions result in significant property damage, injuries, and fatalities. This highlights the critical need for comprehensive EMS vehicle operator training. In response, Jones & Bartlett Learning Public Safety Group, in collaboration with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), has developed a robust course designed specifically for EMS practitioners who operate ambulances and other emergency response vehicles.

Course Purpose

The EMS Vehicle Operator Safety (EVOS) course addresses the gaps in vehicle operations and transport safety knowledge that can contribute to accidents and fatalities. Built upon the latest research, the course incorporates real-life case studies, crash scenarios, and common driving challenges, emphasizing the lessons that can be learned to improve safety. The course aims to equip emergency vehicle operators with the tools and knowledge necessary to safely arrive at a scene.

Notes

  • The course manual provides an in-depth analysis of real-life incidents and offers practical safety guidelines. The curriculum emphasizes the essential safety principles required to shift from a culture of hazardous driving practices to one that prioritizes safety.

Course Information

  • Duration: 16 hours
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Key Learning Outcomes:

    • Promoting a Culture of Safety: EVOS helps EMS providers identify and modify behaviors that contribute to unsafe driving. Participants are trained to recognize hazards that lead to collisions, including sleep deprivation, technological distractions, and substance use. Practical strategies are introduced to mitigate these risks through defensive driving, optimal vehicle positioning, and the judicious use of lights and sirens.
    • Compliance with Local Laws and Regulations: The course provides essential insights into the legal considerations surrounding EMS vehicle operations, ensuring participants understand the laws governing emergency and non-emergency responses. Participants also learn how Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) play a pivotal role in fostering safe driving behavior.
    • Vehicle Maneuvers and Safety Procedures: Participants learn to perform critical vehicle maneuvers under varying road and weather conditions. The course covers daily vehicle inspections, mental and physical preparedness, and proactive measures to prevent accidents.
    • Simulation and Skills Practice: The course integrates theoretical knowledge with practical skills through simulation training. Participants practice key driving maneuvers and crisis response strategies, reinforcing their technical abilities and decision-making under pressure.

Course Topics Include:

    • Cultivating a safety-first mindset to protect oneself, partners, patients, and passengers
    • Understanding legal frameworks affecting EMS vehicle operations
    • Performing safe vehicle maneuvers in diverse conditions
    • Conducting vehicle inspections to address mechanical issues
    • Enhancing mental, emotional, and physical readiness
    • Strategies for crash prevention and effective post-crash response
    • Development of spatial awareness and proficiency in driving skills
    • Evaluating technological innovations in EMS vehicle operations
    • Crafting effective agency SOPs for EMS vehicle operations