Operating an ambulance includes all the knowledge about driving any vehicle, plus a few more things because it is a special emergency vehicle. In preparing for a call, besides seeing that you are mentally and physically fit, the mechanical systems of the vehicle, and the medical supplies have to be checked. An ambulance also carries some things as the Emergency Handbook, and map books.

Even though the siren is the most commonly misused warning device on an ambulance, it must be tested before each shift, along with headlights, horn and PA system. Like driving any vehicle, speed, snow or other bad weather conditions, and disregarding laws, can lead to unsafe driving.

Having lights and sirens doesn't make you immune from safe and prudent driving. The term "due regard" when driving an ambulance refers to acting in a manner that is safe and considerate of others. Don't expect other drivers to hear your siren or see your lights, and get out of the way. Often they can't and they don't.

While extrication and haz-mat containment is not part of an ambulance call, receiving and responding to the call, arrival at the scene, and transporting the patient to the hospital is all part of the call. You will receive important information from your dispatcher - such as the location of the call, perhaps a call back number, and some medical information about the condition of the patient. Whether the person has insurance is not essential information at this time.

In responding to a call there may be some situations where a police car offers to give you an escort. That can be very dangerous, because most of the other drivers will not be expecting two emergency vehicles, and may not be able to hear 2 sirens at the same time, and therefore be unaware of the second emergency vehicle.

After the call, you will need to restock any supplies you may have used, clean the patient compartment of the ambulance and let dispatch know you are back in service. There are various ways to clean your unit. One way would be to wipe the surface clean, which would be considered a low level disinfection, which will kill most bacteria. Do you know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing?

• As an ambulance operator, your first duty is to ________________.
• At no time do you have the right to operate an ambulance in a manner that jeopardizes any one else's safety.
• With proper precautions, as an ambulance operator, you have certain privileges that relate to: speed, one way streets, intersections, parking, red lights and no passing zones. What are they?
• The law states that if you do not exercise ____ _____________ for the safety of others, you are liable for the consequences.
• Describe how to hold the steering wheel and turn.
• The best route is not necessarily the shortest.
• What is wrong with using a police escort enroute to the scene or hospital?
• The most common collisions ambulances are involved in happen where?
• What are the accepted colors and markings for an ambulance?
• Who establishes these specifications?
• Warning lights need to be placed high and low on an ambulance. Why?
• Which color light can be seen from the longest distance, red, white, or blue?
• What are some problems with relying on the siren to announce your coming?
• The 8 major phases of an ambulance call are? Describe each
• Hopefully, the dispatch message will provide you with what information?
• Park your unit (uphill or downhill) and (upwind or downwind) from a leaking haz-mat accident?
• Describe the infection control procedure for disposing of sharps?
• What is the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing?