Emergency Vehicle Response Policy

Purpose

Responding to an emergency call, the City of Eagle Grove Department of E.M.S. places a great

deal of responsibility on the drivers of our emergency vehicles. Not only must emergency vehicle operators provide prompt conveyance of the ambulance equipment and personnel to provide service to those in need, but as importantly, must accomplish this task in the safest and most prudent mariner possible. Emergency vehicle operators have in their care, custody and control most of the major assets possessed by this organization (the vehicle, life-support equipment, supplies and personnel). Emergency vehicle operators also have a higher standard of care to provide to the general motoring public and must make every attempt possible to provide due regard for the safety of others. Operators must constantly monitor and reduce the amount of risk and exposure to potential losses during each response. Safe arrival at the emergency scene shall be, and must always remain, the first priority of all emergency vehicle operators. In order to accomplish the enormous task all emergency vehicle operators shall become familiar with, and constantly abide by the following policies and procedures.

Procedures

1. Vehicle control and right-of-way

All operators shall attempt to maintain control of the vehicle that they are operating in such a manner as to provide the maximum level of safety for both their passengers and the public. Emergency vehicle operators should be aware that the civilian vehicle operators might not react in the manner in which is expected or felt to be appropriate. An attempt should be made to have options available when passing or overtaking vehicles. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle driver can not force the right-of-way, nor can you assume the right-of-way, therefore you do not have the right-of-way until the other vehicle yields to you.

2. Warning devices and true emergencies

When responding to a true emergency, all audible and visual warning devices will be operated at all times regardless of time of day and or traffic conditions. All emergency vehicle drivers must understand that warning devices are not always effective in making other vehicle operators aware of your presence. Warning devices only request the right-of-way, they do not insure the right-of-way.

The definition of a true emergency is a situation in which there is a high probability of death or serious injury to an individual or significant property loss, and actions by an emergency vehicle driver may reduce the seriousness of the situation.

3. Response speeds

when responding to a true emergency only, drivers shall operate the vehicle they are driving at as close to the posted speed limit as possible, but not to exceed ten (10) miles per hour over the posted speed limit, conditions permitting. Examples of conditions requiring slower response speeds include but are not limited to;

· Slippery road conditions

· Inclement weather

· Poor visibility

· Heavy or congested traffic conditions

· Sharp curves

4. Intersection Practices

Extreme care should be taken when approaching any intersection, as intersections are the locations responsible for a large percentage of major accidents involving emergency vehicles. Drivers are required to practice the organization intersection operating guidelines during all emergency responses.

Uncontrolled intersections

Any intersection that does not offer a control device (stop sign, yield or traffic signal) in the direction of travel of the emergency vehicle or where a traffic control signal is green upon the approach of the emergency vehicle, all emergency vehicle drivers should do the following:

· Scan the intersection for possible hazards (fight turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast, etc.). Observe traffic in all 4 directions (left, right, front, rear)

· Slow if any potential hazards are detected and cover the brake pedal with the driver’s foot.

· Change the siren cadence not less than 200' from intersection

· Avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if at all possible.

Emergency vehicle operators should always be prepared to stop. If another vehicle operator fails to yield the right-of-way to an emergency vehicle, the emergency vehicle operator can not force the right-of-way, nor can you assume the right-of-way, therefore you do not have the right-of-way until the other vehicle yields to you.

Controlled Intersections

Any intersection controlled by a stop sign, yield sign, yellow traffic light or a red traffic light requires' a complete stop by the emergency vehicle operator. In addition to bringing, the vehicle to a complete stop by these additional steps must be followed as well;

· Do not rely on warning devices to clear traffic

· Scan the intersection for possible hazards (right turns on red, pedestrians, vehicles traveling fast etc.) as well as driver options

· Begin to slow well before reaching the intersection and cover the brake pedal with the driver’s foot, continue to scan in 4 directions (left, right, front, back)

· Change the siren cadence not less than 200' from intersection

· Scan intersection for possible passing options (pass on right, left, wait, etc.) avoid using the opposing lane of traffic if possible

· Come to a complete stop

· Establish eye contact with other vehicle drivers; have partner communicate all is clew; reconfirm all other vehicles are stopped.

· Proceed one lane of traffic at a time treating each lane of traffic as a separate intersection.

5. Non-emergency response

When responding to a call in a non-emergency response mode or normal flow of traffic (non-code 3 or when not responding to a true emergency) the vehicle will be operated without any audible or visual warning devices and in compliance with all state motor vehicle laws that apply to civilian traffic.

6. Ordinary travel procedures

All drivers shall obey all traffic laws and traffic control devices when driving ambulances under ordinary travel conditions. Any driver observed breaking any traffic laws or driving any vehicle in an aggressive manner will be subject to disciplinary action including, suspension of driving privileges.

7. Riding policy

The organization requires all persons riding in emergency vehicles to be seated in approved riding positions and be secured to the vehicle by seat belts whenever the vehicle is in motion. The emergency vehicle driver shall verify that all personnel are properly seated and in seat belts before the vehicle is moved. Standard communication signals should be formulated and utilized by all personnel. A family member or guardian that is not injured or have an illness may not ride along in the ambulance. The only exemption would be that it would help with patient care activities.