California Ambulance Drivers License Flashcards

California Ambulance Driver's License Flashcards The following are essential for safe ambulance operation:- Compliance with applicable requirements- Exercise of sound judgment- Defensive driving techniques Responsibility for determining the mechanical safety of the

ambulance rests primarily with the:

• Driver

Temporary certificate becomes void after: - 180 days

In order for privately/publicly owned emergency ambulances to be equipped and operated as emergency

vehicles:

They must be licensed to do so by the CHP.

• elements of defensive driving:- Knowledge: Rules of the road; own limitations- Alertness-

Vision- Judgment- Skill Responsibility for the operation of the service in compliance

with regulations rests with:

• The ambulance service owner, operator, manager, or

supervisor Ambulance driver certificate only valid when: - Accompanied by a valid driver's license and medical examination certificate (2 yrs)- After 1 year, accompanied by EMT cert

The steady burning red warning lamp must be visible from:- 1000 ft

Responsibility to ensure that the driver is trained and competent in the use of safety and emergency care

equipment rests with:

• The ambulance service owner (his/her employer)

Front steady burning red warning light shall be displayed

when:

• Traveling code 3- An extreme hazard exists

Warning lamp effectiveness may be reduced by: - Low sun or glare- Confusion with traffic signals/neon lights- Position of lights on the ambulance

Ambulances are inspected:- By CHP annually & randomly

Use of headlamps during daylight hours:- Is effective in reducing accidents by making the vehicle more visible to other drivers Emergency ambulance service regulations are adopted by

California Highway Patrol (CHP) apply to:

All publicly and privately owned ambulances used for emergency service.Loss of control of the vehicle can result from: - Driving too fast for conditions- Accelerating too hard- Braking inappropriately- Changing direction too abruptly- Taking a curve at too high a speed CHP regulations do not apply to:- Ambulances not used to respond to emergency calls (IFT)- Ambulances that are federally owned and operated (federal directives)

Tire tread depth may not be less than:- 1/32nd of an inch

"Code 3" is justified only when:- When initially responding to an emergency call- When speed in obtaining emergency medical care appears essential to save a life, prevent undue suffering, or to reduce or prevent disability While driving under "Code 3" exemptions, you may disobey

a red stop signal only if:

• The ambulance is slowed to 15 mph

If your ambulance drivers cert has been revoked, you may

reapply after a period not less than:

• 1 year

Code 3 operation is advised for the following which

constitute only 5-7% of total trips:

-Uncontrolled hemorrhage- Uncontrolled cardiovascular or respiratory impairment (e.g. CHF, heart wounds, pulmonary edema)- Complicated impending childbirth (requiring operation) Ambulance drivers should:- Presume that other drivers do not hear the siren at a safe distance under most conditions- Be aware that other drivers often have difficulty in locating the source of siren sounds- Restrict the use of sirens to situations where they are most effective; e.g. warning peds and drivers traveling at reduced speeds w/low bg noise- Avoid passing on the right You shall not drive an ambulance when your ability to

operate the vehicle safely is affected by:

• Fatigue or illness- Temporary disability- Permanent

disability Code 3 transport can be unnecessary and harmful because

it can:

• Frighten the patient- Put a stabilized patient into shock-

Disrupt ongoing medical treatment- Aggravate certain conditions Renewal apps will be accepted- During the six months prior to expiration of previous certificate Regular certificate is good for- Five years

The ambulance driver is required to inspect the ambulance:- Prior to operation

Flashing amber warning lights may be displayed: - Only when unusual traffic hazard exists Responsibility for equipping and maintaining the vehicle

rests primarily with:

• The owner

Authority for the management of the scene of a traffic

accident involving injuries is vested in the:

• Public safety agency having investigative authority

Decisive factors permitting alternate destinations include:- Consideration of the needs/desires of the patient- Professional medical direction- Protocols established by the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agency An ambulance driver's primary responsibility is: - The safe transport of the patient The beginning driver must possess at minimum: - Advanced first aid cert- Valid CPR cert- EMT cert w/in one year When ambulances are readily available from two or more services, your ambulance company amy respond to a

motor vehicle accident:

• Only upon instruction from a law-enforcement or public

agency dispatcher Flashing red warning lights may be displayed: - Only during extremely hazardous conditions, e.g. situation that requires traffic to stop/roadway to be blocked Conditions that require especially smooth, normal speed

transport include:

• Spinal injuries- Serious fractures- Heart attacks

Hazards that must be anticipated by an ambulance driver

during "Code 3" operation include:

• "Blind" intersections and driveways- Motorists with

impaired hearing- Inattentive drivers Following distances should be used as a general rule:- increased 50% if ambulance is large/heavy- 2x if road surface is loose or slippery, vision is obscured, or driver not fully alert- 3x if road surface is packed snow/ice

The ambulance driver must demonstrate his/her driving

competence to:

• The ambulance service owner (his/her employer)