Exceptions to safe ambulance driving rules?

[VentMedic]

Don't you mean "assumed" to be emergent.

Presumed: To take for granted as being true in the absence of proof to the contrary

We have no details one way or the other so "assumptions" to the contrary can not be made.

[fireflymedic]

Have EMS personnel across the country forgotten that ambulances are to be driven with DUE REGARD to other vehicles/people even in emergency situations? Virginia seems to be one of the biggest states to crack down on this as they don't care what the situation is, if you are showing excessive speed, you get a ticket, period, end of story. We frequently transport into virginia, and my driver has been told more than once, "you speed you will get a ticket, and you will no longer have a job !" They don't play with this either. More than one has been fired. Now do I feel there are certain situations which warrant going a bit faster than the speed limit - yes. However, in truth very little time is saved by going like a bat out of hell driving crazy, and NO time is saved if you get into a wreck. There are too many risks taken across the board driving and too many workers are dying or getting seriously injured due to mistakes. Enough things go wrong if you take all the safety precaustions we don't need to add to that list. Be safe.

[mshow00]

I was thinking more along the lines: when you assume you make an a$$ outta u and me.

[Richard B the EMT]

Comment to nobody in particular:

Both an "Arrogant Twit" and a "Simpleton", can be correct on any given subject, but don't reject the correct answer because they are given by an "Arrogant Twit" and a "Simpleton".

[VentMedic]

I was thinking more along the lines: when you assume you make an a$$ outta u and me.

And, that is why I prefer to presume rather than assume.

[Flasurfbum]

Comment to nobody in particular:

Both an "Arrogant Twit" and a "Simpleton", can be correct on any given subject, but don't reject the correct answer because they are given by an "Arrogant Twit" and a "Simpleton".

Its best to talk to that arrogant twit in private, and work out the differences, and any miscommunications that can occur due to this being the internet. :wink:

[Amhet1]

As usual, I have a question along the lines of this thread..... Do any of your services use drivecams or black boxes? What has your experience been with them?

The black boxes, such as Road Safety, is a double-edged sword. From a department standpoint, it assists drivers to improve their driving, which in turn, decreases insurance costs and vehicle maintenance. From a drivers standpoint, the concern is the "big brother" watching over the shoulder.

The box can be set up to record everything from what lights are on to excessively hard braking. They can also provide annoying noise when certain parameters are being encroached on or exceeded.

The other problem is what admin does with the information once its DLed and analyzed. If it is used appropriately, it can be a teaching and motivational tool. The problem is that the anal manager will use it in a disciplinary tool.

In the case being discussed, would a black box have been a help or hinderance? The article says they used GPS to calculate the speed of the vehicle. The accuracy can be off by more than 50 feet or more depending on the group of satellites being received.

And I have to agree.... What the hell is the county manager doing impersonating a LEO???

[mrmeaner]

And, that is why I prefer to presume rather than assume.

Given the current administration, I don't think it's any better to make a president out of you and me than an ass.

[CBEMT]

The other problem is what admin does with the information once its DLed and analyzed. If it is used appropriately, it can be a teaching and motivational tool. The problem is that the anal manager will use it in a disciplinary tool.

It should be. AMR fires you after the third black box infraction. Their accident rates have fallen exponentially.

Related research study: http://objectivesafety.net/LevickAAAM2005.pdf

[Amhet1]

Thanks CB! I think that was the study I had read previously.

"An important issue this study raises is “Is it ethical to do any further

studies?” of this type and even more importantly, given the now well

described morbidity and mortality associated with EMS transport,

and the dramatic improvement in safety with the use of this system

“Is it ethical NOT to have these devices in all EMS vehicles?”, given

the safety benefit and cost savings demonstrated in this study."

In the body of the study, based in Little Rock EMS, they describe 1 minor collision in 1.9 million miles. That in and of itself is a strong basis for the Fed to start requiring them if we (the EMS community) dont buy into the need for them. As CB mentions, the black box can be used as a teaching tool or a disciplinary tool..... Unfortunately, AMR finds their people to be a disposable commodity.