Safe Scene Turn Guidelines Ambulance Avoid Routes Park

1) Select the shortest and least congested route to the scene at the time of the dispatch.

2) Avoid routes with heavy traffic congestion; know alternative routes to each hospital during rush hours.

3) Avoid one-way streets; they may become clogged.

4) Watch carefully for bystanders as you approach the scene.

5) Park the ambulance in a safe place once you arrive at the scene. If you park facing into traffic, turn off your headlights so they do not blind oncoming drivers unless needed to illuminate the scene. If the vehicle is blocking part of the road, keep your warning lights on to alert oncoming motorists; otherwise, turn them off.

6) Drive within the speed limit while transporting patients, except in the rare extreme emergency.

7) Go with the flow of the traffic.

8) Always drive defensively.

9) Always maintain a safe following distance. Stay at least 4 seconds behind another vehicle in the same lane.

10) Try to maintain an open space or cushion in the lane next to you as an escape route.

11) Use your siren if you turn on the emergency lights, except when you are on a freeway.

12) Always assume that other drivers will not hear the siren or see your emergency lights.

13) When driving on a multilane highway, you should stay in the extreme left-hand lane.