Ambulance Driving Study Guide

What do fire department policies outline?

expectations for firefighter performance and procedures in different circumstances

What is governance?

the framework and procedures for managing and operating an organization

What do policies do?

make judgments to determine the best course of action

What do SOPs provide?

Provide specific information describing the actions that should be taken to accomplish tasks within the department of at an emergency scene

What are standards based on?

issued by nongovernmental entities and are generally based on consensus

What is the AHJ?

Authority Having Jurisdiction: the governing body that sets operational policy and procedures for the jurisdiction in which the fire department operates

What is a fire apparatus inspection?

an evaluation of the fire apparatus and its equipment to ensure its safe operation

What does a power steering system do?

a system that reduces the effort required to steer the vehicle by using an external power source to assist in turning the apparatus’s wheels

Why should you have a partner slightly turn the wheel when inspecting the steering?

to identify the movement or excessive slop/looseness in movable pivots or joints

At what point should a mechanic be called to service the apparatus when there is free play in the

steering wheel?

if the steering wheel has more than 10 degrees (1/36) of a full turn of free play

What does the suspension system do?

keeps the vehicle axles and tires in contact with the ground when going over bumps

What typically has to be done for passive regeneration to take place?

It needs to be driven on the at normal highway speeds to allow the DPF to reach a temperature hot enough for passive regeneration to occur

How does active regeneration occur?

typically performed outdoors in an area where superheated exhaust discharging from tail pipe will not burn the surrounding area.

What does properly mixed coolant allow the liquid to do?

Allows the liquid to reach temperatures greater than 212F (100 C) without boiling or vaporizing

What can happen if a radiator cap is removed when it is under pressure?

can spray superheated coolant onto you or others

What is the only fluid that may need to be inspected while the engine is running?

Transmission fluid

What should belts be inspected for?

excessive wear, cracking or fraying

What do EVTs perform during major maintenance checks?

perform additional brake tests that are beyond the scope of the role of driver/operator

How should the parking brake be tested?

parking brake tests, brake pedal tests, air brake system tests, and spring brake tests

What is the FMVSS requirement for a brake pedal test?

require vehicles moving at 30 mi/h be able to stop within 65 to 78 ft by breaking, with the break distance depending on the number of rear axles

How does the spring brake test work?

allowing enough air pressure to build up in the braking system to release the parking break. Depress the parking brake knob to release it. Next step on and off the brake pedal to reduce the pressure in the system. Should drop below 40 psi.

What is the name for the electrical line that recharges the batteries when the apparatus is not

running?

shore line

What should be done in additional to checking the gauge of a water supply tank?

always visually confirm that the water tank is full

What is an essential piece of safety equipment that protects the driver and other members of the company?

seat belt

What should the driver/operator do before getting under way?

360-Degree inspection

What is a 360-degree inspection?

a quick check of the fire apparatus and its surroundings.

What does the battery master disconnect switch do?

disconnects all electrical power to the fire apparatus, preventing electrical discharge from the batteries while it is not in use.

What does the system have to be able to do if there is a completely discharged air system?

Must be able to disengage the brakes and move within 60 seconds of start-up

What is prohibited when the vehicle is in motion?

should not release or loosen their seat belts for any purpose, including the donning of PPE or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

What does NFPA 1550 require before the driver/operator moves the apparatus?

the driver/operator is not to move the fire apparatus until all persons on the vehicle are seated and secured with seat belts in approved riding positions

What happens when the D/O uses the siren in traffic gridlocks?

confuses other drivers when they have no where to move their cars

What is the purpose of the confined space turnaround?

measures your ability to turn the fire apparatus around in a confined space without going outside a set of boundary.

What is the area/size for a confined space turnaround?

50 ft x 100 ft area

What does the diminishing clearance exercise measure?

the ability to maneuver the fire apparatus in a straight line and judge the distance between the fire apparatus and an object in front of it

What can be positioned to determine your ability to judge the height of the fire apparatus during the diminishing clearance exercise?

vertical crossbar prop

What does the alley dock exercise simulate and what dimension is stimulated?

the process of backing a fire apparatus into an alley or a tight space. 12ft dimension is simulated

What are the largest number of apparatus accidents related to?

backing up fire apparatus’s

What is a spotter?

a person who guides the D/O into the appropriate position while the apparatus is operating in a confined space or in reverse mode

When should a spotter be present?

when backing into an intersection, around a corner, into the fire station, or in traffic

What are suggested procedures for spotters?

Spotters should stay in full view of the driver, stand where they can see the driver’s mirrors, use clear hand signals, use flashlights at night, keep verbal commands loud and clear, check all sides/overhead hazards, stop the apparatus if visibility or communication is lost, and never stand directly behind the apparatus.

What can happen if you are found at fault in a crash?

can be prosecuted in both criminal and civil court

What is due regard?

a legal term. Essentially driving in a safe manner

How should you pass other vehicles?

on the left side

What is the total stopping distance?

distance that it takes for you to recognize the hazard, process the need to stop the apparatus, apply the brakes, and then come to a complete stop

What is the reaction distance?

distance the fire apparatus travels after you recognize the hazard, remove your foot from the accelerator, and apply the brakes

What is the braking distance?

the distance that fire apparatus travels from the time that the brakes are activated until the fire apparatus makes a complete stop

What is brake fade?

temporary decrease in stopping power that can happen with heavy break use

What will affect the braking distance?

the speed of the apparatus and the surface condition of the road

If a fire apparatus begins to skid, what actions should you take?

1. Stay of the brakes

2. steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go

3. continue to steer until the vehicle straightens out

What is liquid surge?

the movement of liquid inside a container as the container is moved

How does liquid surge react when the driver has to brake quickly?

it will try to force the fire apparatus forward

How does the height of the water tank relative to the apparatus play a role in contributing to

accidents?

high weight to mass ratio and if placed high above the ground can contribute to roll overs

What should be relied on when driving down hills?

the engine/transmission and the auxiliary braking device to slow the fire apparatus

What should be done to avoid brake fade?

use the fire apparatus brakes in short, 5 to 10 second bursts rather than applying them continuously

What is lugging the engine and what does it cause?

over-throttling the fire apparatus. results in a loss of power while the engine works to catch up to the amount of work that is being demanded

What does downshifting do?

will make it easier to control the fire apparatus when going down steep hill. It will help prevent wear on breaks

Where should 90% of braking be done?

in a straight line before turning the corner

What is centrifugal force and how does it affect apparatus operation?

the tendency for objects to be pulled outward when rotating around the center. It will make the fire apparatus want to continue going straight line while trying to make a turn.

What should be done to avoid losing control when making a turn?

needs to have proper traction, so slow down before a curve and slightly accelerate while making the turn

How much weight is on the front axle?

1/3

How much weight is on the rear axle?

2/3

What is critical speed?

the maximum speed that a fire apparatus can safely travel around the curve

How much of a weight variance can there be from side to side?

7%. Left side weight may differ from right side

What guidelines should be used to reduce the risks of night driving?

Know your route, scan constantly, watch for pedestrians/cyclists/animals, avoid glare by looking right, keep windshield/headlights clean, dim interior lights, use red cab lights if available, stay alert/rested, slow down, and increase following distance.

What do you need to know before crossing or going under a bridge?

which overhead obstructions your fire apparatus can safely pass through

What is proper protective parking?

orienting the position of the apparatus that protects the scene, victims and the emergency personnel. Provide a protective work area

Most state laws require emergency vehicles to have only one lighted lamp exhibiting red light

visible from a distance of

500 ft

What can happen if too many lights are visible?

can cause a carnival effect, which then creates confusion for motorists