Driving with possibly ill people
Discussion
I am about to start, as a volunteer, driving people to and from hospital appointments. Obviously this means don't pull g, keep everything smooth, slooooooow over bumps. There is no particular training given by the organisation for me to do this otherwise I'd be asking them this question.
Is there anything non obvious I should be thinking of? For example, would people benefit from me putting the passenger seat in a specific default setting that is peculiar. Are there some circumstances where I should actually drive "un-smoothly" so they know I am braking rather than freetting about me going to hit something, and stuff like that? If a demented person asks me to do something that I know is bad driving technique, but isn't actively dangerous, should I do it?
I am mostly starting this thread to hear your stories of ill passengers!
Is there anything non obvious I should be thinking of? For example, would people benefit from me putting the passenger seat in a specific default setting that is peculiar. Are there some circumstances where I should actually drive "un-smoothly" so they know I am braking rather than freetting about me going to hit something, and stuff like that? If a demented person asks me to do something that I know is bad driving technique, but isn't actively dangerous, should I do it?
I am mostly starting this thread to hear your stories of ill passengers!
If the seat is height adjustable, get it high as possible. If the seat belt anchorage on the 'B'- pillar is adjustable, set it low. Seat back probably wants to be a bit more upright than usual. Try to get the headrest within a few inches of the back of the passenger's head. Remove any obstructions to vision out of the screens (things like this cause discomfort and car sickness). Keep the footwell clear and uncluttered. Might be a nice touch to have water available and maybe a bucket would be prudent?
Most of all congratulations for volunteering!
Most of all congratulations for volunteering!
Somewhatfoolish said:
...Are there some circumstances where I should actually drive "un-smoothly" so they know I am braking rather than freetting about me going to hit something
Absolutely don't do this! If they're paying attention to your driving then all it'll do is make them worry about your observation / anticipation. Which is by far the quickest way to turn a nervous passenger into a terrified one!As a volunteer it is unlikely that you will be driving people who are acutely ill or that have serious mobility impairments.
A comfortable smooth drive is all that is required, never rush unless circumstances change.
Conversation would probably be appreciated by most passengers, about non hospital related matters. They are often nervous and taking their minds off things for a short while would probably enhance their experience
A comfortable smooth drive is all that is required, never rush unless circumstances change.
Conversation would probably be appreciated by most passengers, about non hospital related matters. They are often nervous and taking their minds off things for a short while would probably enhance their experience
Something I was told by an IAM Observer - when approaching cattle grids (bear with me here!) you de-clutch just before the driven wheels go over it; it reduces the vibrations up the drivetrain (and into the car). Having experimented with some fairly evil cobbled speed bumps near me, it would appear that de-clutching does smoothen things out a bit. But the usual health warnings apply (is it safe to do so? etc). I expect going a bit slower would help more (although if you are familiar with mechanical engineering you'll know that this isn't necessarily true).
http://www.slingsby.com/p-46033-alcohol-hand-gel-s...
(Other hand gels are available)
They are already sick. Infecting them with whatever you have picked up in the last 24 hours would be bad. Norovirus is rife so a few simple precautions wouldn't hurt.
Lovely idea to volunteer as a driver! 
These aren't driving specifics, more awareness/consideration ideas that will help keep your passengers comfy and safe:
Elderly and other hard-of-hearing folk will find it hard to hear you/converse with any significant level of background noise - so radio off as default, let them choose if it's on or not.
Offering any physical help - ask! Consider investing in one of these perhaps. Don't try to guess how to fold wheelchairs or walkers, let them show/tell you. Might want a tarp for your boot if you'll be doing stuff like that.
Agree, leave seat higher as default, but it can't hurt to ask, maybe someone with a bad back etc. might also prefer it reclined a bit, or might want to recline it once they're in the car but need your help or instruction on how to do it.
Try and make sure the inside of the car is a reasonable temperature, ask individuals if they need it warmer or cooler too. Lots of frail elderly folk get chilly VERY fast.
Ask if they need/want you to try to avoid speed bumps when possible; even with an incredibly skilled driver and fab suspension they can be incredibly painful for someone with a bad back or who's had recent surgery and the like.
These aren't driving specifics, more awareness/consideration ideas that will help keep your passengers comfy and safe:
Elderly and other hard-of-hearing folk will find it hard to hear you/converse with any significant level of background noise - so radio off as default, let them choose if it's on or not.
Offering any physical help - ask! Consider investing in one of these perhaps. Don't try to guess how to fold wheelchairs or walkers, let them show/tell you. Might want a tarp for your boot if you'll be doing stuff like that.
Agree, leave seat higher as default, but it can't hurt to ask, maybe someone with a bad back etc. might also prefer it reclined a bit, or might want to recline it once they're in the car but need your help or instruction on how to do it.
Try and make sure the inside of the car is a reasonable temperature, ask individuals if they need it warmer or cooler too. Lots of frail elderly folk get chilly VERY fast.
Ask if they need/want you to try to avoid speed bumps when possible; even with an incredibly skilled driver and fab suspension they can be incredibly painful for someone with a bad back or who's had recent surgery and the like.
not260 said:
never rush unless circumstances change.
As not260 correctly says, dramatic events will be the exception rather than the rule. However, I disagree on the bit I've quoted- I would strongly advise you not to rush at all and carry a well-charged mobile phone. If circumstances change that make you think you should be rushing, you should pull over to the side of the road instead and phone 999.This is from professional experience. I once had the misfortune to be a doctor on call when someone crashed their car trying to rush an unwell person to hospital. Not only was the unwell person delayed but an extra two casualties were created.
This is the reason for the Roadcraft line: It is far better to arrive late than not at all.
Once you get to know a few of them You have to prepare yourself for the regular O.A.P greeting and it will get harder and harder to look shocked.
You'll never guess who's died.
On a more serious note I would think motorways were out of yhe question in case a passenger has a turn of some sort
You'll never guess who's died.
On a more serious note I would think motorways were out of yhe question in case a passenger has a turn of some sort
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