Ambulance Drivers
Discussion
Saw an ambulance yesterday just outside Bath with the blues on going around a roundabout and nearly losing it and hitting a street light. Just got me thinking as to what level of driver training is needed to become an ambulance driver. He or she was certainly not in control of the vehicle.
THIS IS NOT A RANT AT AMBULANCE DRIVERS, I THINK THEY DO A MARVELOUS JOB IN VERY TOUGH SITUATIONS!!!!!
Edited: because some people think this is a rant when it is not
THIS IS NOT A RANT AT AMBULANCE DRIVERS, I THINK THEY DO A MARVELOUS JOB IN VERY TOUGH SITUATIONS!!!!!
Edited: because some people think this is a rant when it is not
Edited by char5 on Saturday 19th February 20:55
Edited by char5 on Saturday 19th February 20:56
char5 said:
Saw an ambulance yesterday just outside Bath with the blues on going around a roundabout and nearly losing it and hitting a street light. Just got me thinking as to what level of driver training is needed to become an ambulance driver. He or she was certainly not in control of the vehicle.
What does "nearly losing it" mean, are we talking about mounting the pavement and missing the lamppost by a hair's breadth or just a bit of tyre squeal?Zad said:
He or she also probably had someone about to die in the back if they didn't get them to A&E in 30 seconds. Even highly trained professionals have a limit that they have to push sometimes.
I don't think they had anyone in the back as they were driving away from the hospital (unless they were going to a more specialised unit). It just looked totally out of control even when they had passed the roundabout. Close family to me have had to have the need for an ambulance and I am aware that speed is of the essence, I was just a bit shocked, thats all. Anyway my question was not why were they driving fast but what driver training is required to become an ambulance driver.char5 said:
I don't think they had anyone in the back as they were driving away from the hospital (unless they were going to a more specialised unit). It just looked totally out of control even when they had passed the roundabout. Close family to me have had to have the need for an ambulance and I am aware that speed is of the essence, I was just a bit shocked, thats all. Anyway my question was not why were they driving fast but what driver training is required to become an ambulance driver.
They drive fast to emergency shouts too, response time may be critical.char5 said:
EDLT said:
What does "nearly losing it" mean, are we talking about mounting the pavement and missing the lamppost by a hair's breadth or just a bit of tyre squeal?
errrr nearly losing it means well errrr nearly losing it. I'm not being over dramatic if thats what you mean.char5 said:
Dixie68 said:
They drive fast to emergency shouts too, response time may be critical.
I know If you ever experience facing death either yourself or any family member does then rest assured the response time is vital.
E.G Stroke, Asthma, anaphylactic attack.
They work extremely hard and are in many cases the difference between life and death as we have experienced too many times to mention.
I think mistakes happen and the drivers would never ever drive in a manner that would deliberately affect other road users.
No one is perfect but these people deserve massive respect and tolerance as you never know what the call may be and what they are having to attend.
Also you need to consider that there may be oil, water etc on the road which may not be obvious at first sight.
They are skilled drivers carrying out a difficult and demanding job but can't be perfect everytime.
Amazing people and professionals in my opinion.
Edited by Med1c on Saturday 19th February 20:30
brickwall said:
I don't think the OP is criticising Ambulance drivers or the work that they do. He just saw one appear to have a close shave - never that it was necessarily the driver's fault.
I'd be interested in anyone who has an answer to the OP's original question - what training do they undergo?
THANK YOU!!!! someone who understands what I am trying to get at.I'd be interested in anyone who has an answer to the OP's original question - what training do they undergo?
PistonHeads seemed a much nicer place when I was just a lurker. I didn't realise it would be such a difficult task to get a question answered from fellow motoring enthusiasts.
char5 said:
Does anyone know the answer to my question?
I'm not having a rant about ambulance drivers (they save thousands of lives yearly, so why would I), all I want to know is what driver training is required. It's just that what I saw yesterday got me thinking about it.
Of course they do.I'm not having a rant about ambulance drivers (they save thousands of lives yearly, so why would I), all I want to know is what driver training is required. It's just that what I saw yesterday got me thinking about it.
But driving fast with such a large vehicle can be unpredictable at times and im assuming even more so if your adrenaline is pumping.
Maybe apply to be an Ambulance driver then since your such an expert, Lewis.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff