Ambulance Driver's Test with 100% correct answers

Private ambulances may only respond to emergency calls if CHP has authorized them to do so. An ambulance is defined as -a rescue vehicle. -a vehicle modified to transport injured people. Code 3 Operation describes use of lights and sirens. Code 3 is justified for what three (3) reasons? 1. to save a life 2. prevent undue suffering 3. prevent disability Do guilty verdicts that have been dismissed by courts still count as convictions? Yes Must all ambulances operating under the same license display the same name? Yes How many hours of service must be provided under each license? 24, unless the ambulance does not respond to calls from public agencies. Fire extinguishers must be inspected and serviced yearly or immediately after use. Ambulances will be inspected by CHP -initially -yearly -and randomly. Destination restrictions prevent ambulances from taking unnecessarily long routes. Escorts for patients: The prohibition against unqualified drivers and attendants serving as patient escorts does not exclude Family, other persons concerned with the patient's well being; minors should be allowed to come whenever possible. Good Samaritan Laws do not protect EMT's when acts or omissions are performed in a grossly negligent manner or not in good faith. Can CHP grant exceptions to statutory requirements? No Purpose of DMV ambulance driver test is not to prove driving competence, but to screen those with criminal backgrounds, physical disabilities, or poor driving habits. You do not need an ambulance driving license if you are - a police officer -a firefighter -or licensed in an a different state and driving in an emergency into California. Six (6) prerequisites to getting an ambulance driver's license. 1. 18 years old 2. Hold a valid CA driving license 3. File a complete application including criminal convictions and certain traffic offenses 4. Pass a written test 5. Submit fingerprints 6. Complete medical form DL-51 A temporary certificate lasts 180 days. A regular certificate lasts no longer than 5 years, and expires the same day as your drivers license. Conditional validity means that your ambulance license is only valid when you have -valid drivers license -medical examination certificate. -and, after one year, an (EMT)-I certificate. Renewal applications will be excepted within 6 months of expiration of your drivers license. If your ambulance drivers license is revoked, you can submit a written request for a hearing within ten days. A hearing committee is composed of three (3) members representing the DMV, CHP, and EMS Authority. An ambulance driver's primary responsibility is safe transport of the patient. Safe means 1. not risking an accident 2. smooth driving a) that does not stress or traumatize the patient b) that permits attendant to give medical care Negative affects of Code 3 transport include 1. frightening a patient 2. putting a stable patient into shock 3. disrupting ongoing medical treatment Percent of medical conditions that require Code 3? 5-7% Medical conditions that require Code 3 transport include 1. Uncontrolled hemorrhage a) internal chest or abdomen bleeding 2. Uncontrolled cardiovascular or respiratory impairment a) congestive heart failure b) wounds to the heart c) progressive pulmonary edema 3. Complicated or impending childbirth a) a case that requires operative intervention Any doubt as to the seriousness of the emergency when considering use of Code 3, must be decided in favor of the patient. Driving in a way that risks loss of control of the vehicle or relies on drivers or pedestrians to react ideally is justified in what circumstances? Never justified Ambulance drivers are exempt from certain traffic laws in what conditions? 1. Responding to an emergency call 2. Displaying a steady burn red warning lamp with 1000 feet of visibility in front of the vehicle 3. Reckless driving and driving under the influence are never justified If a driver is involved in an accident, but was exempt from certain traffic laws, can he still be criminally and civilly liable? Yes, if he was not acting with due regard for the safety of others. Determining if a driver exercised due regard toward the safety of others is based on what criteria: 1. Sufficient notice of the ambulances approach was given. 2. signalling equipment a) whether it was necessary to use it b) whether it was used c) whether it was audible and/or visible 3. speed of the vehicle should never prevent the driver from maintaining complete control of it. 4. If the driver decelerated before impact with a driver who did not yield A rural driver at 55 mph may not hear the wail of the siren if his windows are closed and the radio is playing until the ambulance is 33 feet away. A city driver with his windows down may hear the siren when it is 123 feet away. Hazards when driving with Code 3 include 1. blind intersections 2. driveways 3. motorists with impaired hearing 4. inattentive drivers When using a siren, ambulance drivers should 1. assume drivers do not hear the siren at safe distances under most conditions especially at intersections 2. assume drivers have difficulty locating the source of the siren 3. use the siren only when it is most effective 4. never pass on the right When using a warning lamp 1. excessive use reduces public respect of their purpose 2. use primarily to protect life and property Front steady burn red warning light should be displayed when an extreme hazard exists. Do revolving, rotating, or flashing red lamps satisfy the requirement for a steady burn lamp? No, but they can supplement it Flashing red lights may only be displayed when an extreme hazard exists, meaning any incident that requires traffic to stop, be blocked, or proceed only as directed. Flashing amber lights used only for unusual traffic hazards, until hazard ceases to exist. Warning lamp effectiveness may be reduced by what 3 factors? 1. low sun or glare