Ambulance Driving Handbook Questions
& Answers
What is an ambulance? - ANSWERSAny vehicle, such as a "rescue" vehicle, when it
mad been specially modified or equipped with the intent to transport injured persons
What is an emergency service? - ANSWERSThe functions involved in responding to the
request for an ambulance to transport or assist persons in apparent sudden need of
medical attention or otherwise in need of acute medical care during transportation
What is code 3? - ANSWERSThe use of red warning lamps and siren for an emergency
call
When is code 3 justified? - ANSWERSWhen initially responding to an emergency call or
when speed in obtaining emergency medical care appears essential to save a life,
prevent undue suffering, or to reduce or prevent disability
Where should the service name of an ambulance be displayed? - ANSWERSOn both
sides and the rear of each vehicle
When should fire extinguishers be inspected? - ANSWERSYearly or immediately after
use, whichever comes first
When are ambulances inspected by the CHP? - ANSWERSAnnually or randomly,
EMTs should check that the ambulance has been approved
What are destination restrictions? - ANSWERSRestrictions established to prevent
ambulance transportation of emergency patients over unnecessarily long distances to
obtain medical attention
What are "Good Samaritan" laws? - ANSWERSLaws that provide limited protection
from civil liability under specified circumstances when rendering emergency medical
services in good faith
, What are ambulance driver certificates not required for? - ANSWERSPolice officers,
sheriffs, fire department, persons driving ambulances based out of state to provide
interstate emergency service
What is required in order for somebody to drive an ambulance? - ANSWERSFirst aid
certificate, CPR certified and EMT certificate
What is the responsibility of the driver? - ANSWERSSafe transport of the patient (no
accidents, smooth driving)
What is the downside of using code 3 transport? - ANSWERSFrightening the patient,
shocking the patient, disruption of treatment, aggravate medical conditions into death or
permanent disability
When is it appropriate to use code 3 transport? - ANSWERSuncontrolled hemorrhage,
cardiovascular or respiratory impairment, complicated childbirth
What should an ambulance driver NEVER do if it is transporting a stabilized patient? -
ANSWERSGo over the posted speed limit
When is it allowed for the ambulance driver to break traffic laws? -
ANSWERSEmergency calls, steady burning warning lamp that is visible from 1000 feet
to the front of the vehicle, sounds a siren
When can an ambulance driver get in trouble for breaking traffic laws? -
ANSWERSProperty damage, injury or fatality in an accident
What are the guidelines for due regard? - ANSWERSSufficient notice to those around
the ambulance must be given, never travel at a speed that does not permit complete
control of the vehicle, decelerating when a motorist was not yielding the right of way,
regard for the safety of persons and property
What is the difficulty in projecting the siren sound around corners? - ANSWERSToo
short of a warning time to allow the drivers to yield the right of way or a person playing
the radio may not hear the siren until it is too close (33 feet), versus a person with no
music and windows rolled down (123 feet)
What should never be assumed when using sirens and red warning lights? -
ANSWERSThat it will result in a clear path through traffic
What types of hazards should be anticipated by the ambulance driver during code 3? -
ANSWERSBlind intersections and driveways, motorists with impaired hearing and
inattentive drivers
What should ambulance drivers keep in mind when using lights and sirens? -
ANSWERSPresume other drivers do not hear the siren at a safe distance, be aware
& Answers
What is an ambulance? - ANSWERSAny vehicle, such as a "rescue" vehicle, when it
mad been specially modified or equipped with the intent to transport injured persons
What is an emergency service? - ANSWERSThe functions involved in responding to the
request for an ambulance to transport or assist persons in apparent sudden need of
medical attention or otherwise in need of acute medical care during transportation
What is code 3? - ANSWERSThe use of red warning lamps and siren for an emergency
call
When is code 3 justified? - ANSWERSWhen initially responding to an emergency call or
when speed in obtaining emergency medical care appears essential to save a life,
prevent undue suffering, or to reduce or prevent disability
Where should the service name of an ambulance be displayed? - ANSWERSOn both
sides and the rear of each vehicle
When should fire extinguishers be inspected? - ANSWERSYearly or immediately after
use, whichever comes first
When are ambulances inspected by the CHP? - ANSWERSAnnually or randomly,
EMTs should check that the ambulance has been approved
What are destination restrictions? - ANSWERSRestrictions established to prevent
ambulance transportation of emergency patients over unnecessarily long distances to
obtain medical attention
What are "Good Samaritan" laws? - ANSWERSLaws that provide limited protection
from civil liability under specified circumstances when rendering emergency medical
services in good faith
, What are ambulance driver certificates not required for? - ANSWERSPolice officers,
sheriffs, fire department, persons driving ambulances based out of state to provide
interstate emergency service
What is required in order for somebody to drive an ambulance? - ANSWERSFirst aid
certificate, CPR certified and EMT certificate
What is the responsibility of the driver? - ANSWERSSafe transport of the patient (no
accidents, smooth driving)
What is the downside of using code 3 transport? - ANSWERSFrightening the patient,
shocking the patient, disruption of treatment, aggravate medical conditions into death or
permanent disability
When is it appropriate to use code 3 transport? - ANSWERSuncontrolled hemorrhage,
cardiovascular or respiratory impairment, complicated childbirth
What should an ambulance driver NEVER do if it is transporting a stabilized patient? -
ANSWERSGo over the posted speed limit
When is it allowed for the ambulance driver to break traffic laws? -
ANSWERSEmergency calls, steady burning warning lamp that is visible from 1000 feet
to the front of the vehicle, sounds a siren
When can an ambulance driver get in trouble for breaking traffic laws? -
ANSWERSProperty damage, injury or fatality in an accident
What are the guidelines for due regard? - ANSWERSSufficient notice to those around
the ambulance must be given, never travel at a speed that does not permit complete
control of the vehicle, decelerating when a motorist was not yielding the right of way,
regard for the safety of persons and property
What is the difficulty in projecting the siren sound around corners? - ANSWERSToo
short of a warning time to allow the drivers to yield the right of way or a person playing
the radio may not hear the siren until it is too close (33 feet), versus a person with no
music and windows rolled down (123 feet)
What should never be assumed when using sirens and red warning lights? -
ANSWERSThat it will result in a clear path through traffic
What types of hazards should be anticipated by the ambulance driver during code 3? -
ANSWERSBlind intersections and driveways, motorists with impaired hearing and
inattentive drivers
What should ambulance drivers keep in mind when using lights and sirens? -
ANSWERSPresume other drivers do not hear the siren at a safe distance, be aware
