This article focuses on the driver training and education that new recruits to the ambulance service receive in order to drive under emergency conditions. The specific driver training has evolved over the last three decades to a point where the candidates leave the programme prepared to immediately implement their newly acquired skills. The programme of driving is essentially divided into two parts known as Driver 1 and Driver 2. Driver 1 introduces the concepts of safe driving using principles and systems from the police driver training model. Driver 2 advances the skills of the candidate by introducing high speed driving techniques and skills.
Training and education
Each ambulance trust across the country will have a pool of driving instructors, trained specifically to deliver driving programmes that range from basic driving assessments when new employees start in the service, to full high-speed emergency driving. The driving instructors will have undergone an intense driver instructor programme. The driving instructors are themselves assessed regularly under the new High Speed Driving Act 2009. These new national registers of emergency drivers, which are for all services that include high speed driving as one of their functions, is an attempt to standardise and add a further level of quality to the skill sets of those that drive in emergency situations. Instructors will be reassessed every 3 years and other staff every 5 years.
Present legislation
The Road Traffic Act 1988 (c.52) guides and informs all drivers. In particular, those that drive emergency vehicles must follow the regulations, although such drivers can claim specific legal and road traffic law exemptions:
It is important to remember that each of the exemptions must only be claimed in very specific situations. Every emergency or non-emergency driving situation will have to be assessed by the trained driver. They are not exempt from standards required by law in terms of reckless, or dangerous driving. Each driver must display care and consideration for other road users in any situation.
Structure of driving programmes
The driving programme for the ambulance service falls into two distinct sections, Driver 1 and Driver 2.
Driver 1 is usually 1 week in length. Each candidate will be introduced to the concepts of safe driving. During this part of the course there will not be any emergency driving. The concepts presented during Driver 1 are based around the Police Driving Model, Roadcraft. Each driver will be continually coached and assessed, by a qualified driving instructor, through a series of techniques and competencies. At the end of the week each driver will have demonstrated effective use of a systematic approach to driving. The systematic approach, referred to as ‘the system of driving control’ is a system or drill which prepares the driver to manage each situation in a methodical and effective manner, the key being safety of all road users. Although emergency driving does not form part of the Driver 1, the concepts, techniques and skills fully prepare the candidate for the next stage.
The 2-week Driver 2 course will build on the competencies and foundation gained form Driver 1, offering the candidate more advancement in terms of techniques and driving styles. Emergency driving will also be introduced along with skid management.
The second part of the programme incorporates provision for high speed driver training. This form of training is highly regulated and guidance falls under the auspice of a code of practice (Figure 1). The code of practice for high-speed driver training is overseen by the Joint Emergency Services High Speed Driver Training Advisory Group (DTAG). The code of practice, produced in 2008, is the first time that all emergency services have designed a coordinated approach to emergency driving. All services that utilise high-speed driving must have in place the following educational framework:
The focus of high-speed driver training relies on competencies which challenge and inform the decision making processes of drivers, who because of their role, need to exceed the speed limit. By having a specific code of practice, each emergency driver, whether an instructor or responder, will meet and maintain the expected standard.
Details of the programme
Training and education for Driver 1 and 2 is competency based, with an expectation that each candidate will complete the competencies over the 3 weeks of the programme. DTAG have produced the UK Ambulance Service, Emergency Response and Driver's Handbook (Association of Ambulance Chief Executives and Driver Training Advisory Group, 2012), which is based on the Roadcraft: The Police Driver's Handbook (Coyne et al, 2007). Candidates must also realise the importance of the Highway Code (2007) to the programme. The expectation is that each candidate will have a sound knowledge of the Highway Code before the programme and will need to pass a summative examination relating to the content. When combined with the Road Traffic Law relating to exemptions and non-exemptions, the Highway Code and the Drivers Manual offer candidates sound underpinning knowledge to support them through the rigours of emergency driving.
The programme is divided into the following sections:
The competencies included in Driver 2 can only be achieved when Driver 1 along with assessments and examinations are completed successfully. The competencies and the subsequent assessment and examination ensure the candidate possesses the knowledge, understanding and skills required to drive vehicles at high speed. Throughout the process candidates will be assessed on different vehicles and on a range of road conditions and types. The main areas covered on the programme are as follows:
Each of these areas will have sub sections which each candidate will have to prove competency.
What will the candidate experience?
In most services cohorts of candidates will be divided into groups of three. Each candidate will have their own tutor for the course. On occasions tutors may switch to add a form of moderation to the assessment.
On a typical day the students will be presented with classroom-based presentations. This is followed by daily vehicle checks which are followed methodically. The team of three candidates will then spend the day on one vehicle with the given tutor. Each will take turns at driving following a demonstration drive by the tutor. The instant feedback and debrief after every drive ensure that candidates have a clear action plan designed for their next drive.
The influence of the tutor in the early part of the programme is clearly evident as the candidates attempt to introduce the new system of driving. As each candidate becomes more confident they also become more autonomous. They start to have less input from their tutor and this is evidenced through demonstration and implementation of driving plans without coaching but always under supervision. By slowly building confidence in the candidate the tutor is able to monitor the progress of each individual. Depending on the local service guidelines candidates will attend actual emergency calls.
Summary
The driving training and education that ambulance emergency personnel receive is now firmly embedded in a nationally recognised programme. The step wise approach to development and competency realistically prepares candidates for the challenges that emergency driving holds. It is reassuring that they are governed by strict legal guidelines, which when combined with quality training and education, ensures that today's emergency workers are also safe, professional drivers.