truetiger
Forum Asst. Chief
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I like splitting the driving to the call 50/50. I don't mind one bit driving from scene to hospital 
do you like driving?
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JPINFV
Gadfly
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Just remember, slower is always better for the back, and you can always close that little door between the cab and the patient compartment.
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You guys have a door? We just have a little square pass-through with no option of closing it.
JPINFV
Gadfly
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Yep. The Wheeled Coach and Horton ambulances had a full walkthrough (although very tight) with a door and the Leaders had a more square like opening that also had a door. However, since the companies I worked for required posting, the door was open for the most part since we used that area to store backpacks.
I am with JPINFV, splitting it. Driving is a nice break from patients. Patients are a nice break from driving. When I first started driving, I wasn't very comfortable with it. I am starting to get used to Type III Ford E450 (there are several types of this one too e.g. heavy duty, I like the smaller ones more). I still prefer Type II Ford E350, and dislike Type II Dodge Sprinters. My least favorite thing about the Sprinters isn't driving it, but the radio control panel, AC, and clock is a really whacked out setup in my opinion. I don't like that the gear shift either, but since it isn't manual, I don't really have to play with that anyhow. My favorite thing about driving the E350 is when you press the gas peddle, you can hear the engine roaring, and the ambulance starts to shake, it feels like turbulence when sitting in a plane (free massage), and you find out you're only going 25 mph. The Sprinter lacks those features. 
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FourLoko
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We have drivers and attendants. Dual drivers is only required on 24 hour shifts.
I don't mind driving because it's pretty routine. Recently however many of our frequent flyers have been more unstable and I've been stressing myself out as I pass every freeway exit trying to remember which hospital is the closest and how to get there.
I don't mind driving because it's pretty routine. Recently however many of our frequent flyers have been more unstable and I've been stressing myself out as I pass every freeway exit trying to remember which hospital is the closest and how to get there.
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Joe
Forum Captain
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This is where a gps with nearest hospitals feature comes in handy Haha.
Aidey
Community Leader Emeritus
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I disagree, smooth is good, but you have to find a balance between smooth and driving so slow you are a traffic hazard.
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I'm still working on this. Any hints? haha.
JPINFV
Gadfly
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To me, the important place for slow is turns and bumps. Going over train tracks? Go slow. Making a right turn? Go slow. If you think you're going too slow, you're probably going the right speed.
DesertMedic66
Forum Troll
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I like an even 50/50 split. I have been complimented by medics on my driving. But once I am in my personal truck I am a totally different driver.
Aidey
Community Leader Emeritus
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I agree that there are times to be slow but my main partner is such an overly cautious driver all the time that it is a problem. Ironically he almost never says anything about hard stops and bumps.* He will give up the right of way in almost all situations, doesn't turn right on red lights, and waits for all lanes to be clear before turning into a multilane roadway. So if there are 3 west bound lanes he waits until all 3 are clear before turning into the inside lane.
Oh, and speaking of the inside lane he hates driving in it because he feels that it isn't as safe as the outside lane, even though he admits he has no evidence that one lane is safer than the other.
Taking corners, bumps and turns slow is one thing, going 10mph under the speed limit on a straight stretch on the interstate is another.
Edit: No, my partner is not some 19 year old kid who has only had a license for 2 years. He has had his license for 15 years or so.
*His philosophy is that if his foot is already on or near the brake there is no point in warning us in the back because we already know he is stopping.
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Joe
Forum Captain
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I also hate inside lanes. Half the time cars poke out from side streets and block like half the lane. Other than that this is mu 3rd straight shift if driving and I love it. And I always warn my partner of numbs and stuff. The last thing I want is for her to fall and hit something haha
Aidey
Community Leader Emeritus
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If a car is poking out from the side street they will block the whole outside lane before they block the inside lane.
Inside lanes, or the left most lane have a number of advantages. They are generally smoother because there are no storm drains, driveways etc along the side of them. Also if you need to upgrade to code you are already in the correct lane.
Inside lanes, or the left most lane have a number of advantages. They are generally smoother because there are no storm drains, driveways etc along the side of them. Also if you need to upgrade to code you are already in the correct lane.
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We drive everywhere in the left lane for the most part. For the exact reasons you stated, Aidey. I drive the speed limit but am slow on stops and starts during transport. It might make other people a bit grumpy but my FTO made me ride around on a backboard on the stretcher for a bit, not a pleasant experience.
saskgirl
Forum Crew Member
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I would way rather be in the back than drive, but lately I've been with the rookie who isn't allowed to drive unless empty, so I gotta drive...
NomadicMedic
I know a guy who knows a guy.
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I only drive the medic unit to calls now. Every call that I take, I'm in the back of someone else's ambulance, so I'm at the mercy of a driver I may not know. ;(. The bumps and turns can be brutal if I'm with a driver that doesn't quite get the "slow and smooth".
I do miss driving the ambulance a little.
I do miss driving the ambulance a little.
mycrofft
Still crazy but elsewhere
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Liked driving?
Not so much in the winter.
Seriously, I liked it where I was knowledgeable about the streets, but when I moved I wound up permanently in the back. Herding those Cadillacs was like flying a F-104 anyway, not much lateral wheelbase and way too much horses, and rearwards visibility like you were driving a storm culvert.
Not so much in the winter.
Seriously, I liked it where I was knowledgeable about the streets, but when I moved I wound up permanently in the back. Herding those Cadillacs was like flying a F-104 anyway, not much lateral wheelbase and way too much horses, and rearwards visibility like you were driving a storm culvert.
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Depends. I only drive the Chevy units. They have the sort of feel that the wheels are actually connected to the steering wheels. And the suspensions actually absorbs the bumps and pot holes and I can actually maintain control of the vehicle. When it comes to the Fords, I hate driving. I feel like I'm gonna die every time I turn the wheel. No sense of connection to the road at all. So I may drive once a month just to break the repetition of tending.