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EMT knowledge of ambulance traffic laws
J D Whiting1, K Dunn, J A March
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
Prehospital Emergency Care
|August 26, 1998
Summary
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) drivers demonstrated poor knowledge of traffic laws regarding ambulance operation. Increased training and experience may improve safe driving practices for emergency vehicles.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Traffic Safety
- Public Health
Background:
- Safe ambulance operation necessitates adherence to traffic laws by both the public and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
- A gap in EMTs' understanding of these specific traffic laws may compromise emergency vehicle safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the knowledge of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) regarding traffic laws pertinent to ambulance operation with warning lights and sirens.
Main Methods:
- A five-question multiple-choice survey was administered to 293 North Carolina EMTs at a statewide EMS conference.
- Knowledge assessed included speed limits, intersection protocols, yielding, and following distances.
- Demographic data and prior training/experience were collected for correlational analysis.
Main Results:
- The median score was low, with only 33% correctly identifying yielding requirements and 2% understanding intersection rules for ambulances.
- Knowledge regarding minimum following distance (14%) and lack of speed limits (28%) was also limited.
- Higher scores correlated with completion of emergency driver's education and 9+ years of EMS experience.
Conclusions:
- EMTs in this study exhibited deficient knowledge of critical traffic laws for ambulance operation.
- Emergency driver training and extensive experience appear to enhance comprehension of these laws.
- Enhanced training programs focusing on traffic laws are recommended to improve the safe operation of ambulances.