NTSB Found Driver Error Main Cause of Crashes

NTSB Crash Analysis

The National Transportation Safety Board released its “Analysis of Ground Ambulance Crash Data” from 2012 to 2018.  This Special Crash Investigations Unit report showed that nearly all crashes (92.6%) involved ambulance operator/driver error. The main factors noted in these crashes involved:

•  improper clearing of intersections
•  traveling against red lights
• operator fatigue

These are startling statistics however, risk can be reduced by developing a solid training program.

Reducing Driver Error With EVO Training

New employees should be provided with comprehensive and robust driver training immediately after being hired. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) National Standard Curriculum, “Emergency Vehicle Operators Course” provides an outline and identifies skills required for drivers.

Your EVO course should include classroom lectures with reviews of laws, regulations, and agency SOPs, as well as field training to practice vehicle maneuvers and required demonstrated competency on the vehicles each member will be operating.

In addition, your EVO training program should also include an annual refresher training every 3 years, or according to your SOGs.  It should include a review of policies, procedures, and hands-on skills evaluations. This continuing education allows you to reinforce safe driving practices and encourages a culture of safety. You can help keep your personnel engaged by utilizing other training resources.

Enhance Your EVOC With Action Training Systems

To enhance and elevate your EVO curriculum use Action Training Systems’ 4-title Emergency Vehicle Operations series. These engaging video presentations, along with the lesson outlines, skills practice suggestions, and discussion questions can help you reinforce safety messages and illustrate best driving practices.  These titles are great companions to popular industry textbooks.

As the data shows, ultimately, it is up to EMS drivers and their colleagues to put safety first when operating an emergency vehicle.

References:

https://naemt.org/docs/default-source/advocacy-documents/positions/joint-statement-on-red-light-and-siren-operations-with-logos—final.pdf?sfvrsn=e586e893_4

https://www.ems.gov/assets/Analysis-of-Ground-Ambulance-Crash-Data-From-2012-to-2018_FINAL.pdf

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/blog/nhtsa-publishes-data-on-ground-ambulance-crashes/#:~:text=Lack%20of%20proper%20restraint%20use,lateral%20belts%20and%20shoulder%20harnesses.

1995 Emergency Vehicle Operators Course (Ambulance): National Standard Curriculum https://one.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/ems/web%20site%20intro.htm