Ongoing Driver Training

Your organization has a driver training program in place which addresses the needs of the new driver trainee.  However the demands of emergency response require even experienced drivers to maintain some level of on-going driver training. We recommend all drivers receive annual classroom training which can be on a variety of topics.

• Legal liabilities
• Intersection hazards and procedures
• Red light and siren usage and limitations
• Physical forces
• Vehicle Rollover Prevention

There should also be a periodic review of the hands on skills of each driver.  The frequency can vary dependent on a number of factors which include:

• Driving record
• Number of emergency calls driven
• Length of service as a driver
• Age

We have several programs which are excellent resources for this purpose.  The VFIS Emergency Vehicle Response Safety Program and/or the individual educational topics contained in the VFIS Safety and Risk Management Series will assist your organization in complying with the above recommendations. 

Available Resources

• EMS Driving Safety
• Fixed Object Strike Prevention
• Safe Backing Practices for Fire and EMS
• NFPA 1500 Driving Safety
• Ten Key Issues Affecting Safe Vehicle Operations
• Intersection Safety: An Introduction
• Distracted Driving