EMT Training and Ambulance Driving: What You Need to Know

As an EMT, the core of your job revolves around providing medical assistance in emergency situations. But do you need to take a special course to drive an ambulance? The answer varies by location and employer, but there are some key points to understand.

Licensing and Certification

Typically, becoming an EMT does not require a special driving course for ambulances alone. However, you will need a valid driver's license. Some states or employers may require additional certifications or endorsements, such as a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a special emergency vehicle endorsement.

Training Provided by the Ambulance Service

Most ambulance services provide their own training program for new hires on how to operate their specific vehicles. This training covers a variety of important aspects, including:

Vehicular operations and handling Emergency driving techniques Safety protocols Navigational and communication systems

This in-house training is crucial to ensure that EMTs are competent and safe drivers during emergency situations.

On-the-Job Training

New EMTs often undergo a period of supervised driving to practice and build their skills. They work under the guidance of experienced personnel until they are allowed to drive solo. This supervised experience helps to build confidence and competence in emergency driving conditions.

Continuing Education

To maintain their skills, some ambulance services require EMTs to participate in ongoing training or refresher courses on emergency vehicle operations. This ensures that drivers stay up-to-date with the latest protocols and procedures.

In summary, while there isn't a specific course required just for driving an ambulance, extensive training is usually provided by the employer to ensure EMTs can safely navigate emergency situations.

The UK Experience: The CERAD Course

In the UK, the process is quite different. There is a specialized course called the CERAD (Critical Emergencies Road Safety for Ambulance Drivers) course. This course is mandatory for EMTs who need to drive ambulances.

The CERAD course goes beyond regular driving training. It provides EMTs with the authority to run red lights and drive above speed limits when necessary, all for the sake of safety. However, this comes with a significant responsibility. As one EMT notes, if you make a mistake, you could face serious consequences.

Fortunately, not everyone is required to drive an ambulance. In the case of this EMT, they have decided to avoid driving entirely after fully qualifying. Instead, they plan to teach the CERAD course, limiting their driving to once every six months for mandatory ‘keeping-in-touch’ shifts.