When I did my blue lights course with SCAS I was fascinated with how differently people react to blue lights and sirens. Some are completely oblivious for very long periods of times, others panic brake and dangerously slam on, some immediately swerve off into the kerb damaging their own cars and quite regularly people would stop in the most awkward place thinking they're helping but actually making it more difficult to pass. I think there should be more focus on how to appropriately respond to emergency vehicles when learning to drive.
I’ve kirbed a few wheels trying to make room for ambulances. No regrets though I will always do whatever I can to make sure they can get past quickly and safely
@@chickennwatermelons1 That's good to hear. One thing a lot of people don't realise is you don't actually have to legally move out of the way for emergency vehicles, although obviously if a person decides not to move when they can safely then they're a kn*b. An emergency vehicle should never try to persuade anyone from doing anything dangerous, such as scaring someone to go through a red light into oncoming traffic, as the emergency vehicle are then liable if a vehicle hits you. You may notice that if an emergency vehicle comes up to traffic it can't get past it should shut off its sirens and keep the lights on until its clear again (such as a level crossing).
Thanks. I think it's important that we can reflect and learn on everything we do and I think the driving is sometimes overlooked despite being a huge part of Emg service job role.
@@ChrisMartinEMS I completely agree. I'd love to get your take on the emergency drives on my channel. I don't have any recent ones unfortunately but my older ones would welcome your comment.
I do that a lot as a normal driver, especially with overtaking. Sometimes I want a dashcam to just see my own mistakes: Was it as bad as I think and what could I have done differently.
5:41 is an absolute joke, they know you're coming and still pull onto the roundabout, the KIA then continues on and has the audacity to beep at you?? Absolutely brain dead, your anger then transition to being calm again was very noticeable at this point, very well done, really no idea what was going through their heads if anything at all!
The beep was him at the kia. You can tell as the siren tone changes... The kia just didn't know what to do and was afraid to stop on the roundabout I'd say!
This now my favorite video. As an American EMT I am impressed on yalls traffic and driving emergency on the other side of the pond. Stay safe out there brother!
Great video - I dont think they emphasise enough on driving lessons ,that you wait until it safe to pull over to allow emergency vehicles to pass, rather than just slamming on the anchors. Have subscribed.
God almighty you are so right....I am sick to death of getting stuck behind complete idiots who slam on and cause a jam which subsequently the emergency vehicle gets stuck in...listen in dickheads...DO NOT SLAM ON AND STOP.....slow down and pull.over as far to the left as you can....just get out of the way
Had that happen as well.Pull over safely. It isn’t that bloody difficult. No point risking the emergency services personnel lives’ and yours by swerving into traffic. If you don’t think you can pull over safely then don’t.
I live in the UK but I went on a road trip to poland 3 weeks ago and I love the behaviour of people on traffic jams on highways on the way there. They put their hazards on to inform there is one, and they already pull to the side of the road in case there was an ambulance or something and they couldn't move because the cars can't move. I love it, UK needs to do this.
@@rxivild I’d love to start doing this but you just know what the idiot behind is going to do as soon as they see you pull to the side for seemingly no reason…
6:15 It also shows that although the speeds look very high compared to normal driving, you still aren't exceeding a speed where you couldn't stop if you needed to. Had the bus kept going you I think you would have stopped before hitting it, it would have been very close, but it looks like you would have stopped even with the unfortunate timing of a sat nav glance. The speed only becomes dangerous when you start driving too fast for the conditions, i.e. when you wouldn't be able to stop for potential developing incidents.
Hi Mark, yes and thanks for this. Your right in that if I'd carried on braking I'd have come to a full stop before the bus but as he stopped and there was a gap, I was able to lift off and pass by.
@@koolyman Yes, that's where I've indirectly learned it from. I'm learning/self teaching (whatever you want to call it) advanced driving techniques from videos uploaded by Reg Local here on UA-cam and all your advanced civilian driving, emergency responding etc all comes from Roadcraft. He's ex police and driving instructor/examiner for the police and one of the advanced driving organisations, IAM or RoSPA, can't remember which.
Well done. You're a fairly calm and collected guy, we can see that but that little Kia definitely tested your patience. That bus pulling out was an important example why sat nav looks need to be very quick glances and even then they are still dangerous and your life can change in less than a second. You did well. Edit: The old brakes on the Vrs got a good test with that bus moving out too.
Watching this reminded me of one time at University, many years ago: We were on our way into town in my friends Pug 306 S16, going down a long straight bit of A road. The traffic was well below the speed limit, so he pulled out to overtake a line of cars and was followed out by the car behind. The car behind then lit up, revealing itself as unmarked police! Initially my mate panicked, thinking they were trying to stop him for speeding (we were just over the limit), but a glance in the mirror revealed the copper frantically waving us to 'get on' out of the way. Having accelerated up to complete the overtake as quick as possible, the gap he was planning to pull into at the end of the overtake started to look a bit short! We then went past the next line of traffic and by the time we got back in we (and the police car) were doing up towards 100mph: He got hard on the brakes, but there wasn't enough time before the upcoming roundabout, and with stuff now coming towards us, there was no opportunity for the police car to pass, so my mate eased off the brakes and we shot round the roundabout before pulling off left into the slip road of a petrol station forecourt. As the police car went past we were rewarded with a 😉, a 😁, and a 👍 from the police driver 😂. Best we could do in the circumstances...
Blows my mind what you and other critical care/fast response drivers do. To keep your head whilst having so many important, quick decisions to make and THEN you're helping save lives at the end of it. Outstanding. The state of that absolute melt for brake checking an emergency vehicle who had the audacity to cut a roundabout when hitting the blues and twos though. Jeez.
Awesome video. I work as a call handler and there’s sometimes a disconnect between us and the crews out on the road, so videos like this are great because it gives us a view of what you guys are going through - we just see a marker moving around on a map.
Can I punch your supervisor? Best practice for ANY comms operator, particularly those who are the last link between in the field units and the comms room. They need to complete 1 to 5 'on the road' shifts with crews just to get a feel for what's going on and how their actions on the radio affect everyone. It's why I think ex-field officers who want to move into comms are often better than civilian calltakers.
I've been in Police cars on blues as a Special (passenger) and its the most amazing experience total professionals. Advice I found helps as a civilian if you see the blues coming just indicate which side your pulling to even if you can't pull over it gives them confirmation that you have seen then. Great calm driving and constantly assessing the road by this chap.
Nice run, Chris. Fair play to you for posting the video despite some points which could be critiqued. Ultimately this is an open and honest video showing the risks of response driving. When I was taught my blue light course it was overly cautious, to a point where arguably, you're not making progress. My view is that it's all about risk/benefit ratio when responding to a job, exactly as it is when treating a patient. At the end of the day, you arrived safely and will always remember the occurrences throughout this video and that will only build on your driving experience and those factors will forever remain a positive. It's nice to see some new content out of the UK that's good quality. Great car too, I owned a VRS before purchasing a 335d and I miss so many parts of it. Keep safe out there, I look forward to new content.
Hoping to joint the WMAS next year as an apprentice or go to uni. I cant wait for the challenge and to help the public. The ambulance have helped me many of times in the last 2 years and they have inspired me to work for them because of how they reassured me I was okay and how they are so nice and caring professional people. These videos are great! I look up to all of the NHS especially the ambulance service and paramedics.
I'm in awe of these drivers. People these days need the flashes and the bangs and the skids and all that sensory overload to appreciate what is simply outstanding skill. You have no idea what motorists might do when they have an emergency vehicle behind them...but somehow....you have to predict and react to it....it's absolutely amazing....I was lucky enough to be invited to spend a day with ordinary police officers a couple of years ago and we went through roundabouts with 3 lanes of traffic and multiple sets of traffic lights and even though I was in the back of the car I still dont know how we did it ...at speed....Hats off to these fellas....and gals....!!
As a 13 yr old I cycled the same route having cycled from home in Hertford I'm now 55+ All I was thinking was i can still remember the killer hill that road is. I think it took me an hour or so to do hitchin to Luton Also the video doesn't show the incline is much steeper than it appears so the driving is even more skilful
@@kylenakamura4353 Luton does have a hospital At the end you can see the double crewed ambulance is already on scene However they clearly needed backup from the emergency doctor Whilst the distance between hitchin and the scene seems long driving across Luton would probably take just as long
This was very calming and relaxing to watch someone who's good at what they do . Finding spaces in traffic but doing it safely . Fantastic video and fantastic driving
Not surprised the Kia didn't let you past, every single one of those cars I've seen on the road are driven by elderly drivers who have no business still having a licence.
3:12 is a look of disapproval if ever I saw one - but even so, just a look. No comment or other expression and it shows total dedication to the job at hand. No point getting angry at other drivers - blue lights or not.
Thank you for another great video. The fast drive is enjoyable to watch but one has to remember why you are doing it and what you may have to face when you arrive. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺
Excellent calm & collected blue light driving, Chris , the person @ 5.25 - 5.28 appears to have panicked slightly, right by Stopsley Fire Station .....what if they had a blue light shout too ? Grew up in Letchworth , know area well , left for Army service ( RAMC medic ) back in 1989 . Was a retained crew commander doubling as medic @ Nottingham Carlton fire station , which was axed by budget cuts , hence my appreciation , esp for the stretched Rapid Response Paramedics, having worked with East Midlands Ambulance service crews. It would help if drivers gave a quick indicator flash , to make clear to the emergency vehicle they will pull in & let them pass.
Two things that should be a bigger part of learning to drive in the UK in my opinion are driving on the motorway (i.e. get out of the middle lane) and and how to deal with emergency service vehicles.
Learners have only recently been allowed on motorways, but it is an optional part of learning now and some test routes even include brief motorway driving if the local area allows it. Emergency vehicles however should be common sense. If you're using your mirrors effectively then you'll see them well before it's an issue and have time to move out of their way. They also cover it when they ask you to pull over when it's safe to do so, there's just no flashing lights to rush you when you haven't properly used your mirrors.
Love how authentic your videos are. Clearly very good at what you do - and in explaining it to the viewers - but importantly you show the very real risks you have in your role. Humbled by what you do, cheers!
This is next level awareness, so much could be learned by people looking at what they do in a critical, but pragmatic, way, learning from everything they do. constant review, adapt and learn. respect.
Uploading the satnav incident makes me know this driver actually cares when he makes mistakes, We all human and forever learning. Anyone who puts learning above his personal pride and willing to let public see it, Is what defines an amazing blue light response driver in my eyes.
Nice driving, i wish drivers payed more attention to their mirrors so they'd see you in advance and can safely move over without you having to slow down.. subbed
I am actually surprised how one can actually miss that, especially when directly behind you, because those lights are all over the mirrors. And the sound obviously not that missable too.
@@DraftySatyr I have my music very, very loud in my car and I can still hear sirens over it even with the windows closed. The problem is primarily that people don't use their mirrors often enough though. Even if you're distracted by a conversation or music, you should still clock flashing lights well before you need to react if you're using your mirrors at the same time.
The turn signal looks like it actually helps in the confusion that these people are going through. Every time I've seen a car with a turn signal, it's calmed me down a bit. I'll start using it too, thanks for the video.
Brilliant driving! The concentration is brilliant! Love the reaction from the Coach, sometimes WE can't get out of the way, he used what space he could of the roundabout to let you get on your way without causing any danger to anybody else!
Yes except he done it slower than most drivers, I bomb 110 down the A505 in my van and this guy is limited to 90 in a 2 litre turbo, it’s a shame that’s he’s restricted I don’t think any emergency vehicles should be limited
so many of those drivers make me so damn mad, you've got to wonder what they'd be saying if it was a member of their family you were on the way to help. Great driving.
Could you give an example? I think many (my mother included) find it so hard to judge when to pull over... my mum in the past for example felt so worried that she might delay the ambulance that she ended up pulling over on a bridge with no room for the ambulance to actually get passed. Unless you are very experienced i think it can be hard to judge.
@@tobeytransport2802 That's because too many people are blissfully unaware that a siren as well as blue lights are happening behind them. People don't check their surroundings enough and this video demonstrates that. The car on the roundabout that had no idea he was there was completely unaware. Even the van driver at the very end of the clip failed to slow down and allow the ambulance driver by. When in fast moving traffic or on fast moving roads you move to the left when safe to do so. When in slow moving traffic you part to allow it to pass in-between. The problem is that people fail to check their surroundings enough and panic when suddenly flashing blue lights are right on them creating dangerous situations. When I travel to the military base that I work at in the morning this happens constantly where an ambulance or police car are trying to get through and become stuck because someone's not paying attention. Being reactive and aware makes for a safer driving experience.
A very good example of emergency driving. Calm and composed with minimal risks and always driving within safety limits. Just one moment of irritation. (I would have used much stronger language with the idiot at the roundabout). I am still amazed that regularly I find drivers totally oblivious to a vehicle right behind them with lights and sirens for (in one case earlier this year) over a minute. - earphones in, mind in neutral, then oops, panic, brake, swerve right, then left, then stop by a traffic island leaving no room to pass ...... thanks for the vid!
I watch these videos all the time to help me keep my “skills” sharp as I work on the busses. As a bus driver, can I ask if it bothers EMS drivers if we keep going at a safe speed until we can find a good place to pull over in order to give you the best view ahead?
Very educational - thanks for posting. If you ever have time, would it be possible to show in a video how other drivers could have behaved differently so as to help you? I don't mean in a 'name and shame' way. I know I try to do my best, but am never 100% sure I have done the best thing when faced with a vehicle on blues.
If you noticed the flashing lights before they were directly behind you and safely moved out of the way so they could pass, you did everything you could. Obviously not stopping next to junctions or islands etc are helpful, but you shouldn't be doing that anyway. Problems occur when people notice too late and then hesitate to react, or just slam the brakes on. If you're not doing that, you're fine.
And it was at that bus moment that a Jeremy Clarkson quote came into my head "Poo is coming out." Joking aside though, it takes skill and calm to not over react in such situations. Nice driving Chris.
Holy shit! Absolute driving skill right there! On a side note Cagers "cyclists shouldn't ride with headphones in" Also cagers: drive for a mile not noticing blues and twos behind them
Awesome driving there! Not in the ambulance service yet but I hope to be within the next few years. Clips like this are really helpful because they show what to keep an eye out for on the blue light runs.
Interesting that nearly everybody did what they should, and as soon as they could, to keep the traffic loose enough for the emergency vehicle to get through. I know I have had to be a bit "kreative" to make roadspace for an ambulance, particularly when it approached from ahead. But then, I suppose putting two wheels up on a big empty pavement isn't much of a transgression, if it allows the guy to keep his pedal down and his speed up. I have heard that in Germany it is a legal requirement to STOP your car immediately and remain right where you are, if a siren is audible. I really don't understand this. How does a fire appliance get through if the traffic that was flowing freely suddenly congeales into a traffic jamb right IN FRONT of you?
I did the RoSPA motorbike test , and car test , more than a few years ago , It brings great joy to see really good decisions made at high speed . Really nice safe driving while pressing on and making “ progress “ Say safe sir !
Thanks for this and I did the RoSPA a few years back as well and found it really good instruction but different to standard Ambulance response teachings but in a good way. Allows a measured combination of driving styles, progressive vs conservative. Stay safe on the bike f your still riding.
The phazer siren is a waste of time in my opinion. Yelp yes, wail yes, phazer no. I always found a greater number cars failed to respond to it. I ended up using the yelp, wail only. I still think the old fashion two tone air horns horns were more effective though.
As you say, the two tone air horns were more effective. Even the old motor driven sirens were better than the electronic sirens. In a modern car with a reasonable amount of insulation, the electronic sirens (even wail and yelp) are hardly audible until right behind you. If vehicles behind obscure the view of the emergency vehicle approaching, it is even more difficult to identify their location and take appropriate action.
@@MervynPartin Some of our fire trucks here are now using train horns. Much more effective in getting attention from what I've witnessed. Even those who just stop right in the lane instead of moving over suddenly move their arse (and probably change their shorts too).
@@glennjarvis2672 Sounds good to me! I've actually ridden in the cab of a Fire Department ambulance and the horn was often used at intersections because the siren was inadequate even though US sirens seem (to me) louder than their British counterparts
It was my understanding that the phazer was designed to reduce the echo when the sound bounces off the walls of buildings, so that in an inner city area it is easier to discern what direction it's coming from. Much less useful in rural and suburban areas.
@@oktal3700 Agreed. That was pretty much how they were described on tv when they first appeared but like many attempts at redesigning the wheel, it has not really been a success. I still think, as a driver (i.e. the person who needs to hear the warning) that the 2-tone air horns were easier to hear and identify the direction, but they were not high-tech, so had to be replaced by expensive electronics.
i laughed at the "breaks work" amazing driving that one person who wouldnt shift out the way was an idiot to say th least be safe outh their what you do is amazing sub from me
@@urban_fox_cub_urbex Rule 219 of the Highway Code says "Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs." So yes, you legally need to *take appropriate action* to let emergency vehicles pass. So if you have to, you need to move out of the way without causing danger and without breaking any other rules.
Firstly, nice run, I've rarely seen someone manage to do urban blue light runs so smoothly as calm as you have. I know half the ambulance crews I've met would have had a much more colourful response to the cars that didn't notice you and particularly the bus, although I must ask, have you considered any changes to how you use the sat nav after this video? I know the local ambulance crews typically have the sat nav placed in the rear view mirror so they don't have to take their eyes away as much to see where they're going, making it a bit less of an issue but isn't particularly an option for the cars, but there's never really been a consenus on the automated call outs, with some I've seen turning them off and either eye balling the screen every once in a while or getting who evers with them to call out anything important on the way there and eye balling or using the automated on the way back whilst others I've seen go the complete other way and have been either turning the volume all the way up or even using single bluetooth ear pieces synced to the nav. What have you found works best or is it never really something that's bothered you that much?
Full Concentration - Brilliant and I think most of the drivers behaved extremely well, with just one or two panickers and a couple that seem to have lost their hearing and rear view mirrors! I loved the 100mph dual carriageway section. !!!
@@TDMFAN If it was marked id agree but people tend to get nervous when they hear any kind of sirens and look for the distinct markings on vehicles, also considering the roof I would say there are no lights on top either. Whole point of emergency service vehicles is to be noticed not just heard.
@@ao3312 what on earth are you on about? You can see the flashing lights reflected several times throughout the video. This is a stark contrast to another code blue video in the US where absolutely everyone got out of the way as soon as possible. How on earth are Americans better than you Brits at driving?
@@TDMFAN every country has its bad apples for every situation, ive seen plenty from all over the world via dashcam compilations. Other than reflective surfaces of signs I didn't overly notice it anywhere else enough for it to stand out, didn't notice any flashes on the white vans near the start of the video.
@@ao3312 I've never seen a video of an emergency vehicle being so obstructed with their lights and siren on. It looks like UK legislation might have something to do with it. Dude, the video is from inside the ambulance. Just because you can't see the lights doesn't mean they won't be on. Have you ever heard of or seen an ambulance use its sirens without its lights? The fact that a handful of the vehicles do pull over indicates that they were very visible, it's just that the majority of the motorists couldn't give less of a crap about getting out of the way - the Kia driver especially.
Dutch Ambulance clip: Traffic promptly moves out of the way and comes to a stop. UK Ambulance clip: Don't let him through Margaret! I pay my taxes for these roads just as much as the next man.
I was just thinking how unusual it was to see some fairly good reactions from Joe Public then we get that idiot at the roundabout, and even more disturbing the bus driver. I guess nothing ever really changes.
Bus driver did nothing wrong. Was already committed to the manoeuvre before the emergency vehicle came around the bend. Remember, the bus is slow moving and the emergency vehicle is fast moving. The bus driver had about 3 seconds to work out where the siren was coming from and react...which he did. He came to a stop and left lane 1 clear for the emergency vehicle to pass. What else did you want??
Hi all, agreed that the bus driver not at fault as from their point of view, as they started their maneuver the road was clear and then I appeared and once he did see me, came to a stop. As the video shows, my untimely glance down cost me about 15-20 metres worth of braking distance I should think.
The bus pulling out from central reservation was well camouflaged! The lower orange/red matched the flowers in the central reservation, while the yellow top matched the flowers in the distance (edit: no maybe a pale fence, phone screen, detail not great). Didn't make the bus invisible, but can delay the subconscious peripheral processing forwarding to conscious decision making just slightly.
My cousin Ian teaches Paramedics and ambulance crews in Berkshire and he is always amazed at the lack of awareness drivers have for emergency vehicles.
I don't really know why but I like this video a lot. Probably the fact that it teatch us to alway double check everything that wee see when we are driving.
You were very lucky to have no traffic on the one way system in Hitchen. My dentist is in Payne Park and I am always late because of the traffic there. 😂😁👍👍👍👍👍👍
You mentioned brake fade at 7:45, this is a particularly common issue with longer drives I’m guessing. Do you get any training regarding it and how do you adjust?
I did a day’s placement with Sussex Ambulance. It blew me away how oblivious some drivers can be to a giant yellow, highly reflective, van with neon flashing lights and sirens.
The problem with unmarked vehicles, be it police or on-call Doctors, the public hear you before seeing you, it’s very different to marked battenberg vehicles that are easier to see. Driving on blue lights is not only a highly skilled task, it’s full of hazards and reading the road ahead isn’t the same. You have to look and scan a lot further down the carriageway and try second guess other road users, and that can be impossible due to a lot of drivers not checking mirrors or playing music that invariably distorts their hearing and creates a distraction in general. Chris, you’re a brilliant driver buddy, your blue light skills are up there with the best buddy. Stay safe out there, Steve 👮♀️ ♥️
"Brakes work" a universal statement of relief and gratitude. Amazing work Chris, keep it going.
When I did my blue lights course with SCAS I was fascinated with how differently people react to blue lights and sirens. Some are completely oblivious for very long periods of times, others panic brake and dangerously slam on, some immediately swerve off into the kerb damaging their own cars and quite regularly people would stop in the most awkward place thinking they're helping but actually making it more difficult to pass. I think there should be more focus on how to appropriately respond to emergency vehicles when learning to drive.
I’ve kirbed a few wheels trying to make room for ambulances. No regrets though I will always do whatever I can to make sure they can get past quickly and safely
@@chickennwatermelons1 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
@@chickennwatermelons1 That's good to hear. One thing a lot of people don't realise is you don't actually have to legally move out of the way for emergency vehicles, although obviously if a person decides not to move when they can safely then they're a kn*b. An emergency vehicle should never try to persuade anyone from doing anything dangerous, such as scaring someone to go through a red light into oncoming traffic, as the emergency vehicle are then liable if a vehicle hits you. You may notice that if an emergency vehicle comes up to traffic it can't get past it should shut off its sirens and keep the lights on until its clear again (such as a level crossing).
What's the most appropriate way to respond?
Unfortunately most of the human race is retarded
Nicely driven and nice to see a response driver who can be critical of their own driving.
Thanks. I think it's important that we can reflect and learn on everything we do and I think the driving is sometimes overlooked despite being a huge part of Emg service job role.
@@ChrisMartinEMS I completely agree. I'd love to get your take on the emergency drives on my channel. I don't have any recent ones unfortunately but my older ones would welcome your comment.
@@CymruEmergencyResponder of course, will check them out.
@@ChrisMartinEMS Self critical driving is good , as it shows the driver is aware of any possible miss judgement .
I do that a lot as a normal driver, especially with overtaking. Sometimes I want a dashcam to just see my own mistakes: Was it as bad as I think and what could I have done differently.
5:37 that moment when you tell yourself "Breathe". I applaud you, I couldn't do what you do
5:41 is an absolute joke, they know you're coming and still pull onto the roundabout, the KIA then continues on and has the audacity to beep at you?? Absolutely brain dead, your anger then transition to being calm again was very noticeable at this point, very well done, really no idea what was going through their heads if anything at all!
The beep was him at the kia. You can tell as the siren tone changes... The kia just didn't know what to do and was afraid to stop on the roundabout I'd say!
Kia Soul drivers be like:
@@rjwinterqwerty nah pretty sure it was the Kia.
@@steve00alt70 I think it looks like he uses his right thumb
What an absolute
This now my favorite video. As an American EMT I am impressed on yalls traffic and driving emergency on the other side of the pond. Stay safe out there brother!
Really good of you to say. Stay safe back at ya.
Great video - I dont think they emphasise enough on driving lessons ,that you wait until it safe to pull over to allow emergency vehicles to pass, rather than just slamming on the anchors. Have subscribed.
@Awakened_blacksheep so you were following too close then.
God almighty you are so right....I am sick to death of getting stuck behind complete idiots who slam on and cause a jam which subsequently the emergency vehicle gets stuck in...listen in dickheads...DO NOT SLAM ON AND STOP.....slow down and pull.over as far to the left as you can....just get out of the way
Had that happen as well.Pull over safely. It isn’t that bloody difficult. No point risking the emergency services personnel lives’ and yours by swerving into traffic. If you don’t think you can pull over safely then don’t.
I live in the UK but I went on a road trip to poland 3 weeks ago and I love the behaviour of people on traffic jams on highways on the way there. They put their hazards on to inform there is one, and they already pull to the side of the road in case there was an ambulance or something and they couldn't move because the cars can't move. I love it, UK needs to do this.
@@rxivild I’d love to start doing this but you just know what the idiot behind is going to do as soon as they see you pull to the side for seemingly no reason…
6:15 It also shows that although the speeds look very high compared to normal driving, you still aren't exceeding a speed where you couldn't stop if you needed to. Had the bus kept going you I think you would have stopped before hitting it, it would have been very close, but it looks like you would have stopped even with the unfortunate timing of a sat nav glance. The speed only becomes dangerous when you start driving too fast for the conditions, i.e. when you wouldn't be able to stop for potential developing incidents.
Hi Mark, yes and thanks for this. Your right in that if I'd carried on braking I'd have come to a full stop before the bus but as he stopped and there was a gap, I was able to lift off and pass by.
@@ChrisMartinEMS your, a very skilled driver.
Yes , and i would say that this also is an example on what fast driving is to people who compare fast driving to reckless speeding.
Yes that is a lesson in Roadcraft I believe, to never exceed the speed where you can stop in the distance you can see.
@@koolyman Yes, that's where I've indirectly learned it from. I'm learning/self teaching (whatever you want to call it) advanced driving techniques from videos uploaded by Reg Local here on UA-cam and all your advanced civilian driving, emergency responding etc all comes from Roadcraft. He's ex police and driving instructor/examiner for the police and one of the advanced driving organisations, IAM or RoSPA, can't remember which.
Emergency responders never fail to amaze me. Amazing driving and awareness.
Love his reaction to almost crashing, "breaks work" lol. Impressive to see how he stays calm in such a scary situation.
Excellent, fabulous progress despite a couple of tricky moments, subbed.
Well done. You're a fairly calm and collected guy, we can see that but that little Kia definitely tested your patience. That bus pulling out was an important example why sat nav looks need to be very quick glances and even then they are still dangerous and your life can change in less than a second. You did well. Edit: The old brakes on the Vrs got a good test with that bus moving out too.
Watching this reminded me of one time at University, many years ago: We were on our way into town in my friends Pug 306 S16, going down a long straight bit of A road. The traffic was well below the speed limit, so he pulled out to overtake a line of cars and was followed out by the car behind. The car behind then lit up, revealing itself as unmarked police!
Initially my mate panicked, thinking they were trying to stop him for speeding (we were just over the limit), but a glance in the mirror revealed the copper frantically waving us to 'get on' out of the way.
Having accelerated up to complete the overtake as quick as possible, the gap he was planning to pull into at the end of the overtake started to look a bit short!
We then went past the next line of traffic and by the time we got back in we (and the police car) were doing up towards 100mph: He got hard on the brakes, but there wasn't enough time before the upcoming roundabout, and with stuff now coming towards us, there was no opportunity for the police car to pass, so my mate eased off the brakes and we shot round the roundabout before pulling off left into the slip road of a petrol station forecourt.
As the police car went past we were rewarded with a 😉, a 😁, and a 👍 from the police driver 😂. Best we could do in the circumstances...
Blows my mind what you and other critical care/fast response drivers do. To keep your head whilst having so many important, quick decisions to make and THEN you're helping save lives at the end of it. Outstanding.
The state of that absolute melt for brake checking an emergency vehicle who had the audacity to cut a roundabout when hitting the blues and twos though. Jeez.
Awesome video. I work as a call handler and there’s sometimes a disconnect between us and the crews out on the road, so videos like this are great because it gives us a view of what you guys are going through - we just see a marker moving around on a map.
Can I punch your supervisor? Best practice for ANY comms operator, particularly those who are the last link between in the field units and the comms room. They need to complete 1 to 5 'on the road' shifts with crews just to get a feel for what's going on and how their actions on the radio affect everyone.
It's why I think ex-field officers who want to move into comms are often better than civilian calltakers.
I've been in Police cars on blues as a Special (passenger) and its the most amazing experience total professionals. Advice I found helps as a civilian if you see the blues coming just indicate which side your pulling to even if you can't pull over it gives them confirmation that you have seen then. Great calm driving and constantly assessing the road by this chap.
Nice run, Chris. Fair play to you for posting the video despite some points which could be critiqued. Ultimately this is an open and honest video showing the risks of response driving. When I was taught my blue light course it was overly cautious, to a point where arguably, you're not making progress. My view is that it's all about risk/benefit ratio when responding to a job, exactly as it is when treating a patient.
At the end of the day, you arrived safely and will always remember the occurrences throughout this video and that will only build on your driving experience and those factors will forever remain a positive.
It's nice to see some new content out of the UK that's good quality. Great car too, I owned a VRS before purchasing a 335d and I miss so many parts of it.
Keep safe out there, I look forward to new content.
lmao
Hoping to joint the WMAS next year as an apprentice or go to uni. I cant wait for the challenge and to help the public. The ambulance have helped me many of times in the last 2 years and they have inspired me to work for them because of how they reassured me I was okay and how they are so nice and caring professional people. These videos are great! I look up to all of the NHS especially the ambulance service and paramedics.
Nice driving. Pity about the panicky people, they seem to hinder emergency vehicles more than anything else. Stay safe👍
No shit!
@@nasa1985 ?
Because a lot of blue light responders hardly use their indicators to make their intentions clear so it leads to lots of confused drivers
Cops are worst for it. Rarely see them indicating, and I mean normal driving not blue light runs
@@hcfybguctugdhu5223 well you should just stop what your doing they get priority we don't..
I'm in awe of these drivers. People these days need the flashes and the bangs and the skids and all that sensory overload to appreciate what is simply outstanding skill. You have no idea what motorists might do when they have an emergency vehicle behind them...but somehow....you have to predict and react to it....it's absolutely amazing....I was lucky enough to be invited to spend a day with ordinary police officers a couple of years ago and we went through roundabouts with 3 lanes of traffic and multiple sets of traffic lights and even though I was in the back of the car I still dont know how we did it ...at speed....Hats off to these fellas....and gals....!!
As a 13 yr old I cycled the same route having cycled from home in Hertford I'm now 55+
All I was thinking was i can still remember the killer hill that road is. I think it took me an hour or so to do hitchin to Luton
Also the video doesn't show the incline is much steeper than it appears so the driving is even more skilful
American here:
Does Luton not have any hospitals in the whole city? Is that why this EMS is driving so far?
@@kylenakamura4353
Luton does have a hospital
At the end you can see the double crewed ambulance is already on scene
However they clearly needed backup from the emergency doctor
Whilst the distance between hitchin and the scene seems long driving across Luton would probably take just as long
Hello from New Zealand. Excellent work there - really appreciate everything you do. That's a long drive for a callout!
Weird to see this route on youtube, I drive it all the time xD
Wish I could do it this quickly
This was very calming and relaxing to watch someone who's good at what they do . Finding spaces in traffic but doing it safely . Fantastic video and fantastic driving
Not surprised the Kia didn't let you past, every single one of those cars I've seen on the road are driven by elderly drivers who have no business still having a licence.
3:12 is a look of disapproval if ever I saw one - but even so, just a look. No comment or other expression and it shows total dedication to the job at hand. No point getting angry at other drivers - blue lights or not.
G'day Chris, lovely video, i'm an EMT over in Aussie. Loved the video mate.
Thanks @TheChell35 appreciate that.
Thank you for another great video. The fast drive is enjoyable to watch but one has to remember why you are doing it and what you may have to face when you arrive. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺
1:41 used to live along here, that Hitchin one-way system is hellish.
Excellent calm & collected blue light driving, Chris , the person @ 5.25 - 5.28 appears to have panicked slightly, right by Stopsley Fire Station .....what if they had a blue light shout too ? Grew up in Letchworth , know area well , left for Army service ( RAMC medic ) back in 1989 . Was a retained crew commander doubling as medic @ Nottingham Carlton fire station , which was axed by budget cuts , hence my appreciation , esp for the stretched Rapid Response Paramedics, having worked with East Midlands Ambulance service crews. It would help if drivers gave a quick indicator flash , to make clear to the emergency vehicle they will pull in & let them pass.
Two things that should be a bigger part of learning to drive in the UK in my opinion are driving on the motorway (i.e. get out of the middle lane) and and how to deal with emergency service vehicles.
It really wouldn't wouldn't hard to add it in. Sadly we seem to have stopped evolving as a nation and still rely on 1970s laws.
@@Dosedmonkey we're a nation stuck in the past
It's complete madness that as soon as you have passed your test you can drive on a motorway with zero previous experience.
Learners have only recently been allowed on motorways, but it is an optional part of learning now and some test routes even include brief motorway driving if the local area allows it. Emergency vehicles however should be common sense. If you're using your mirrors effectively then you'll see them well before it's an issue and have time to move out of their way. They also cover it when they ask you to pull over when it's safe to do so, there's just no flashing lights to rush you when you haven't properly used your mirrors.
Love how authentic your videos are. Clearly very good at what you do - and in explaining it to the viewers - but importantly you show the very real risks you have in your role. Humbled by what you do, cheers!
Nice video! Look forward to seeing more
This is next level awareness, so much could be learned by people looking at what they do in a critical, but pragmatic, way, learning from everything they do. constant review, adapt and learn. respect.
More Blue light runs would be awesome to see. A lot to learn their.
there*
5:20... Red mist...emotion high. Same with the bus just after. What excellent videos. Clear professional with the ability to self-analyse too.
Thank your for your service. Hope your patient was okay.
I have no clue how you guys do it. The actual ride to the scene is intense. BUT THEN when you arrive is when your work starts, no words.
Some amazing driving!can see that towards the end you were getting tired but amazing responses to hazards! Subbed!
Uploading the satnav incident makes me know this driver actually cares when he makes mistakes, We all human and forever learning.
Anyone who puts learning above his personal pride and willing to let public see it, Is what defines an amazing blue light response driver in my eyes.
Nice driving, i wish drivers payed more attention to their mirrors so they'd see you in advance and can safely move over without you having to slow down.. subbed
I am actually surprised how one can actually miss that, especially when directly behind you, because those lights are all over the mirrors. And the sound obviously not that missable too.
@@eziitis8 Exactly, it sure does baffle me
@@chrissheldon8708 Too many distractions whilst driving, be it loud music, headphones/earplugs, or just not focusing on their driving.
@@DraftySatyr I have my music very, very loud in my car and I can still hear sirens over it even with the windows closed. The problem is primarily that people don't use their mirrors often enough though. Even if you're distracted by a conversation or music, you should still clock flashing lights well before you need to react if you're using your mirrors at the same time.
@Jack Britland rofl same. There's no hope for some people.
The turn signal looks like it actually helps in the confusion that these people are going through. Every time I've seen a car with a turn signal, it's calmed me down a bit. I'll start using it too, thanks for the video.
Driving - 100% Score dude, perfect precision manoeuvres and kept your composure when other drivers failed
Nice to see content like this again. Used to love watching the old dutch ambulance channel, before he had to close it. Thank you.
Slightly surprised that the grey/silver car that baulked you out of the roundabout didn't hear you as you were alongside him!
most likey did but probably thought he would undertake so stayed put
@@oscar8970 Staying put is fine, not slowing down to let the emergency vehicle in font is not fine.
Brilliant driving! The concentration is brilliant! Love the reaction from the Coach, sometimes WE can't get out of the way, he used what space he could of the roundabout to let you get on your way without causing any danger to anybody else!
Love it! You have the greatest job!
All it takes is a Momentary laps of concentration and it could all go wrong, fantastically driven
He literally drove the same route I drive couple of times a week:))
Yes except he done it slower than most drivers, I bomb 110 down the A505 in my van and this guy is limited to 90 in a 2 litre turbo, it’s a shame that’s he’s restricted I don’t think any emergency vehicles should be limited
Advanced EMT / Paramedic Student in the US from England. Excellent driving and a great video .
so many of those drivers make me so damn mad, you've got to wonder what they'd be saying if it was a member of their family you were on the way to help. Great driving.
Could you give an example? I think many (my mother included) find it so hard to judge when to pull over... my mum in the past for example felt so worried that she might delay the ambulance that she ended up pulling over on a bridge with no room for the ambulance to actually get passed. Unless you are very experienced i think it can be hard to judge.
@@tobeytransport2802 That's because too many people are blissfully unaware that a siren as well as blue lights are happening behind them. People don't check their surroundings enough and this video demonstrates that. The car on the roundabout that had no idea he was there was completely unaware. Even the van driver at the very end of the clip failed to slow down and allow the ambulance driver by. When in fast moving traffic or on fast moving roads you move to the left when safe to do so. When in slow moving traffic you part to allow it to pass in-between. The problem is that people fail to check their surroundings enough and panic when suddenly flashing blue lights are right on them creating dangerous situations. When I travel to the military base that I work at in the morning this happens constantly where an ambulance or police car are trying to get through and become stuck because someone's not paying attention. Being reactive and aware makes for a safer driving experience.
That is a very good video and nice calm composure 👍🏼 I also like that you pointed out a near miss, and how easily it can happen.
That Car pulled up nicely for you. Braking wise I mean.
A very good example of emergency driving. Calm and composed with minimal risks and always driving within safety limits. Just one moment of irritation. (I would have used much stronger language with the idiot at the roundabout).
I am still amazed that regularly I find drivers totally oblivious to a vehicle right behind them with lights and sirens for (in one case earlier this year) over a minute. - earphones in, mind in neutral, then oops, panic, brake, swerve right, then left, then stop by a traffic island leaving no room to pass ...... thanks for the vid!
I watch these videos all the time to help me keep my “skills” sharp as I work on the busses. As a bus driver, can I ask if it bothers EMS drivers if we keep going at a safe speed until we can find a good place to pull over in order to give you the best view ahead?
Its recommended to do exactly that, if they see a safe time to get past before you find a place to move aside they will use that opportunity
Great driving and nice editing! I'd love to see more blue light runs from you.
Very educational - thanks for posting.
If you ever have time, would it be possible to show in a video how other drivers could have behaved differently so as to help you? I don't mean in a 'name and shame' way. I know I try to do my best, but am never 100% sure I have done the best thing when faced with a vehicle on blues.
If you noticed the flashing lights before they were directly behind you and safely moved out of the way so they could pass, you did everything you could. Obviously not stopping next to junctions or islands etc are helpful, but you shouldn't be doing that anyway. Problems occur when people notice too late and then hesitate to react, or just slam the brakes on. If you're not doing that, you're fine.
And it was at that bus moment that a Jeremy Clarkson quote came into my head "Poo is coming out." Joking aside though, it takes skill and calm to not over react in such situations. Nice driving Chris.
Holy shit! Absolute driving skill right there!
On a side note
Cagers "cyclists shouldn't ride with headphones in"
Also cagers: drive for a mile not noticing blues and twos behind them
What are cagers?
@@stormbreaklp5466 motorists who use nothing but a car, aka cage
Perfectly executed grade one job driving, on blues and two tones. Good job Chris!
It's more of a challenge without the lights and siren and with 12 pints on board.
Awesome driving there!
Not in the ambulance service yet but I hope to be within the next few years. Clips like this are really helpful because they show what to keep an eye out for on the blue light runs.
Interesting that nearly everybody did what they should, and as soon as they could, to keep the traffic loose enough for the emergency vehicle to get through. I know I have had to be a bit "kreative" to make roadspace for an ambulance, particularly when it approached from ahead. But then, I suppose putting two wheels up on a big empty pavement isn't much of a transgression, if it allows the guy to keep his pedal down and his speed up.
I have heard that in Germany it is a legal requirement to STOP your car immediately and remain right where you are, if a siren is audible. I really don't understand this. How does a fire appliance get through if the traffic that was flowing freely suddenly congeales into a traffic jamb right IN FRONT of you?
Not a thing in germany
I did the RoSPA motorbike test , and car test , more than a few years ago , It brings great joy to see really good decisions made at high speed . Really nice safe driving while pressing on and making “ progress “
Say safe sir !
Thanks for this and I did the RoSPA a few years back as well and found it really good instruction but different to standard Ambulance response teachings but in a good way. Allows a measured combination of driving styles, progressive vs conservative. Stay safe on the bike f your still riding.
How can i apply for a job like this.
I have plenty of experience driving like this pretty much every morning trying to get into work on time.
Such a calm driver one blink and it can be over hats off to u and ur driving skills
5:25 the kia driver is kinda idiotic
I like your honesty and would love this job. Thanks for the upload
The phazer siren is a waste of time in my opinion. Yelp yes, wail yes, phazer no. I always found a greater number cars failed to respond to it. I ended up using the yelp, wail only. I still think the old fashion two tone air horns horns were more effective though.
As you say, the two tone air horns were more effective. Even the old motor driven sirens were better than the electronic sirens. In a modern car with a reasonable amount of insulation, the electronic sirens (even wail and yelp) are hardly audible until right behind you. If vehicles behind obscure the view of the emergency vehicle approaching, it is even more difficult to identify their location and take appropriate action.
@@MervynPartin Some of our fire trucks here are now using train horns. Much more effective in getting attention from what I've witnessed. Even those who just stop right in the lane instead of moving over suddenly move their arse (and probably change their shorts too).
@@glennjarvis2672 Sounds good to me!
I've actually ridden in the cab of a Fire Department ambulance and the horn was often used at intersections because the siren was inadequate even though US sirens seem (to me) louder than their British counterparts
It was my understanding that the phazer was designed to reduce the echo when the sound bounces off the walls of buildings, so that in an inner city area it is easier to discern what direction it's coming from. Much less useful in rural and suburban areas.
@@oktal3700 Agreed. That was pretty much how they were described on tv when they first appeared but like many attempts at redesigning the wheel, it has not really been a success. I still think, as a driver (i.e. the person who needs to hear the warning) that the 2-tone air horns were easier to hear and identify the direction, but they were not high-tech, so had to be replaced by expensive electronics.
I can’t help but think, there’s no better advert for that car than this
i laughed at the "breaks work" amazing driving that one person who wouldnt shift out the way was an idiot to say th least be safe outh their what you do is amazing sub from me
You legally don’t need to move out the way for blue lights .... it’s on Highway Code !
@@urban_fox_cub_urbex huh ? your supposed to tbh id be all for them giving people a ticket who delay emergency services like some other countries do
@@urban_fox_cub_urbex Rule 219 of the Highway Code says "Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs." So yes, you legally need to *take appropriate action* to let emergency vehicles pass. So if you have to, you need to move out of the way without causing danger and without breaking any other rules.
I felt your frustration especially at 5.45. You handled that admirably.
Firstly, nice run, I've rarely seen someone manage to do urban blue light runs so smoothly as calm as you have. I know half the ambulance crews I've met would have had a much more colourful response to the cars that didn't notice you and particularly the bus, although I must ask, have you considered any changes to how you use the sat nav after this video? I know the local ambulance crews typically have the sat nav placed in the rear view mirror so they don't have to take their eyes away as much to see where they're going, making it a bit less of an issue but isn't particularly an option for the cars, but there's never really been a consenus on the automated call outs, with some I've seen turning them off and either eye balling the screen every once in a while or getting who evers with them to call out anything important on the way there and eye balling or using the automated on the way back whilst others I've seen go the complete other way and have been either turning the volume all the way up or even using single bluetooth ear pieces synced to the nav. What have you found works best or is it never really something that's bothered you that much?
Only time i see someone speeding and feel good about how well they are driving and wish them well.
Nice video! Have subscribed as well :D
Appreciated, thanks.
Full Concentration - Brilliant and I think most of the drivers behaved extremely well, with just one or two panickers and a couple that seem to have lost their hearing and rear view mirrors!
I loved the 100mph dual carriageway section. !!!
Hand the Kia drivers details to the police and have then re-sit their test.
I'd say the majority of motorists in this video need to resit their test, they seem to do everything they can to impede the ambulance.
@@TDMFAN If it was marked id agree but people tend to get nervous when they hear any kind of sirens and look for the distinct markings on vehicles, also considering the roof I would say there are no lights on top either.
Whole point of emergency service vehicles is to be noticed not just heard.
@@ao3312 what on earth are you on about? You can see the flashing lights reflected several times throughout the video.
This is a stark contrast to another code blue video in the US where absolutely everyone got out of the way as soon as possible. How on earth are Americans better than you Brits at driving?
@@TDMFAN every country has its bad apples for every situation, ive seen plenty from all over the world via dashcam compilations.
Other than reflective surfaces of signs I didn't overly notice it anywhere else enough for it to stand out, didn't notice any flashes on the white vans near the start of the video.
@@ao3312 I've never seen a video of an emergency vehicle being so obstructed with their lights and siren on. It looks like UK legislation might have something to do with it.
Dude, the video is from inside the ambulance. Just because you can't see the lights doesn't mean they won't be on. Have you ever heard of or seen an ambulance use its sirens without its lights?
The fact that a handful of the vehicles do pull over indicates that they were very visible, it's just that the majority of the motorists couldn't give less of a crap about getting out of the way - the Kia driver especially.
Great video, I hope you do more. Love the sound of the Skoda!
Dutch Ambulance clip: Traffic promptly moves out of the way and comes to a stop.
UK Ambulance clip: Don't let him through Margaret! I pay my taxes for these roads just as much as the next man.
Quiet competence of the highest level.
I was just thinking how unusual it was to see some fairly good reactions from Joe Public then we get that idiot at the roundabout, and even more disturbing the bus driver. I guess nothing ever really changes.
A couple of drivers pull out, then slow down.
Bus driver did nothing wrong. Was already committed to the manoeuvre before the emergency vehicle came around the bend. Remember, the bus is slow moving and the emergency vehicle is fast moving.
The bus driver had about 3 seconds to work out where the siren was coming from and react...which he did. He came to a stop and left lane 1 clear for the emergency vehicle to pass. What else did you want??
@@GooseMcSwan Concur; London bus driver of 18 years here, former reservist RMP, spot-on analysis.
@@GooseMcSwan Very true . If anything the quiet satnav caused the "incident" .
Hi all, agreed that the bus driver not at fault as from their point of view, as they started their maneuver the road was clear and then I appeared and once he did see me, came to a stop. As the video shows, my untimely glance down cost me about 15-20 metres worth of braking distance I should think.
5:20 Kia driver should get a fine in the post for that shocking spacial awareness.
Why would anyone want to get to Luton in a hurry?
The bus pulling out from central reservation was well camouflaged! The lower orange/red matched the flowers in the central reservation, while the yellow top matched the flowers in the distance (edit: no maybe a pale fence, phone screen, detail not great). Didn't make the bus invisible, but can delay the subconscious peripheral processing forwarding to conscious decision making just slightly.
Undue care and attention dangerous driving at very least
My cousin Ian teaches Paramedics and ambulance crews in Berkshire and he is always amazed at the lack of awareness drivers have for emergency vehicles.
Thank you for all you and your colleagues do for all of us day in day out.
I don't really know why but I like this video a lot. Probably the fact that it teatch us to alway double check everything that wee see when we are driving.
Good example of a professional driver. The patience he has with other drivers.
Just stumbled across this video! Great driving look forward to more
You were very lucky to have no traffic on the one way system in Hitchen. My dentist is in Payne Park and I am always late because of the traffic there. 😂😁👍👍👍👍👍👍
What an absolute hero braving the crap hole of Luton balls of steel this man 👏
Man almost hit a bus, his reaction "brakes work" LOL. Good video mate
Nice run ..retired Australian paramedic here ..I’ve subscribed
He's a British.
Such calm and composed driving fair play to you. I don't get why people are not looking around for the siren noise as soon as they hear them.
This is amazing to watch. Skilled and patient.
You mentioned brake fade at 7:45, this is a particularly common issue with longer drives I’m guessing. Do you get any training regarding it and how do you adjust?
I did a day’s placement with Sussex Ambulance. It blew me away how oblivious some drivers can be to a giant yellow, highly reflective, van with neon flashing lights and sirens.
The problem with unmarked vehicles, be it police or on-call Doctors, the public hear you before seeing you, it’s very different to marked battenberg vehicles that are easier to see. Driving on blue lights is not only a highly skilled task, it’s full of hazards and reading the road ahead isn’t the same. You have to look and scan a lot further down the carriageway and try second guess other road users, and that can be impossible due to a lot of drivers not checking mirrors or playing music that invariably distorts their hearing and creates a distraction in general.
Chris, you’re a brilliant driver buddy, your blue light skills are up there with the best buddy. Stay safe out there, Steve 👮♀️ ♥️
Your bloody good driving my friend l like it man very praise well done 👏 👌👍
Thanks 👍