How to Be Emergency Vehicle Driver - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 11, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When an emergency vehicle driver is on the road, they have a responsibility to others to drive safely and responsibly. This means following traffic laws, including speed limits, obeying traffic signals, and being aware of other drivers. When a driver does not follow the rules of the road, the consequences can be serious, resulting in property damage, injury, or even death.

Furthermore, emergency vehicle drivers must remain alert and aware of their surroundings to ensure they can react quickly in an emergency. This includes staying focused on their driving and not engaging in distracting activities such as using a cell phone or eating while driving. Finally, emergency vehicle drivers must always be prepared for any situation and be ready to respond quickly and competently to any emergency.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a valid driver's license. You must have a valid driver's license in order to drive an emergency vehicle.
Consider enrolling in a driver safety or defensive driving course. The course will teach you the necessary skills needed to safely operate an emergency vehicle.
Obtain the proper certifications and/or licenses required by your state. Depending on the state, you may need to become certified in areas such as first aid, CPR, and hazardous materials handling.
Contact your local fire department or police station to inquire about open positions.
Take and pass a physical and medical exam. This is a standard requirement for most emergency vehicle drivers.
Complete any required training courses and/or certifications that are necessary to become a qualified driver. This may include special courses in vehicle operation, navigation, and emergency response.
Maintain your qualifications by staying up to date with the latest safety procedures, regulations, and training requirements.

To stay ahead and efficient as an emergency vehicle driver, it is essential to be well-prepared. This includes being aware of the route, allowing for extra time in case of traffic, and understanding the laws and regulations related to driving emergency vehicles. emergency vehicle drivers should stay focused, anticipate traffic movements, and remain calm in emergency situations.

Good communication skills are also essential to relay messages quickly and accurately. Lastly, having a thorough knowledge of the layout and design of the vehicle, using modern technologies to navigate efficiently and safely, and regularly inspecting the vehicle for maintenance will help emergency vehicle drivers stay ahead and efficient in their job.

You may want to check Emergency Services Supervisor, Emergency Response Coordinator, and Emergency Services Operator for alternative.

Job Description

Emergency Vehicle Driver: Responsible for driving an emergency vehicle to and from the scene of an incident, transporting injured or sick individuals to medical care, responding to emergency calls, and providing a safe, efficient and timely response to emergency situations.
Emergency Vehicle Maintenance Technician: Responsible for inspecting, diagnosing, repairing and maintaining emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks.
Emergency Vehicle Operator: Responsible for operating emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire trucks and police cars.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Responsible for providing medical treatment to patients in emergency situations, including providing emergency first aid and transporting patients to hospitals or other medical facilities.
Emergency Communications Dispatcher: Responsible for receiving emergency calls and dispatching emergency personnel to the scene.
Emergency Medical Services Coordinator: Responsible for coordinating all aspects of emergency medical services, including training, equipment, personnel and communications.
Emergency Management Specialist: Responsible for developing and implementing emergency plans and procedures for responding to disasters and other emergency situations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations governing the operation of emergency vehicles
Ability to read and interpret maps, road signs, and other traffic control devices
Proficiency in defensive driving techniques
Ability to accurately assess various traffic and weather conditions
Ability to safely maneuver emergency vehicle in a variety of driving conditions
Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations
Familiarity with the use of specialized equipment such as sirens, lights, and radios
Understanding of appropriate policies and procedures for responding to emergency situations
Knowledge of first aid and CPR methods
Excellent communication skills for working with members of the public, other agencies, and law enforcement personnel

The most important skill for an emergency vehicle driver is the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations. This is because they are often called upon to navigate through congested traffic, respond to rapidly changing road conditions, and drive with minimal warning. To do this effectively, they must have a good understanding of traffic laws, be able to think on their feet, and possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

An effective emergency vehicle driver must also have the ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions while taking into account the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and property. Emergency vehicle drivers must also have a strong sense of awareness and be able to stay focused in an ever-changing environment. Being able to think quickly and make the right decisions in an emergency is essential for successful emergency vehicle driver.

Emergency Medical Technician, Emergency Services Technician, and Emergency Management Director are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have driving emergency vehicles?
What kind of driving conditions are you comfortable with?
How do you handle high-pressure situations?
Describe a time when you had to navigate a difficult situation while driving an emergency vehicle.
What safety procedures do you follow when driving an emergency vehicle?
How do you prioritize tasks when responding to an emergency?
What strategies do you use to stay alert and focused while driving an emergency vehicle?
How do you handle difficult or dangerous road conditions?
What techniques do you use to stay calm and focused while driving an emergency vehicle?
How do you handle incidents involving multiple emergency vehicles?

Common Tools in Industry

Emergency vehicle driver's license. A license that is required to drive an emergency vehicle. (Eg: Ambulance driver's license)
Traffic control devices. Signs, signals, and other devices that are used to regulate traffic and ensure safety. (Eg: Stop signs, traffic lights)
Emergency vehicle sirens. Sirens that are used to alert others of an emergency vehicles presence. (Eg: Ambulance siren)
Communication devices. Radios and other devices used to communicate with other emergency personnel. (Eg: Police radio)
GPS navigation system. A system that provides directions to a destination. (Eg: Car GPS navigation system)
Defensive driving skills. Techniques used to reduce the risks of driving in hazardous conditions. (Eg: Anticipating dangerous situations, avoiding distractions)
First aid and CPR certification. Certification in administering first aid and performing CPR in an emergency situation. (Eg: Red Cross first aid and CPR certification)
Automotive repair skills. Knowledge of maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting automotive systems. (Eg: Replacing a car battery, checking oil levels)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Emergency Managers
National Emergency Management Association
International Association of Fire Chiefs
International Association of Fire Fighters
International Association of Chiefs of Police
National Association of State EMS Officials
American Ambulance Association
National Volunteer Fire Council
National Fire Protection Association
National Association of EMS Physicians

Common Important Terms

Emergency Vehicle. A vehicle used for emergency response, such as an ambulance, fire truck, or police car.
Siren. A loud, wailing sound generated by an emergency vehicle.
Flashing Lights. An array of lights that flash in a rotating pattern, usually mounted on top of an emergency vehicle.
SIREN (Specialized Interdivisional Response Emergency Network). An emergency response network that allows emergency vehicles to communicate with one another and coordinate response efforts.
Civilian Traffic Laws. Laws that govern the operation of emergency vehicles while responding to an incident.
Emergency Vehicle Driver Training. Training that teaches drivers how to safely operate an emergency vehicle, including operation of sirens and flashing lights, as well as knowledge of civilian traffic laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of Emergency Vehicle Driver Training?

Emergency Vehicle Driver Training is designed to teach drivers the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to safely and effectively operate emergency vehicles such as fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars.

What types of vehicles require Emergency Vehicle Driver Training?

Emergency Vehicle Driver Training is typically required for drivers of fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars, though other emergency vehicles such as tow trucks and heavy equipment may also require specialized training.

How long does Emergency Vehicle Driver Training take?

The length of Emergency Vehicle Driver Training can vary, but typically it takes around 40 hours to complete the training.

What topics are covered in Emergency Vehicle Driver Training?

Emergency Vehicle Driver Training typically covers topics such as emergency vehicle operations, defensive driving techniques, and proper use of sirens and emergency lights.

What safety measures should be taken when driving an emergency vehicle?

When driving an emergency vehicle, drivers should always follow the speed limit, obey all traffic laws, use caution when making turns, and use emergency lights and sirens only when necessary.