Emergancy Fire Appliance Driving

[truck501]

and wheres the AIR HORN lol

[Badchoicesmade]

In america, instead of turning off the siren when a truck is stopped behind a vehicle, we lay on the horn.

[Camzasaur]

So there was no actual fire? It was just a set course for you to do? Even still.. Nice Driving :) Also the guy that keeps talking in the background, is he telling you where to go/what to do?

[001looker]

In America i would block you out because you're not a cop. No cop=no ticket=No foul

[Badchoicesmade]

@001looker Well you're an asshole, and you could get a ticket if a cop catches you.

[001looker]

@Badchoicesmade Yes i am an asshole and yes i can get ticket if cop catches me aka sees me violating the law and pulls me over.

[joelwhitaker]

@001looker actually fire appliances have cameras....any vehicle that blocks the vehicle on purpose has its details passed to the police and they do ticket you. nice try....failed

[001looker]

@joelwhitaker Nice try but you failed law 101. Register owner is not responsible for the action(s) of the driver. Unless police officer witness violation(s) and pulls vehicles over no ticket can/will be issued.

[joelwhitaker]

@001looker I passed actually. Fire officers can actually stop you and get your details to give to the police, and the camera footage can be given to the police who can/and do issue tickets. same when a car driver cuts up a cyclist who has a helmet camera. They may not see the driver in the footage but they can still be charged with an offence and suitably punished. My tutor (a police officer) told me. and so did my other tutor (an ex fire officer of 33 years) who has actually done it.

[abdullahiraabi]

Why does he turn off the sirens when he apporach a car crazy!!

[laserkeyboard]

what type of engine does this appliance have?

[firefanner]

Where is this, England?

[bourneelectrical]

it was whitstable, down from fire station, under railway, along high street, past car parks and bowling alley and towards tankerton lol.

[urbex2007]

Good bit of driving, fast but safe and not in the slightest careless. I always move over as soon as I see emergency vehicles but I'm amazed how many don't even notice them! Only problem is, the police are prosecuting drivers for jumping red lights to move out of the way of fire engines and ambulances, so people will just sit and wait now due to this selfish attitude. If the police used common sense more people would clear junctions and traffic lights for you. Interesting video.

[ST11002006]

Looks like Whitstable high street to me!

[garyuk17]

wicked video man, did you pass it?

[OldManInPantyhose]

This is fake xD

[robertgift]

FAKE emergency run in Brighton?

I just now noticed the ocean.

[becky334]

what ever happend to the old tow tones? they souded more relaxed and confident. you know what was comming or going away. today the motorists stop dead in there tracks becourse of they don´t know from where the sirèn is comming from. please correct me if iam wrong. Nathan5470 great video

[robertgift]

Unfortunately, Hi-Lo indicates direction no better than any other sound.

On congested highways and interstates, I often use Hi-Lo because it is more pleasant.

Yelp is annoying and tends to panic some drivers.

We try Yelp only when Wail is not being effective.

Often we keep the P.A. microphone button depressed which silences the siren.

Release for sound. Press to INSTANTLY silence the siren.

Otherwise, turning off Wail or Manual takes 4 seconds for the siren to "wind down" to silence.

[becky334]

yeah it does. In sweden we use whelen and hi/lo not mutch to style with but it works. thatks for the replay and great driving

[becky334]

sorry for the wrong siren type it should be yelp and Hi/Lo nothing else.

[robertgift]

Yelp is the same frequency range as Wail, just faster.

Studies have shown that it makes no difference in discerning direction.

One problem with Hi-Lo is that it can match the notes in music. Our Unitrol siren sounds D and F# - a major third musical interval.

Those two frequencies may blend in with music in similar keys, and therefore not be noticed.

Rising through ALL the frequencies, Wail will stand out (be more noticeable). Also, some people may not hear certain notes.

[bytesback]

Well chaptainchaos and robertgift it's been a pleasure reading your discussion. Who agrees with what doesn't matter to me, it's the manner in which you two chaps have debated this. Very civilised, no swearing or usa/britain is best arguments.

If only the rest of youtube could be the same.

[taphoenix]

Well.... Accidents will happen. Get over it people, jeez.

[robertgift]

Most accidents need not happen.

The philosophy: "There are NO accidents." is wrong.

There are FEW accidents.

Upon examination, it can be discerned that almost all collisions could have been anticipated/expected and avoided.

They should not be termed "accidents".

In my manyears of driving, though I have been "invited" on a number of occasions, I refused to participate in others' accidents!

Defensive driving is foreseeing and seeing complications and acting appropriately.

[jonsey2000]

this is in whitstable kent

[garyuk17]

TOP STUFF!!!!!!!!

[theone2225]

appliance? what is this guy driving? a washing machine? just kidding. How come they call it an appliance? just wondering.

[chaptainchaos]

Its just the posh British way of saying any vehicle used to fight fires from an Hydraulic Platform to a Fire Truck.

The EFAD course stands for Emergency Fire Appliance Driving so they cover all bases of what you could be driving.

Not sure what hes in maybe a Dennis Sabre either way it's about 14 Tonnes only a baby compared to your American Trucks.

[firemanspam999]

hi there nice drivin is it in graves end in another efad training moment?

[dazzamania]

Well done mate, a great training drive.

I'm an MD for London Fire Brigade & took my EFAD over a year ago. Its deffo a different experience driving to a real shout especially Persons Reported but you just have to drive at your own pace & abilities. On my first real shout as a driver my foot was shaking so much on the eccelerator pedal lol.

Good luck

[Adambrew]

Great drive by the way.

[robertgift]

Excellent, steady video and skilled driving!

Smart of drivers to not stop but continue forward until they can pull out of your way.

Bullhorn or airhorn would be rude.

They know you are approaching and are trying to get out of your way.

No Q siren, either. Those who need to know of the emergency are adequately warned. No need to inflict noise pollution everywhere.

To what was this appliance responding?

[Adambrew]

Hello again, guess what, this skilled driving is a TRAINING run.

[robertgift]

Thanks, Adam.

Yes, idiots often repeat their stupidity.

Do any citizens know of about this malpractice?

Which is better at warning farther ahead?

Martinshorns or electronic siren?

[Adambrew]

I hardly think that calling the driver an idiot is called for. He is training under the guidance of a government approved instructor. If you have a problem with the system then I suggest you write a letter to the houses of parliment.

As for your foreign terminoligy, that is beneath me.

For an instructor your attitude is somewhat lacking.

[robertgift]

Sorry.

Not calling the firefighter an idiot.

The "idiots" are those who approve of this hazardous nonsense.

They shouldn't need a Yankie revealing it to them.

[captivemrhanky]

Robert, what the hell is your obsession with noise pollution? I can hardly call is pollution because guess what? When you stop the siren, the noise stops too!

[robertgift]

FAKE "emergency" runs...

Expose other's lives to danger from higher speeds - for nothing.

Interrupt others and take their right of way - for nothing.

Risk others having minor collisions - for nothing. (Sometimes vehicles bump or scrape other vehicles or objects trying to get out of the way.)

Expose vehicles to tire damage - for nothing (flat tire pulling onto shoulder debris)

Noise imposed into homes and businesses - for nothing.

This idiocy would never be tolerated in the USA.

[captivemrhanky]

I never said anything about the fake runs. I'm talking about 'noise pollution'

[robertgift]

Sirens unfortunately intrude into areas where not needed.

People are sick and tired of hearing sirens, which annoy, wake babies and day sleepers, interrupt conversations, interrupt hearing music or news reports, etc.

We are considerate and sound siren only as needed.

And then you have yahoos who impose siren on FAKE runs.

Incredible.

[captivemrhanky]

Yeah. God forbid somebody hears a siren going to save a life. Sirens are there for a reason. If you are running lights, you should most likely have the siren running too. Not "as needed" because how do you know when you are going to need it? I mean, if you are entering a neighborhood and are on side roads, I wouldn't think you need it, but on busy roads. They are.

[robertgift]

You can never count on the siren due to deaf drivers and drivers "deaf" because of stereos in better sound-proofed vehicles with air conditioning.

Can't count on the siren clearing blind intersections, alleys, etc. One must see what is there before getting to it.

Our lights are coordinated to be more effective (flashing headlights are the best warning lights!) so often drivers move out of our lane before siren is needed.

[captivemrhanky]

Right, so you are now saying that sirens are infective and shouldn't be used at all? I laugh at you.

[robertgift]

Laugh at your incorrect absurd conclusion.

Many EV drivers get overconfident in the siren.

Then they encounter that one driver who does not hear it and have a collision.

(A Youtube video shows this.)

In sparingly using the siren we won't get overconfident in it.

More than once we have been thanked for not disturbing the peace.

Guy compares one ambulance with siren constantly blaring.

The same street we are quiet and unobtrusive.

No traffic - no siren.

Siren only as needed.

[ydsortrok]

Only a YANK would post such a MORONIC unhelpfull and ILL INFORMED comment..

While you idiotic drivers have PLENTY of space to play with and drive like RETARDS. IN the UK our services are more aware and MORE NOISE DONT EQUAL MORE SAFE PROGRESS.

[robertgift]

Trok is correct.

More noise does NOT guarantee faster, safer progress.

There are DEAF DRIVERS and those with stereos and air conditioners operating who may not hear the siren.

In a London cab we heard a responding fire truck and no one could discern the direction from which it was coming.

No one pulled over until they SAW the fire truck and THEN knew they needed to pull over.

Or did they know it was a practice emergency run and correctly refused to pull over for the FAKE run?

[chaptainchaos]

Idiocy and the USA, never heard that in the same sentance before.

Would you rather the first time somebody drives on blues be on the way to a real incident without an advanced driving instructor?

I think its safer doing it this way and so does anybody who can count to three without using their fingers.

[robertgift]

Fake emergency runs expose the public to needless risk. They should be illegal.

Practice emergency driving while driving normally and considering what to do.

-No taking right of way from others for nothing.

-No exceeding the speed limit exposing others to some danger.

-No forcing others to move off the road

where they can get flats or bump into others vehicles or objects.

-No annoying everyone with siren blaring for nothing.

Looking up "Fire Retardant", why does my photo appear?

[chaptainchaos]

Q) Looking up "Fire Retardant", why does my photo appear?

A) No idea. I would have you pegged as a fire retard.

As you are not a Brit and these runs will not affect you I suggest you find something else to moan about a little closer to home.

[robertgift]

Stupidity should be opposed no matter where it infects.

My English friends are "appalled" that this is done.

They did not know. How would they?

I teach emergency vehicle driving.

You can learn everything driving normally and observing and discussing what to do if driving emergent.

Vehicle maneuvering needs to practiced first on a closed course with cones and non damaging objects.

The rest can be accomplished by observing emergency runs and practice without imposing on citizens.

[chaptainchaos]

I have a question for you Robert, as your a driving instructor you should know this, if our system of training is flawed why do we have far less accidents in the UK with our fire appliances % wise than in the US?

Im just opposing the stupidity that has infected this youtube clip in the form of a deluded american driving instructor who is stuck in his ways.

[robertgift]

Good question!

What is the per capita incidence?

If the USA has 100 times more responding fire appliances, corrections need to be calculated.

There are so many more cars, driving at higher speeds, with stereos and air conditioning.

Regardless, driving NORMALLY, one can learn how to drive emergent just driving on any street, approaching any intersection .

I ask, " What are our options here?"

"What are the complications?

This can be learned/practiced without lights/siren.

[chaptainchaos]

1) I did state % wise, hence corrections have been made. By the way you have not answered the question I am assuming you have no idea what the answer is.

2) There are many more cars, but given that the England is the same size as Oregon the roads in the uk are busier and a lot smaller and tighter.

3) The speed limits are similar in with the uk having faster speed limit than in PA in built up areas and on the Motorway. Our cars have air conditioning and sterios??!

[chaptainchaos]

You do not need to give me a talk on:

" What are our options here?"

"What are the complications?

This can be learned/practiced without lights/siren.

I have done the course and got several t-shirts and then I have driven on blue light giving me more knowledge and confidence than you could ever give me driving at normal speed.

In conclusion you have no Idea whats involved in a Uk EFAD course, you also have no idea what its like to drive a Uk fire engine around our streets/motorways.

[robertgift]

You ASKED!

I've taken care of a patient in London & Brighton.

Traffic is no different in the UK. The principles remain the same.

You can discern what to do driving any UK street or motorway NORMALLY. You also learn on emergency runs and watching videos.

No need to IMPOSE needless risk, disruption and inappropriateness of FAKE runs on your citizens.

You have tighter clearances, but driver behaviour remains the same.

Less air conditioner use in the UK.

Drivers react to sirens earlier.

[chaptainchaos]

Your beginning to clutch at straws Bob.

I don't know what taking care of a patient in London and Brighton has to do with anything. You have never driven a Fire Engine in the UK end of. You are now back tracking and telling me that traffic is the same in the UK which leads me to believe you have no idea what your talking about.

I wish your students the best of luck, By the sounds of things they are gonna need it..

[robertgift]

Thanks for "best of luck".

Ain't no such thing as luck.

I have observed traffic in the UK.

Ain't no differenthan the USA excepthat UK speeds are slower, roads narrower. Greater skill is needed to negtiate tighter clearances.

FAKE emergency runs has nothing to do with negotiating closer clearances. I teach/practice appliance maneuvering in parking lots with cones.

Driving emergenthrough traffic can be accomplished driving normally.

No exposing others to needless, rude impositions.

[chaptainchaos]

Uk speeds are slower where?

Where did you observe traffic in the UK?

[robertgift]

Slower many places because the roads are narrower and curves sharper.

I observed traffic in the greater London area to Brighton.

I observed London fire apparatus responding because some dumb Yank Firefighter/Worst Responder, wanting exercise and to check fire exits from his 5th floor room, took the fire stairway and exited athe street. This summoned the fire brigade - at leasthree appliances.

(I saw NO signs warning that opening the firexit door would summon the fire department.)

[Kraig00]

speed limits are slower? 70mph on highways... you?

[robertgift]

We have interstate highways up to 75 and 80 mph.

Also secondary roads with 55 mph speed limits.

The State of Montana had some interstate highways with NO posted speed limit!

There I drove 100 mph in dry conditions in daylight.

But the higher the speed, the more fuel used and more pollution.

Also, if a Montana Highway Patrol trooper thought it too fast, you could be stopped cited.

So I was never sure what they considered a "safe" speed.

They are now posting speed limits everywhere.

[wranadu2]

Bullhorn, bullhorn, bullhorn is the trick!

[jimmiandfunny]

hi nathan5470,

thanks for this video, I've added to my favourites. One can see a safe, polite and quick driving. As a German paramedic I must tell you, I've never had a special bluelight driving course. I heard, in former GDR, over there they had special driving licence for emergency vehicles. Here in West Germany we don't have such a licence. It would be a good idea to re-invent. Is it law in UK or is voluntarily to undergo this training?

cheers, J_a_F

[Macinabit]

look at the idiot at 1:20 on yellow lines and what looks like a Mercedes taken it casual on the other side, good job it didn't happen in Spain one of these would have been rubbed away!!

[stupot96]

Good footage i've just passed my LGV course and am getting my EFAD training next month any tips would be gratefully received... i feel a bit apprehensive about it all it seems a bit scary especialy when peeps dont know how to react to Blue lights/sirens

[Jackus2008]

Some class driving :-D

[englander1971]

You looked like you were in no hurry.Come On Lives are at risk..Put The Bloody Boot Down!

[quispamsisst2]

Nice video. You guys need Q's on those trucks and a horn??? Just a thought :P

[ReelFireFilms]

I don't get it >>> emergency and appliance? ambulance?

[astrowanabe]

As an American, just wondering... Are those squigly road lines at 0:20 just suposed to tell drivers to be cautious? Oh, and you all drive on the wrong side of the road :)

[nathan5470]

Ha. Yeah the zig zag lines are what we have leading up to padestrian crossings so yeah it is a warning. Also you can never ever park on them which makes sense.

[ortrok]

I had the misfortune to deliver in Canary Wharf today i noticed that emergency vehicles turned siren off when it was pointless. The result was as soon as safe and possible they were let on there way THIS POLICY WORKS!

Godd luck with your career, stay safe.

[ST11002006]

What a nightmare place to take you, Whitstable high street of all places, great for putting you in the deep end!

[nathan5470]

Hi, yea those videos were shot during my training as a retained firefighter within kent fire & rescue service, however i am now training as a wholetime in london fire brigade so ill get the chance to do it all again which i look forward to. Agreed i think the proceedures i was taught were good. Be interested to see what i learn in london. There are alot of differences in my training already

[35thinfantrydiv]

@nathan5470 where were you stationed in kent?

[graeme337]

What brigade you from? I teach EFADs and teach effective use and non use of sirens.....me thinks far too much use. But like the 1st comment says about safe drivers,he's right

[ortrok]

Can you spread the word to all the UK. PLEASE.

[infrared567]

quality video 5 stars

[Biffo1262]

Nathan, nice driving mate. Just bear in mind that whilst driving on TC's is fun it doesn't have the same pressure of driving to an incident and it's all too easy to let the 'red mist' descend. Drive at your own pace and let the experience build up and never be tempted to 'show off' like some drivers do. Trust me, after many years in the OIC we appreciate a safe driver who does the business safely whilst under pressure. That's the reputation to aim for mate. Good luck.

[train672]

Very nice Nathan. I appreciate your 'polite' driving too ie. switching off the siren when there is no where for other drivers to go to.

I always did that myself. Yes, blue light driving is great fun, one of the perks of the job ;-) Good safe drive.

[jasonbriggs1986]

Could that polite driving create the illusion that the appliance has reached its destination and is stopping? Rather than the car driver has stopped in a stupid place and needs to shift?

[peacec1991]

great driving, what kinda appliance where you driving???

[nathan5470]

thanks, it was a dennis rapier. Unfortunately they are slowly being fazed out and are being replaced by scanias which are like long distance vehicles instead of the go carts that are rapiers. Shame.

[PoliceMadBen]

Very Nice :) Brilliant Driving

[nathan5470]

thanks. Never joined to be a driver but i love it. Best course i have ever been on in my life

[B251]

that was brill mate, very exciting stuff