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Using a Fishbowl and Goldfish to Learn How to Drive an Ambulance... Cost Effective Training!
One part of emergency vehicle training for Ambulances that is NEVER addressed is how to drive an ambulance, once you have a patient on board. All the emergency training for driving focuses on driving Code 3 and the hazards associated with not following all the rules of the road.
Step 1: Obtain a goldfish and glass fishbowl.
Step 2: Place the goldfish and bowl on top of the gurney.
Step 3: Establish a driving course with one goal... Don't cause the fishbowl to overturn because if you do, you kill the fish.
Step 4: Don't kill the fish, practicing on how to come to a gentle stop in you own vehicle or any vehicle for that matter.
Associated Expenses:
Goldfish = Less than $1.00 each.
Glass Bowl = Less than $4.00 each.
Total cost for training props is less than $5.00.
Train as if your life depends on it, or in this case the fishes life...
Safety helmets are optional for the fish...
Preventing C-Spine Injuries is a happy thing!
If you are going to make a mistake, such as hitting a bump that jars the ambulance or swerve at something that causes a lateral shift, you must always consider that your actions behind the wheel can have a lifetime affect on the patients outcome. My recommendation here is to kill some fish instead of harming a patient.
Consider trying my unconventional approach to reminding folks to slow down and pay attention to any road hazards. Even if you don't have a fish in the back on the gurney, you can always remind your driver to save the fish! Drive defensively and do your best to not kill the fish...
And for those concerned about the fishes rights...
Note: Not wanting to get involved in the potential political undertones of this post... I too agree that people are more important than fish. If we must sacrifice fish to learn how to drive an ambulance, then so be it!
CBz
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Andy Turnham on
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That is the coolest training aid I have come across! Not sure what the Animal Rights Activists would have to say about it but it is a brilliant way of teaching smooth safe driving.
I was taught to drive with a raw egg in a saucer on the dash board, cheaper but way more messy if you screw up.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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and more importantly, a life could be lost in the process... although it's just a goldfish, it's still a living thing that didn't have to die at the hands of someone at the wheel that was a known... fish killer!
In the interest of keeping your emergency response training both economical and fun...
Save the Fish! Drive defensively!
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Permalink Reply by Fabulous Heather Days of Summer on
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Bz - awesome awesome awesome !!!
Great post !!!
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Permalink Reply by joemac on
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Well, we tried this last night.
Unfortunately, we lost nine fish.
Then, someone suggested that we put some water in the fishbowl.
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Permalink Reply by John Crabbe on
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We really don't have the time nor resources to do such training, it wouldn't bode well to have fish on an in service rig....you never know when you may get a hit.
Although I agree with the message and it can take some time and training etc to get people driving to understand what it is like riding in the pt compartment. Medics, for the most part, understand what it is like in the pt compartment and do drive "softly", anticipating stops, etc to reduce sudden movements.
We do get the occasional person who don't understand riding in back and depending on pt condition, there will be some choice words stated. Most do learn to drive decently and new personnel typically will be riding in the back of the ambulance anyway, so they do feel the ride to understand the driving.
Although, for those who still fail to understand, then do some "training" and put the person on a long board and do some similar driving.....that should make the point clear too, and you don't have to worry about water all over the pt compartment and sushi on the floor.
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Permalink Reply by Ernie Scheinert on
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Thank you Capt. for this idea. It really sounds like a great way to focus the action-reaction of one's driving and a patient's comfort/well-being. Definitely something to bring up at the station.
Ernie
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Permalink Reply by Bill Carlisle on
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Years ago we used a egg under the accelerator pedal to teach not just flooring it , we had to go through the obstacle course without breaking the egg, I think we went through 5-6 dozen eggs for 10 drivers, myself i broke 3 or 4 , but got the hang of it, then the instructor to a "Big Gulp " glass filled with water placed it on the floor in the back for the road test , could not splash or spill the cup , no fish though, it was really good training , but i like this idea much better .
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Ahhh... I see your concern about spilling water and harming said fish John. This is where hazmat training really comes into play. To protect your patient compartment, consider using secondary containment under the fish bowl to prevent any accidental spillage from the errant rookie driver.
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Never thought of the egg concept. Cleaning up spilled eggs, especially if they are allowed to dry could be a disaster. At least when I cook eggs on the stove and don't wash the pan out right away always leads to increased efforts to remove the eggs. Water and some feeder fish from the pet store...
Added benefit... Fire stations get fish bowls and fish to look at. And who wants to be known as the person who killed the station fish? Just a thought...
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Permalink Reply by Cody Martin on
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brilliant! thats an awesome way to teach anyone how to.drive deffensivly not just ambulance drivers but teenagers as well that are learning how to drive as well
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I think it helps on extending the life of your brakes, especially when you are dealing with teenage daughters... No one likes to be jarred when they come to a stop, regardless of whether they are in an ambulance, engine or personal vehicle.
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