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FCMT SOP & EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK <br /> 5. When it is dark outside use the side and rear spotlights when backing to light the area. <br /> 6. If the vehicle has a backup alarm that can be disengaged, it should always be in the "on" <br /> position before backing the vehicle. <br /> Backing the Ambulance: <br /> 1. Backing of the ambulance should be avoided whenever possible. Where backing is unavoidable, <br /> a spotter or an assistant outside the vehicle should be used. <br /> • In addition, a spotter should be used when vehicles must negotiate forward turns with <br /> restrictive side clearances and where height clearances are uncertain. <br /> • The purpose of the spotter is to expand the driver's sense for the right, left,front and rear <br /> space cushions. <br /> 2. Under circumstances where the ambulance is staffed by only the driver(e.g., all other personnel <br /> are inside the residence with the patient),the driver should attempt to utilize any available <br /> emergency services personnel to act as spotters. <br /> Where no personnel are available to assist,the driver shall park the vehicle, get out, and <br /> make a complete survey of the space cushion around all four sides of the vehicle to <br /> determine if any obstructions are present before proceeding to back the ambulance. <br /> 3. Spotters are never permitted to ride the tailboard or running boards while the vehicle is in <br /> motion. <br /> 4. The spotter should be in a visible safe zone positioning him/her ten (10)to fifteen (15)feet at <br /> the left rear of the ambulance. <br /> 5. The vehicle should not be backed until the spotter is in position in the safe zone and has <br /> communicated his/her approval to begin backing by way of a hand signal, and voice,when <br /> possible. <br /> 6. Spotters should remain visible to the driver in the safe zone. <br /> • Anytime the driver loses sight of the spotter,the vehicle should be stopped immediately <br /> until the spotter is again visible and the communication to continue backing is processed. <br /> 7. This is definitely not a high-speed maneuver. It should be done very slowly and cautiously. <br /> Parking the Ambulance: <br /> 1. Always park the ambulance in a hazard-free area to protect the crew, patient and the <br /> ambulance. <br /> 2. When parking to the driver's blind side a spotter should be used. <br /> 3. When parking in a parking space or driveway, back into the parking area so that you have a safe <br /> and efficient exit. <br /> Standard Signals for Spotters: <br /> 1. Straight Back-One hand above the head with palm toward face,waving back; other hand at <br /> your side.Turn - both arms pointing the same direction with index fingers extended. <br /> Page 11 of 15 <br />