Texting While Driving Emergency Vehicle

[tniuqs]

I think I'd also add that you better not be talking or texting on your cellphone during patient contact either. When the tones drop, the bullshyte stops.

If a partner is available to handle the radios, he should be doing so. If the partner is in back, then obviously the driver has to do what he has to do.

The duplex and simplex systems in regards to driver concentration and comprehension is markedly different, a perfect example would be flying aircraft .... would anyone want a pilot on final chatting with his wife ?

Make laws to banish these cell and text morons off the damn road ... period.

cheers

[JPINFV]

I think I'd also add that you better not be talking or texting on your cellphone during patient contact either. When the tones drop, the bullshyte stops.

If a partner is available to handle the radios, he should be doing so. If the partner is in back, then obviously the driver has to do what he has to do.

The reason I asked was because every thing I've seen has shown that conversation is the problem, not holding the phone in one hand. So if no phone, then it would go to reason no radio as well.

[Lone Star]

The driver should usually let the partner deal with the radio... in the event that your partner is busy, then obviously you'll have to answer it.

The main difference between a cell phone conversation and radio communications is that 9 out of 10 times, the radio communication will be short sweet and straight to the point.

The cell phone conversation can be anything from talking about what's for dinner, to who wore what at the Oscars; and anything and everything in between.

[JPINFV]

Of course the assumption being made is that the cell phone is not being used for work purposes. There are some situations where I'd rather communicate via a private channel than broadcast over a public channel.

[WolfmanHarris]

Never and have never texted or read a text while driving (work or personal), or for that matter attending a patient, giving report or otherwise completing duties that required my attention. I will not tolerate this from a partner either; though it's only come up once. Service policy does not allow the use of electronic devices while driving and while it doesn't specifically prohibit use in the patient compartment or on scene, I'd hope that would go without saying among professionals.

I do not EVER touch my phone while behind the wheel of a service vehicle and extremely rarely and if then briefly when behind the wheel of my own vehicle. With the advent of the new law in Ontario banning the use of handheld devices while driving coming into affect this month, that too will end as I install my hands-free unit.

[Eydawn]

NO NO NO NO NO NO Emphatically NO NO NO No Texting while driving. If you do I'm going to have you stop the ambulance and I'm gonna drive and you will sit your sorry ass in the back of the ambulance and when we get back I'm gonna have a sit down with the supervisor/boss and discuss this behaviour.

Got to run now, my wife is getting upset with me for being on the computer

Why can't I give you plus or minus points, Ruff? I'm confused. You're the only person I can't access that feature on.

Wendy

CO EMT-B

[JPINFV]

I do not EVER touch my phone while behind the wheel of a service vehicle and extremely rarely and if then briefly when behind the wheel of my own vehicle. With the advent of the new law in Ontario banning the use of handheld devices while driving coming into affect this month, that too will end as I install my hands-free unit.

I don't use my phone enough to warrant a hands free device, but I will say that I feel that it's more dangerous to use the speaker phone function (which is, technically, hands free) than holding it to my head. Regardless, the problem with cell phones isn't holding it to your head, it's the conversation. If hands on vs hands free was an issue, than people would crash every time they changed their radio station or adjusted a mirror.

[Lone Star]

Of course the assumption being made is that the cell phone is not being used for work purposes. There are some situations where I'd rather communicate via a private channel than broadcast over a public channel.

Who do you NEED to talk to on the phone while you're driving?

I can understand talking to online med control, but thats about all I can think of while you're attending. Anything from dispatch while you're attending can wait.

If you're driving, I don't see any need to be talking on a cell phone.

[JPINFV]

Who do you NEED to talk to on the phone while you're driving?

I can understand talking to online med control, but thats about all I can think of while you're attending. Anything from dispatch while you're attending can wait.

If you're driving, I don't see any need to be talking on a cell phone.

At my first company we patched patient information to dispatch and the dispatcher called the hospital. Since we didn't have a radio in the back, the driver was the one to give the patch (which was short anyways). If it was anything sensitive (e.g. urogenital complaints), I'd call it in via my cell instead of using the radio.

[emtb926]

I agree completely that one should never drive and text or talk on the cell phone. However, I have used a cell in the back, but only because our radios were down and it was the only way to relay patient information, but that is the only time I think it is acceptable to do that.