999 response - Just the junctions

[@SilentCougar]

Great to see a lot of drivers being aware of their rear mirrors and moving to allow progress. Good examples being the mini driver and all three british gas van drivers. Another fine example of awareness to the good and your expertise in driving.

[@cg_341]

The SUV at 6:41 especially, indicating right, checks mirrors, cancels indication and moves left again

[@stevesmith7530]

Chris does seem to be very lucky when it comes to situational awareness of other road users around him :)

[@jonaudis5432]

I'd be ready for a rest after that drive, never mind starting to save someone's life... 🙏

[@wumpty93]

Easy to forget. The driving is only the start of it

[@jonaudis5432]

@@wumpty93 indeed. The real work only starts when Chris's videos end...

[@breebw]

A rest and a cuppa is fine. Everyones pronouns have to be confirmed anyway. You mustn't misgender the patient.

[@Anriandor]

The van at the end got the appreciation honk, love it :D

[@Faroesx]

As a US citizen, I am very jealous of all the round-abouts. We have so many stop signs and traffic lights… so inefficient!

[@patrykczaplaa7892]

trust me it's better to have stop signs and traffic lights then islands that we got in the UK

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

@@patrykczaplaa7892 accident figures don't support what you're saying.

[@patrykczaplaa7892]

@@DomingoDeSantaClara it's only my personal opinion. Traffics in UK are incredible And most of people dont know how to use a roundabout. Traffic makes you wait more entering a roundabout than traffic lights. There is not enough green arrows in the UK aswell.

[@DomingoDeSantaClara]

@@patrykczaplaa7892 I agree there is a lot of traffic,and some people don't use roundabouts correctly ,but lights force you to a stop,and lots of people run red lights causing massive accidents. For the UK,roundabouts are much more efficient,but also slow people down enough that accidents are usually minor. I hated them when I first came to the UK because I'd never used them before,but lights and stop signs would make it far worse than it is.

[@Steve-O-wg4go]

@@patrykczaplaa7892 for emergency services roundabouts are a lot quicker than stop signs

[@gblargg]

The thumbs-up in the window so drivers can see is so great. It helps normal drivers like us feel like what we do actually matters, that we can all be team members, however small.

[@panteleon]

Dear Chris, I stumbled upon your channel recently. I would like to share that I thoroughly enjoy your informative videos. They show the way most EMS workers think in traffic and how the people around them should/shouldn't respond. Great editing in this video. Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@Dean-does-Stuff-81]

agreed

[@David_Crayford]

Good editing. Appreciate that you cut out the connecting straights and gave this some focus.

[@nickk8762]

Really interesting to see your thought process and what you are looking for at junctions etc. Recently discovered your channel and am really enjoying it. Thanks!

[@jeromeonmedica]

Once again, not only massively impressed by your driving skill and professionalism, but also really chuffed to see the level of situational awareness of the public in this vid. An observation is that you are travelling fair distances to practice your EMS skills. We need more of you guys doing this job!

[@M-oneeleven-M111]

Really enjoy watching your stuff man, it's so interesting to see how people react.. it's seems though quite a few people seem to get flustered and don't know where to go, always leave enough space between you and the car Infront even when stopping give room to pull forward and over to the side. Fortunately I'm used to reacting to emergency vehicles as I regularly drive a main route that ambulances use, roundabouts can get fun but everyone remembers to leave space between then and the vehicle Infront it's very easy to pull out the way. Keep up the great work Chris Fantastic stuff. 👍

[@eddiebarrett844]

1:24 that white car on the roundabout bypass had stopped in case you took their exit. Cracking awareness there.

[@Dreddingbath]

Quite enjoy an opportunity to show my manoeuvring skills and judgement when blues and twos approach, a nice feeling to know you’ve helped just a little.

[@R04drunner1]

Great video, really helpful notes and I learned by watching your observations. Also useful to see the examples of how drivers can be helpful to you.

[@davidtempleton-craig8272]

Hi Chris thanks again for another great video and I do love the ROAR the of your car and thank you for sharing your video's with us all. I do hope we don't need to see you in person while your at work but take care and be safe.

[@ImSkully]

Thanks for sharing Chris!

[@stevesmith7530]

I use that road a lot for early training. Nice fast and wide single carriageway with mostly good sightlines, and plenty roundabouts.

[@nolandan1]

Might be good for training but I wish they’d dual it!

[@stevesmith7530]

@@nolandan1 I suspect from the width it used to be 3 lane. Unfortunately such roads were treated like smart motorways today, a public perception of being far more dangerous than they are. The 3 lanes were actually very safe when used correctly

[@Syndur]

It's nice to see one of those emergency-response drives with actual commentary on thought processes 🙂

[@spacerockerlightyears]

Hi Chris, great video. Further to your EV interest, I went over to the QE university hospital today Birmingham, I saw around 4 Emergency Blood cars, all 4 were Nissan Leaf’s!

[@davenicholson9003]

Superb driving Chris...!

[@thompson134]

Now I am kinding of wanting a diesel Octavia VRS, actuator is making it sound superb in this video. Great edit.

[@type17]

Turbo-Diesel with DSG is a brilliant drivetrain combination - loved my Mk5 Golf 2.0 GT TDI back in the day, still enjoying a 2.0 petrol Audi TT with DSG these days.

[@Patient_Lion_BS]

What a nice and sunny day to go out for a drive! 😁

[@glenjones6980]

That must be the day rear view mirrors were being used properly, the three light commercials straight after the cyclist certainly were which made a welcome change from the way many have reacted in other videos.

[@beeblebug]

Random Suggestion, love the videos but have you considered getting a CPL filter for your main camera, i'll help remove the reflections in the windscreen and give a much clearer view in the video.

[@marcusFZ6]

Good stuff and always interesting to see how people react to hear sirens and seeing the flashing lights. I know this is tough one and it will change all the time depending on the road, the traffic, the weather etc but in general where are you biggest risks?? Approaching roundabout's & traffic lights(especially 4-way crossroads) or out in the 50 & 60 zones where cars and people are just doing the speed limit and maybe not paying as much attention as they would when negotiating intersections.

[@Dean-does-Stuff-81]

nice video again. You must have seen my comment on the time laps video about the junctions being where the danger is for you 😉 I like to watch ahead of you for the potential dangers. May be you should put a red ring around potential hazards that you spot off the side of the main hazards. it would show people just how much information you are dealing with as you drive. I love how calm and in control you are as you drive. As for recommendations of what car to get next, in my opinion you have the best car for the job. Perhaps there is a volvo that could be a contender, but for me the skoda is a good size for your needs and due to it being a VW underneath, it is just a logical choice. (volvo V60 would be the only other car i would choose, but i suspect that they are over specked for what you need and thus pretty pricey in comparison with the skoda, with consideration to your actual needs)

[@GlassTecRacing]

Nothing better than a nation doing the right thing to help someone in need, but also nothing worse than those ignoramus’ that don’t…

[@Consti330]

enjoying your vids, keep up the good work.

[@JD-tz9jt]

Great video Chris, you could have called it “Just the best bits”. Superb driving as ever. Have you ever thought about upgrading the siren to a rumbler siren? That’s a whole new level of cool all together 🤣

[@jahu99DE]

i like to think that he drives around just because he enjoys giving people a thumbs up

[@JamieFisher176]

Are you allowed to speed through the avarage speed checks/speed cameras?

[@itsshalevfromtaxidashcamer9390]

Good driving skills, Buddy!

[@goodguykonrad3701]

So hang on, are emergency response vehicles not meant to overtake on double solid white lines?

[@elijahhaydes4075]

no

[@beneast]

That engine has a lovely grunt from it, the drivings not bad either!

[@chrisward63]

If his VRS has the same engine as my Golf, it's synthetic sound pumped into the cabin when in 'sport' mode. Mind you, the torque that engine puts out coupled with a DSG gearbox, progress is swift and can become all to addictive!!!

[@MrMinion999]

Great driving and top work as always Chris! I wondered, in between shifts and when you have time, you could go through what you carry in your kit vest please mate, just to be compared to what I, as a first aider, carry on mine for work and event duties to the amazing kit you carry!

[@Tinyhomesdevon]

Watching this video proves that your next car choice needs to be spot on - why?…. Because you’re going to miss this one!! 💪🏻

[@PKMartin]

In the second half you're careful never to cross a solid white while passing, even when you had space like the bridge at 5:10 - is this not covered by exemptions or do you just judge it too risky?

[@findthebadger418]

Not covered by exemptions - so still illegal to do!

[@decentdiy4215]

1:56 is interesting, do you have any issues with vehicles in front of you stopping and obstructing the exit? We teach a "lane 2 exit" procedure where you'd sit in lane 2, sirens off but indicator on. Wait for the vehicle in lane 1 to get past the exit slip road and then come straight off from lane 2 to your exit. This keeps your options open :) Might be one worth trying, see how you find it.

[@iamaparanoidandroid1]

4:30 - the Picasso was going to cut the roundabout and realised just in time...

[@fakeaccount1038]

Chris, could you answer this question… if I’m on a roundabout and an emergency vehicle with its lights on enters the roundabout, who has right of way? Let’s say hypothetically there was a collision between me on a roundabout and an emergency vehicle entering the roundabout, who would be at fault? Is an emergency vehicle with lights on still obliged for give way, assuming it was missed by cars on a roundabout? Not a real scenario, just curious as I only every read about moving to the side mentioned in the Highway code

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Hi and thanks for the question. All emergency services, whether on blue lights or not are still bound by the highway code and subject to the same laws. We have exemptions to use (such as exceeding speed limits) in order to make progress and need to use these with caution as they will be subject to scrutiny if something happened, but in your scenario, the same rights of way apply so if for instance, we are joining the roundabout at the same time and you are entering from my right hand side, you would have right of way, and so it would be my job to allow you space to complete your manoeuvre OR judge whether you have seen me and allowing me to progress seeing you have moved aside. In the event of a collision, same rules would apply regards right of way. Hope that helps. C.

[@fakeaccount1038]

@@ChrisMartinEMS Hi Chris, that does help, thanks very much!

[@japitts2010]

A couple of bits I'm curious on... 1: The mini at the start, mounting the kerb to make space. Credit to them, but I'm wary of doing that and sure some Police forces say it's not expected. 2: Letting drivers on motorway slips use the hard shoulder so you can continue at full pelt in the open lane. I get the "for emergency use", but surely it's for the blue-light driver to use it, not the civvy?

[@elijahhaydes4075]

1: Yeah - not expected at all but as you can see does improve the situation - nobody expects it to be done but obviously if you're comfortable doing it then I'd do it. 2: I think you mean at 2:22? It's a lot safer for the driver to pull over and slow down rather than the blue light driver to undertake the driver on a narrow lane at high speed. I know it'd shit me up if I had an unmarked car scream past me on the nearside lol

[@broken_biscuit6716]

Can you do reaction/review videos on foreign emergency responses?

[@brianbickle7395]

At least you use your siren. Some wait until they’re nearly on top of cars, throwing everyone into a panic trying to make way

[@mistgeneraal]

I've been watching a couple of your videos -- great work by the way! -- and I can't help but get the impression you seem to be on-route for quite some time? How lang does the/your average 999 response take? Are you a first responder or do you have a different role? (I'm not from the UK, if that is relevant.)

[@RetroAdz]

He's not a first responder but specialised and only called when needed afaik

[@miamaskell9910]

i'm a bit confused as to why chris is allowed to use his car and not a ambulance car?

[@airbus350ulr]

He is an advanced paramedic I believe.

[@miamaskell9910]

@@airbus350ulr So if your advanced can you drive your own car?

[@gwishart]

I'm pretty sure he's a front line response manager; so he can potentially be called out serious incidents at any time - whether on duty or not. Presumably, it wouldn't be practical or desirable to use a marked-up vehicle as his day-to-day car.

[@airbus350ulr]

@@miamaskell9910 no idea

[@ThePopz57]

Another great video, keep them coming Chris, two questions if you can help, have you got any Magnetic Paramedic Signs on the Car, and is your car equipped with the flashing headlights. The video showed great awareness of other road users, but I bet you get more not noticing you in their rear mirror, thereby slowing you down, as always, Drive Safe, Stay Safe

[@BenM14-ZW11]

Another great video Chris. What happened to the idea of the voice over videos? I thought they were great!

[@thisthingsibelief4791]

When i was 17 I ran out of fuel in the middle of that roundabout with the pub on. Vividly remember some annoyed van drivers getting out and helping me to push my £600 nova off the roundabout and to the side of the road.

[@matty11123]

I am curious. Does anyone know what sort of calls he goes to? Does he go to calls that require an ALS medic or does he go to "minor" calls too? Thanks in advance for any answers and if this has been answered before could you maybe point me to where I can find this info.

[@airbus350ulr]

I think he may be an advanced paramedic so he will respond to more major calls

[@matty11123]

@@airbus350ulr yeah I had a feeling he would be going to the more major ones. I guess it makes sense seeing as he is in a prv.

[@TMM6944]

Good skills Chris, can we see your heart rate BPM during a response, do you have one?

[@andrewstorm8240]

Do you think the black colour of your car helps or hinders?

[@EinkOLED]

Is there any reason why your emergency vehicle is unmarked? I think a marked high visibility vehicle is easier for other drivers/riders to spot and respond to. Also thankyou for the work you do in saving lives, it is greatly appreciated.

[@RetroAdz]

It's his personal use vehicle too as he can be called any time

[@Alan_Clark]

If they don't hear the siren or see the flashing lights then I don't think a new colour scheme will make much difference!

[@Mrgnothing1]

If you're on your way to a very important job and you crash, can you quickly give details and leave scene or so you have to do things thoroughly like take pictures and wait for recovery? I mean like a light bump, not a full on smash

[@TheRCBiker]

As long as details are exhanged then the legal obligation has been met, minor bumps are likely to be dealt with in this way. However his employers policy most likely stipulates that a more senior officer must attend the scene to see what happened if it's something more serious. Either way, if a responding vehicle is involved in an RTC of any nature I think the best thing is for that vehicle/driver to be called off the job and another resource sent. They're not going to be in the right headspace to continue 👍

[@MrAllister88]

I'd be interested to know what the MPG is like from the start of a run to the end!

[@CBikeLondon]

Me too. Would be also interested to hear thoughts on transition to EV instead

[@MegaEssin]

I dont know the MPG on a octavia vrs diesel , but a 2.0 tdi 150 hp uses around 2,5 L/10 km (11,3 Uk MPG) at full throttle up to and keeping it at 180-190 km/h. Thats on a motorway though, no deccelerating and accelerating.

[@delta250a]

@@CBikeLondon He is getting a new car soon, if you look under the community tab there is a poll. It would be interesting to see but I think we are a few years away yet from having an EV roomy enough and with enough range. I know there are quite a few long range ones already but we will get there!

[@D3nn1s]

Just a curious question: why do you honk so often after taking the exit from a roundabout or when the cars in front have no room they could offer you/are pretty far away. I get the times you thank people or want to get their attention. Great driving as usual.

[@stuinNorway]

If you pay attention, as he hits the horn briefly, the siren tone changes.. My understanding is rather than yet another button to worry about, the centre wheel horn is utilised to change siren tones between the various options.

[@D3nn1s]

@@stuinNorway yeah thats anothing thing i noticed too. Guess well have to wait for the official reply tho

[@prince2139]

Is it a petrol or diesel car you have

[@richardhunt1384]

Road Craft at its best, if you use that manual, know the Police did/ do as my Dad was a Traffic Copper for years. You must hit 100mph + on a few of those fast flowing A Roads. Brilliant Brilliant Birmingham video to watch!!!!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@anoldfogeysfun]

Some canny help from other drivers for you there, Chris . . .

[@warsawrescue]

👍👍👍

[@scottridley6004]

Hi I’m an EMA for secamb. Are u a CCP ? Or OTL?

[@matthewlaidler4852]

Can you do a compilation of all the bad drivers you see on these runs please?

[@sim-sam]

Clearly, no room for emotions - like not all seem to see, are aware, attentiv or maybe gife a fu.. about the situation - that needs some real amount of training and professinal guts. Thanks.

[@PKMartin]

In all these videos I've seen him get visibly exasperated exactly once - in the country lanes video, a white van crawling through a village, completely oblivious, passing two or three possible stopping points and not yielding to let him pass.

[@sim-sam]

@@PKMartin yap, just watched thatone - the vany was not attentive at all and had no clue what was around him (either, he was on the phone, or absorbed by his logistics (nav) etc.) - extremely frustrating - but also there: a short second of feelings, then its over and back to pro.

[@Snupple]

May I ask why you don't drive a marked car?

[@delta250a]

It's his car.

[@airbus350ulr]

It's still part of who he works for, but he gets to keep it. I believe he is an advanced paramedic or something.so

[@itsshalevfromtaxidashcamer9390]

It's looks similar to a unmarked police car.

[@joechappell9080]

Alongside Chris being a specialist Critical Care Paramedic, who can respond to the most critical/severely ill/injured patients with an enhanced scope of practice to assist ambulance crews, he is a manager and is trained to undertake a commander role at a major incident. As such, he is sometimes on an 'on-call' basis where he can work from home etc but is still available for the control room to dispatch if they require his expertise, either in a clinical or management capacity. It wouldn't be practical for him to take a marked ambulance RRV home, so he can use his personal vehicle to get to these jobs.

[@aidanjenoch8676]

youv'e got to take this car to the Nurburgring one time, i wanna see you proper go for it one day lol

[@soiL1337]

Thought youre driving an f series

[@LucasL512]

I didnt understand what you meant by 'scrub the speed'? Is that something you are doing, or are you trying to influence the other drivers into slowing down?

[@applejuice5272]

Just means braking / slowing down

[@LucasL512]

@@applejuice5272 right, thanks

[@dyslexiksteve2488]

I know your workload on these runs is high but some commentary would make me less nervous 😂

[@fireblade8905]

So you work in Hertfordshire

[@videos44]

he drives like me

[@master8127]

When the EMS driver gives the cyclist more space than the average joe on their commute....

[@captango]

Then after all this driving , you still have to get into work mode as well.

[@angushuddy4600]

2:28. You shouldn't be using sirens through roadworks, incase people panic and enter the closure area, which could have any number of hazards

[@mantelisbudrys6114]

its easy to drive like this when you have the way, also you shouldnt be waving your hands driving at such speeds.

[@freespeechviral5253]

My zzr 14 would smoke you pal ✌️

[@davenz000]

Medics should have different markings / lights so all the drug dealers don't thing you're the PoPo. Anyone not yielding to a medic - instant cruise missile though the house.

[@fullnuclearbreakfast]

Those things are expensive you know!

[@solferuto5]

Breaking this down for us as if we are complete idiots and that this is rocket science. Hope the next video is better

[@ohnezuckerohnefett]

Maybe not rocket science. But brain surgery.

[@MrVTEC555]

Your problem is?

[@BenClementt]

I disagree with you - I personally enjoy the style of these videos as much as the things mentioned can be obvious, it's still enjoyable to watch and I doubt if you were doing his job you'd notice half of these things

[@stevesmith7530]

As a fellow response driver and an instructor too, you should try it. The number of complete idiots out there is rather substantial. As for the decision-making processes and observation skills required to drive response, well there is a good reason that people with standard licenses are not permitted to do it, it is far more difficult than it looks a lot of the time. Hell, most people would fail a regular driving test on those grounds if they retook it today, whereas many of the pDon't go back, How many people wearing hi-viz in the video? Did you even see them? When did you see them? Did you see where their works van was parked?

[@PKMartin]

This is explicitly a "closer look" video breaking down observations and decision making