Luton by day - 999 response

[@ImSkully]

Brilliant driving as always Chris! The lorry driver at 7:33 definitely earned that double honk for their great awareness

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Yes he did and shame i was mumbling it under my breath but was saying the same thing, great awareness from that lorry driver.

[@K3V0M]

@@ChrisMartinEMS I have been wondering if the honking is to communicate something to other drivers or just to change siren tones. I have assumed it when I started watching your channel but I was never sure.

[@GeorgeThoughts]

@@K3V0M most UK emergency vehicles you honk the horn to change the siren tone, and you double honk to turn it on or off. Chris sometimes does a quick "quad honk" haha to on/off the siren fast to say thanks to people for moving quickly

[@Daytona2]

🤨 They saw Chris enter the roundabout, didn't wait at the give way, and only stopped at the last moment before blocking his exit. They could have waited, which would have also acted as a block, stopping anyone else entering the roundabout.

[@Picolinni]

@@Daytona2already committed to enter. New information prompted a new response.

[@griffog2001]

Former Police Class 1 driver here, excellent driving, anticipation , position and use of siren. 👏

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Thanks very much, means a lot and appreciate the feedback.

[@geoffhalstead1811]

I agree wholeheartedly as I’m ex-racing, in the ‘70s.

[@bobinator17]

I like the re-positioned rear view camera, to top center :) much more natural to take in both views :) great video & thank you for taking your precious time to make these :).

[@gblargg]

Agreed, it looks great. Glad it worked technically.

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Glad you liked it and thank you.

[@350zvince]

And when arriving at the scene, the actual job begins... Amazing.

[@glennjarvis2672]

Most drivers seem to be well behaved. Here they either don't move or stop like deer in the headlights. Excellent driving by the way! Thank you for all you do!

[@Ed-ws1xe]

3:48 A brilliant run up to the lights there / use of going the wrong side. Loved it!! Great work from the Asda driver too.

[@ManxAndy]

Superb driving…..excellent progress in tricky traffic conditions…..and well done drivers in Luton, I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many drivers aware of their surroundings, and taking action well in advance of you approaching and passing them….great video..👍🇮🇲👌

[@Shaun-mg5ni]

Living in Australia for 30 years but born and bred in Luton. So cool to see you driving on the roads I still recognised. Love your stoney concentration face as well. Dont know how you keep your cool at times 😃

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Thanks very much, appreciated and hope things in Aus are all good.

[@Du5ty999]

Cracking restraint at that first set of reds 👌🏼

[@NickF14]

Fantastic drive again Chris. I can always appreciate another blue light driver's solid driving.

[@gravy1219]

the sirens drive me crazy, but i love watching your vids im learning to drive and your awareness of hazards is a great inspiration

[@seraphim7785]

I like how well and quickly drivers gives way to you

[@fourlamb1]

Im in the process of completing my police response course. Just starting my blues in a makred car tomorrow, i appreciate the videos. Your awareness and positioning is great. Thanks.

[@TheMarkBell]

After watching your video about the different types of sirens, I can now almost predict as and when you’ll change them. 😊

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

😁

[@marksapollo]

Amazing driving skills as usual Chris, great to see so many giving way and pulling over too. Lights and sirens working very well.

[@FunVans]

Awesome decision from the hgv at the end, already committed to enter the roundabout but excellent reaction and decision on positioning

[@gb2827]

Brilliant driving Chris! Thank you for being you.

[@stewlax]

Nice work, the Old Bedford Road junction is a tricky one at the best of times. Patience at the right moments

[@lemoncake6957]

Thanks for all the hard work yourself & all the NHS staff put in 365 days a year.

[@MrOllieBD]

You made that route through town look easy but having driven the road down to Leagrave High Street many times, the bad road surface must have given the suspension a good workout! Nice work, stay safe! 👏

[@R04drunner1]

Great awareness and helpfulness from the vast majority of drivers here. Can't believe the odd one who not only does not do mirror checks but can clearly see the flashing blue lights reflecting on the roadsigns ahead, yet still does not get out of the way. But dealing with frustration is part of the job. Brilliant driving and I liked the use of parting the waves once drivers in front of you at that junction started to move out of the way. Mini rant: can't believe drivers are not allowed to safely move into bus lanes or cycle lanes to make way for an emergency vehicle behind them!

[@martin6123]

Chris, fantastic driving as always! I have to give credit to the driver's of Luton as well. Everyone did a good job 👍🏼

[@jbss7382]

@Chris Martin EMS WOW there is some Really good diving going on perception wise from the local drivers in this? Lots of awareness of mirrors and early pull overs 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mattyking6141]

Chris you are an amazing driver people need to see these videos to learn what’s expected from them if a blue lights are coming . So they don’t panic What makes it better always looking at ways to improve and will say when you see not happy with what you done watching back true professional

[@kevinrandall01]

I always admire the driving skills of this man. It is good to see that some of us lesser mortals eg .car drivers can still have good observational awareness and help the EM'S make smooth progress. What I always take away from these videos is that at the end of a great drive these guys step out of the car & calmly into paramedic mode. We are very lucky to have ladies & gents that have that capability, I certainly don't.

[@BenM14-ZW11]

Great driving as always and looked to be some great responses from other road users for the most of it

[@patoverend7395]

excellent driving chris, thank you for your service 👍

[@mr.bauerpower4285]

Really like watching your responses, and seeing the perspective from a good emergency driver👌 The videos are just awesome after you got the viofo !! And love the new Audi, and light setup🚨 Just wish it also had the new rumbler siren add on. Would be cool to see if the rumbler really make people more aware🧐

[@bulman07]

The beginning is like Thunderbird 1 and Thunderbird 2 🚀

[@M7KKHAN]

😂

[@derranthefunnyguy]

Great driving, as a local it's cool to see an area I'm familiar with from the EMS perspective. I like this style of video, but I also enjoy the ones where you pause to explain stuff so I don't mind either way.

[@williamfence566]

You can hear the white van man as he went through the traffic lights " turn your sirens down I'm on the phone " 🤣

[@ianzthingz1]

Taking that ambulance at 0:07 were they off to the same shout I wonder? Rear camera in the middle defo more natural, great run as always.

[@samskleibrok2023]

Dang that first overtake at the beginning really puts to perspective how fast you were going 👀

[@Ontel779]

i mean. he was doing nearly 100 mph. as it says in the bottom left hand corner of the screen

[@Ontel779]

@kch01-oo4xe Id like to see you try and drive 100MPH on one, while the road is bendy, bumpy, keeping an eye out everywhere for hazards before it actually happens, keep an eye out on the navigation screen for directions, keep an eye out for the radio and be ready to listen to any updates

[@VairosOficial]

Amazing content Chris, greetings from Spain

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Thanks very much and hope everything is good in Spain.

[@frostylious]

nah I like your comments, watching previous vids made it easier to understand the mindset of EMS drivers and what they want other road users to do

[@mrb3673]

Thats the quickest ive ever seen wigmore to marsh farm!

[@matthewheron9738]

Love the video’s keep up the life saving work ❤

[@t288msd]

Former KFC chef here. Excellent driving.

[@David_Crayford]

Enjoy and am fascinated by these. But unlike a Milk Tray Man commercial, after all the heroics there is no quip nor box shot sting at the end.

[@st200ol]

80mph+ round that bend was a good job. When I drive along there at 6:15am and the road is empty I always take the racing line around that one. :-)

[@iamStevenRoberts]

Looks like everyone in this video helped or attempted to help you make progress.

[@Z0RDR4CK]

Maybe I don't have the most trained eye, but in my opinion, on this trip, without exception, all the other road users did almost everything right, if at all it was small things. But no one was in the way of the emergency vehicle, impressive.

[@Paws4thot]

1:22 - Congratulations to the bus driver for a brilliantly timed and placed deviation. That said, some of the other drivers on the dual cabbageway (sic) seemed to be performing deviations for no adequately explored reason? 3:07- Well timed and placed deviation by the driving school car. 3:54 - Brilliant reaction by the ASDA delivery driver. General comment - Really good use of Exemptions to Make Progress when it helped.

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Really appreciate the time taken for the feedback and yes, there was some really good decisions being made by other drivers that definitely helped progress. Thanks again for the comments.

[@dm002a8686]

Great driving

[@WhiskeyGulf71]

Some very good awareness & responses from other road users, a few absolute NPCs but by & large a very good journey.

[@mrgrumpy9077]

wish you had a bull horn fitted, I would definitely be on the vinegar stroke 🤣

[@SlimHandle]

Staying back for the first red lights helped prevent those at the front near the white line not cross them and commit a traffic offence.

[@aviationwales3021]

Excellent video as always. Have you ever done a video on your actual vehicle. Don’t think ever seen the outside of it

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Did a walk around of the audi when i got it if of interest kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3unfquXfN2Sg7Msi=hVng68thjVcNZkYq

[@miguelpm142]

Great driving! I have a couple of questions: - I've noticed at different points of the video you take a deep breath (e.g. 5:25). Is it some kind of special technique to regulate your stress/heartbeat? - At some moments you were doing nearly 60 on residential streets. Is this considered safe in terms of reaction time and stopping distance?

[@marcusFZ6]

Another challenging drive in places. You couldn't drive with the same sense that drivers will behave in the correct manner here in Oz. Too many cars will still put out in front of you in built up areas. They come to a "Give Way" with too much speed and thus most the time the in ability to stop and there for always pull out rather than brake.

[@SM_KTF]

Is there no option to have the sirens on a dedicated button rather then linked to the cars horn ?

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Yes and I have just had one fitted so will make this easier on next blue light runs.

[@SM_KTF]

@@ChrisMartinEMS look forward to seeing it

[@GeorgeThoughts]

@@ChrisMartinEMS I always wondered if the horn honk would help drivers to get their head up instinctively, as most drivers are wired to horns one way or another. That said, I wonder if some other drivers think you're being aggressive with them when bipping horn. Or at traffic lights to turn it off, maybe they think you're telling them to move! So a button may be better true...

[@hazyblue69]

The dedicated siren button was shown in the Community tab a few days ago.

[@DutchLessonsByThomas]

1:20 i don't get this. In the Netherlands where I live, if it's an emergency ride with blues and toots, they'll psychologically push everyone out of the way by pressing forward and making extra noise. You're just standing there waiting. Was this a lower priority ride? Don't you think, that by turning off the siren and standing still 30 meters back, you're giving mixed signals about the status of your vehicle and the amount of hurry you're in? I know I'd be confused if I was standing before you.

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Thanks and its just a question of the law currently in the UK, other drivers aren't allowed to cross a red light, even to give way to an emg vehicle so unless I can create or access a clear path through, then i have to wait.

[@DutchLessonsByThomas]

@@ChrisMartinEMS Yep that's clear enough. Quite silly though, this strict ruling can cost lives. Over here it's also officially not allowed, but everyone still kinda scoots a few meters over the line to make way. It's not frowned upon and actually advised by driving instructors and emergency services alike, despite being officially illegal. Even if there's a red light camera, and you get a fine, if you request the photo and file a complaint, you'll get the fine cancelled if you moved over the line for an emergency vehicle. I guess the UK wouldn't be amiss by bending the rules a bit on this point. Thanks for answering, and the rest of your driving was great!

[@mstevens113]

​@@DutchLessonsByThomaspeople will sometimes do it in the UK too, there are cases of people being prosecuted though. Albeit usually from an automated camera where there's no scope for a bit of discretion and common sense.

[@Rroff2]

Something which may not be obvious - looks like Chris deliberately held back a bit there to let the following ambulance get into the picture, so they could clear through cleanly behind instead of people thinking it was just the one emergency vehicle and resuming back to blocking the path through.

[@AM2K2]

Cheers Chris

[@SinkyYT]

That black Merc taxi had plenty of time to move over for you if he didn't have his head up his arse!

[@Daytona2]

So ~8mins / ~23% slower in daytime, ~6½mins at night - interesting comparison 😊

[@thatotherguy186]

3:25 made me pucker up lol

[@robabob1001]

Can you on a private car, if and when you aren't on call, which seems like always... turn off your sirens? So you could still use your horn in day to day driving without activating them?

[@lemur1852]

Where abouts are you located usually

[@AbsoIutelyJack]

Bots in the comments again...

[@pseud420]

Where do they come from!?

[@Nubbie]

Bots think the sirens sound hot

[@valvemonky4734]

i report them and they get removed as they are porn related

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Bots removed, thanks all. Seem to pop up so fast.

[@bedfordshireeastmidlandstrains]

How in bloody hell did an emergency response take 8 minutes to get from Ashcroft to Marsh Farm? It takes me 40 mins to get there (in a civillian car)

[@thesim1990]

0:53, taxi driver in fucking cuckoo land.

[@sparrowcar]

Is it the camera angle or are you climbing the whole time? Is Luton a hilly place?

[@frostflocke8901]

Quick question. Is it not allowed for drivers in the UK to cross a red light when there is an emergency vehicle behind them in situations like 1:05 ? Because in Germany for example you should slowly and safely drive through a red light if you are in the way of an emergency vehicle to make room.

[@anthoneymorton3406]

No, in the UK it is illegal to cross a red light even when an emergency vehicle is behind you, if the way is blocked then the emergency vehicle must wait until there is space to pass.

[@adambro5480]

It's not allowed, no. I'd say it is unlikely you would be punished in such a situation though if driving with care. Where there are automatic red light enforcement cameras that is likely to be trickier.

[@frostflocke8901]

Oh okay, thanks for the replies. I was so confused at first because it looks a bit off when he is just standing there and nothing is happening :D

[@_Steven_S]

Strictly speaking, no. Rule 176 of the Highway Code states "You MUST NOT move forward over the white line when the red light is showing." And Rule 219 further states "You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or traffic officer and incident support vehicles using flashing amber lights. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, *while complying with all traffic signs.*" However, with a bit of common sense, good observations and an appropriate junction layout you should* be able to move past the stop line without putting yourself in conflict with other road users who may be crossing your path, to create space for vehicles behind to move left/split and allow the emergency vehicle through. In cases of red light (or box junction) enforcement cameras, if it were a police vehicle behind and they were gesturing for you to move* you could argue Rule 105 which states "You MUST obey signals given by police officers," * this is not legal advice.

[@user-kx4zz8hd8w]

ANY emergency vehicle behind you at red signals should turn their sirens off, so as not to "push" you through a junction. If a driver passes the stop line on red of a normal vehicle, they would be subject to prosecution potentially.

[@h14hc124]

If you are going to place the rear view video insert in the top middle position, then it would make more sense to flip it left to right, so that it behaves like what people would expect to see in a rear view mirror.

[@Psylaine64]

Much prefer this view ! tho I'd love a review of the footage with comments after the video ... I know you dont have time for all that though

[@Bopplz]

When you do a double honk like you did at 7:35, is that a thank you honk or are you just cycling through your sirens?

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

It's a thank you thing

[@SuchCreativeNickname]

1:10 why do you keep so much space and turn off the siren?

[@Sgt_Plague]

I’m guessing this is attending the same person as the recent night run video? Hope they’re ok. I have a question or 3 though, 1. when you reached the first red lights with traffic, you’ve explained previously why you hold back, is it the same for the ambulance that you passed? 2. Have you ever had to navigate stockingstone hill in rush hour traffic? I’d sometimes go for a ride about Luton after college (2007) on my scooter, sometimes I would be coming down the hill with a lot of traffic. Despite that idk 2ft? Painted divider, the traffic coming up the hill would frequently be on the line. I always avoided filtering on the bend itself, far too dodgy. But, I would hate to be in an emergency vehicle trying to come down with traffic. So… 3. How would you navigate it in traffic?

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

HI and thanks. To answer as best I can. 1) yes this is the same for all ambulance vehicles and red lights treated as a give way and should slow right down. 2) This is always a risk when taking bends like that which is why the sirens play a big part as well as speed and knowing you could/should be able to stop as far as you can see around a bend like that. 3) Carefully! :)

[@Sgt_Plague]

@@ChrisMartinEMS thank you for answering. I used to live near Sainsbury’s in north Luton, it boggles my mind that you can do your work place in Hitchin to roughly where I was in sub 10mins, even with lights and sirens. You’d be lucky to get from Sainsbury’s into Luton town center in the same time as a civ. Anyhow, Drive Safe Chris!

[@sirsimon182]

No hate - I thought you guys had restrictions on speeds in 30mph , no more than double?

[@stevecrisell108]

Nice.

[@Kaid2710]

Do you do nighttime responses or only daytime?

[@findthebadger418]

At his grade he won’t routinely work nights - so only if he’s on call and gets a call.

[@fabiank7330]

Great :D

[@lucagevaert61]

May I ask why wait at 1:05 and turn off the sirens?

[@hazyblue69]

The lights are red. He didn't want to force anyone to cross the line and break the law. Better to switch off the sirens and wait.

[@AUaudits]

Is Ambulance class1 or class2 advanced?

[@findthebadger418]

Level 3 CERAD - it’s is own course. No levels in ambulance. Closely compared to class 2, however we can still drive ‘advanced’ vehicles on this qual

[@snubbelbuff1471]

@1:04 As a non-brittish citizen may I kindly ask for an explanation of what is going on here? I would assume the situation requiring more "aggressiveness" but this is clearly not the case - why? Best of regards from Uppsala, Sweden!

[@Sellerieknolle76]

If I remember correctly from a previous video, he is allowed to carefully go through a red light but he cannot force others to do so. Here in Germany it's different - if you have the blues and siren behind you, you are expected to carefully drive into an intersection at a red light if this is needed to let the emergency service through.

[@Horizon301.]

Drivers can still be fined for going through red lights if a camera is present thus they don’t force anyone to make such a decision. Of course most drivers will move regardless and try to make space though

[@hazyblue69]

The law in the UK prevents normal drivers from going through red lights, even to make room for emergency vehicles. They can only cross the line if directed to do so by an officer in uniform.

[@mstevens113]

VW drivers fast asleep, some things never change...

[@noc8076]

With a 140+W LED lightbar on the front, like those from Lazer, you will be able to get peoples attention with the high beams from 500+ meters away, much further then your siren reaches.

[@Demun1649]

I had the feeling, on this video, that most of the vehicles pulling in, and allowing you passage, were reacting to the blues reflected from the road signs, rather than noticing you in the rearview mirror. I didn't like the blue car that left the road and obstructed the pavement. In fact that whole road, with all the parked cars, there was no way I could have stayed on the pavement, and got past the illegal parking. But, you did grand again. The AUDI has great acceleration, scared the white Mercedes. 😅😂😂😂😜

[@hansdampf2776]

I still don't understand why dirvers in the UK are not allowed to slowly and advance over a red light to let emergency vehicles though.

[@hazyblue69]

It's against the law. We can only cross the line if directed by an officer in uniform.

[@hansdampf2776]

@@hazyblue69 yea that is sort of my point, why that law is still ike that is beyond me.

[@SightsWithSteve]

Amazing work on those traffic lights, held back, siren off, didn’t apply any pressure and went through after those drivers made their own decision ( rightly or wrongly ). But I’ve an observation, coming up to a few roundabouts on final approach you pass cars in the other lane, and last second cut into their lane quite close to those drivers ( granted cameras give a different picture of space ) whilst looking ( rightly so ) at the roundabout traffic to your right, at the exact same time as cutting in on those drivers and not checking your mirrors at that time ( again because your checking the roundabout ) Have you noticed this? Maybe I’m wrong and there’s more space than appears on camera… just being constructive 🫡✌🏻

[@Monkeh616]

Confidence in position. Speed differential assures he's past unless they do something very, very silly. It does look a bit concerning compared to how regular drivers are taught, though.

[@rustydusty2992]

Good holdback for first set of lights on vid but still a car felt pressured to go through red light, could have got ticket certainly if cam activated on it.

[@EyMalla]

Question from a german fireman: is it illegal in GB to go over a red light if an emergency vehicle is coming from behind? In Germany you are allowed to carefully drive over the red light to make way for the emergency vehicle.

[@rustydusty2992]

@@EyMalla Yes it is but with discretion police over here could take mitigating circumstances into account, for instance would passing the light be to risky ie is there a really safe area after the light to pull into/stop etc.

[@hazyblue69]

​@@EyMallaYou should only cross the line at a Red light if directed to do so by an Officer in uniform.

[@OkenWS]

6:50 there's always a white van. THERE'S ALWAYS A WHITE VAN. I hope I was never that guy when I drove vans - awful standards.

[@davidselby6881]

I’m sure this is asked all the time… but why have an unmarked ambulance? It doesn’t make sense to me!? Love the vids though, keep them up!

[@techheck3358]

It’s his personal car, not the organisations car, he’s on-call

[@tomgruitt6563]

Hmmmm

[@adamcrane1436]

Hello

[@smellynelly312]

Turn the sirens off excessive

[@lewiskelly14]

Shame you don't read the comments

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Ah but i do :)