Dispatched on the move - 999 response

Getting tasked whilst on the move.
A clumsy way through some sets of lights and ended up behind another resource with considerations as to whether or not to overtake.

[@ashley_neal]

Love going through these to pick up what should be passed over to the general public to aid your flow. Great Job Chris! 4:30 I'm thinking to ask Chris about overtaking then he talks about it 7:36 The importance of keeping an eye on mirrors to see where the emergency services are going.

[@chillies4156]

Nice comment

[@freddiekb1004]

For the latter point I think, for the van in front, it may have been difficult to tell what the indicators were for (they could have been used to suggest an overtake as well as to turn right)

[@delta4611]

The key thing I've picked up from these videos that helps me is they seem to tell the traffic exactly what they want them to do using lights and sirens. If its lights and sirens together, it means make way when safe (obviously) but if its just lights and no sirens, it tends to mean just continue as you are because its not safe for them to overtake, they just want the flow of traffic to continue safely until there is a better opportunity for them to overtake, stopping or trying to pull over in an unsafe location hinders them more. They will then turn the sirens on again when they get to a straight without oncoming traffic for example to indicate its safe to pull over and they intend to overtake.

[@BerraLJ]

Still not easy to try to figure it out in traffic, as a truck driver it is damn stressful since it is very hard for me to move anywhere really i am just to big and slow, and the roads in this video are gnarly, like no place to go since there is hedge on one side and oncoming traffic close on the other side, not to mention a very twisty and turning road.

[@ottermanuk]

@@delta4611 Lights are "I need to get somewhere", sirens are "I need you to move now", generally. Unfortunately drivers see or hear either and panic! Case in point the mini at 6:41

[@richardhunt1384]

4:03 took me a couple moments to realise the van in front was an emergency vehicle.... only just seen the lights!!! Thought at first it was a builders van taking advantage of the other vehicles pulling over to let you through!!!! 😂😂😂😂🤦🤦🤦

[@boabrahamsen9442]

Same here. He should probably still have let you get past, getting someone there quickly is the most important thing. The ambulance is much more unwieldy in close traffic I'm sure.

[@andyholland859]

Agreed, I thought same, should have let you go in my opinion, a VW transporter is nowhere near as capable as your vehicle.

[@SuperLittleTyke]

I thought the van thought a police car was chasing it and the van driver was attempting a getaway!

[@h14hc124]

Another reason that the van should have let Chris pass is that it's much easier for a driver of a van to see past a car, than it is for a driver of a car to see past a van. A lot of Chris's vision, and therefore situational awareness, was blocked by the back of that van.

[@TJ_GAming001]

Loving the commentary explaining the thought process as you progress

[@yuenkentsang9446]

That van driver at the start should have carried on. He stopped too suddenly

[@georgeprout42]

​@@yuenkentsang9446hindsight is always 20/20 and we also had a better view/were expecting it. Chris was able to wiggle around just fine.

[@Gal2k6]

Commentary is normal for blue light drivers. Through training, you say it out loud, then it moves into your head then it becomes subconscious almost second nature.

[@martinclay7557]

That VW driver was way quicker than the cop you got stuck behind a few videos ago. Great video Chris.

[@davidgraham7932]

Can tell you're not a response driver. The cop had excellent speed in that video. You don't have a clue what you're talking about 👍.

[@MementoMori-xx5qo]

Everyone drives different, the van driver is far more aggressive than the cop was.

[@_Ali.]

Give that guy that cop car and you’d see what he can do. Man was driving that hard and that aggressive with a vw caddy...

[@Thomashorsman]

police response drivers are generally newer in service than ambulance response drivers because as soon as police officers probation is up they get off response onto another department as soon as they can.

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

Chris these video are always too short. I could watch your driving skills all day, especially as the roads are local to me. I also think your commentary is educational as it shows those who watch these videos what to do when an emergency service vehicle is behind them, the example at the round about prior to, and at lights for entrance to Sainsbury's being a prime example.

[@user-dh2yp3vd2q]

Great driving as always Chris. I believe that it should be procedure that emergency services cars, especially critical care, should always be at the front when possible. Larger emergency vehicles should be trained to find a spot, that doesn't stop progress, to allow other emergency vehicles to lead the convoy. If you were in front, you would be able to make space for the van a lot more efficiently rather then the van making space for you. Also, following the van does interfere with your view, maybe not by a lot, but it does which slows down your individual progress. Nonetheless great driving, I envy your skill.

[@absolutelynot10]

Well said.

[@markusmayer7956]

I think it would be great if the two crews could talk to each other while responding. If Chris could ask them to let him pass when there's a chance and them responding, "It's clear, go now!" that seems like it could be quite helpful.

[@alexlizannabelbarrett4895]

I always wonder what to do at Corey's Mill Sainsbury's if an emergency vehicle approaches from behind (as you did here). If at the front is it OK to move forward over the sensors that would trigger the traffic light cameras if safe to do so and to release an emergency vehicle?

[@Daytona2]

@@alexlizannabelbarrett4895 It might be safe, but it's illegal.

[@OwenBenGaming]

I feel it’s worth putting here that whilst the ideas are useful and with the kindest of thoughts, it’s actually safer for Chris in a car if he stays behind the larger emergency vehicle. People will spot that and then see him after. If he is in front then there’s risk of people seeing the bigger vehicle behind (obviously because it’s bigger) but may have the “blinkers” on so to speak that they don’t see Chris in his car

[@mothmagic1]

Great to see the standard of driving from both yourself and the unit in front. In an emergency situation it would be easy to let the urgency dictate but you guys both kept it cool and professional which kept yourselves and the general public as safe as possible.

[@TheAverageCloud]

Have watched a lot of your videos; this is one of the best. Love the live voice callout from the facecam, and the subtitles with your after thoughts are fab! Love it, keep up the fab work.

[@MiniMicroMan1]

That is a good driver in that VW as well.

[@ImSkully]

Love the commentary on this video, would love to see more of it in your future videos - and of course, great driving as always.

[@impulsereflx731]

I have just watched an episode of "Emergency Helicopter Medics" in which you were there with EAAA! It was great to see you in action!

[@wanderer5581]

The psychology of driving is fascinating,, inj this day and age more important than car control is understanding other drivers behaviour..

[@rowanlidbury]

And predicting it.

[@YelpBullhorn]

I was so quick to cuss the “stupid van driver”. I thought it was probably a couple of scaffolders on a bacon buttie run. But then I noticed its blue lights. It took me a while though!!!

[@rowanlidbury]

Turned out to be rather handy :)

[@David_Crayford]

Thank you for the narration. It does add quite a bit of value. 👍

[@johnmcguigan4456]

First class piece of driving sir hope you’re the one responding if I need it 👏

[@shadowdarts]

YOU SHOULD BE DAM PROUD OF WHO YOU are chris, doing this while on way 999 call takes skill and you are showing us the people what like for you and from our side. keep doing this and you be at 1 million subs soon sir. supporting the nhs folks because you never know when you may need there help

[@skyll4141]

Thanks for the commentary. I didn't know Volkswagen vans were so quick. pretty hairy ride that one.

[@Z0RDR4CK]

I guess sometimes people are just afraid of doing the _"wrong thing",_ like going over the speedlimit for a very short time to make sure not blocking the emergency services and lookout for a safe spot to give way. I still find it a bit strange that the siren is linked to the horn. Sometimes I feel like I'm being honked at because I've done something wrong, either the sirens are activated or the tone changes. _(Yes I'm from Germany, but I often travel to the UK, thanks to Brexit it isn't as easy as it was before.)_

[@stevesmith7530]

The horn is used because it is a simple method of changing tones without taking hands off the wheel. Bullhorns are often activated by a footswitch. Some of my fleet have an extra button so a passenger can change tones too.

[@markpaul1154]

The risk level increase in convoy as some drivers dont recheck mirrors before moving away.

[@MementoMori-xx5qo]

Dorset Police just released a video of an RTC when the 2nd car in a convoy plowed into another car. Really good example of how people don't think around emergency services and use their mirrors well enough

[@madgardener5820]

That's why each vehicle should use a different tone, the following vehicle should be close to the leading one and they should change their profile by moving position from left to right every five to ten seconds or so.

[@Parastorm.]

Excellent driving and thank you for the the work that you do..

[@feynthefallen]

Doing a drive like that, even if it is only for training purpuses, would be one dream of mine.

[@Slaeowulf]

It is amazing how you learn from your mistakes in real time. Only race car drivers have that same skill. Bravo.

[@stevesmith7530]

ALL drivers, in fact all road users should learn in real time all the time

[@Slaeowulf]

@@stevesmith7530 i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/facebook/000/021/665/DpQ9YJl.jpg

[@rowanlidbury]

No, it's doing half your job for you. That's one fast van.! An expert driver as well. I hope you got to meet him/her.

[@karrlrichardson3641]

Chris, apologies if you get asked this question many times but would be interested to understand your position within the service. It's obvious that you are better qualified than a Paramedic, but using Hems or Hart where are you within this group of amazing teams. What drugs and things are you allowed to give? If you attend an incident does your role make you the lead?? Hope You get the question. I had a major stroke in 2018 and am still recovering, there was no Ambulance available on the night So my Wife had to get me to our car and transport me to the local A&E. I woke up the next day unable to walk or use the left side of my body. I was 49 at the time. It took me 6 months to relearn to walk, was off work for about 11 months, I am now back at work full-time As an IT technical support, Luckaly my employer left me on full pay, and supported my recovery in every way they could. Really enjoy your videos. I am in the NN2 postcode. Not to far further North from your area.

[@dreamcrusher112]

No ambulance available is criminal. All that tax money we pay to think they might just not turn up.

[@mstevens113]

​@@dreamcrusher112same issue here, I had to rush my dad in using my own car, was on hold for 5 minutes just trying to speak to someone after calling 999. With hospital 5 heavy footed minutes away I thought f### this, ping me speeding see if I care, I'll take my chances in court. That's the sewer our political vermin have turned the country into.

[@anoldfogeysfun]

@@dreamcrusher112 - All you have to remember, is that our ambulance, or other similar services are not of an infinite quality . . . They all need bases, and then the staff to crew them - but if the base & staffing level aren't there, as with hospitals, too, then you would just have vehicles standing idle . . . Respond times are also hit by 999 timewasters, as well as drug users and drunks, too . . . which leaves less services available to send out. Sometimes even call outs for certain things may also require 2 ambulance teams being used if felt necessary, again with that you can lose a crew until that call has been seen to. Another issue we can have is older hospitals with fewer beds available to take in new patients - that's why we can sometimes see lines of ambulances parked outside A&E Dept's all waiting to take patients in and trying to put them somewhere if they can - or send them off to another hospital if they're full. Again, these ambulances just can't move until they've dropped off their patients . . . Labour Government - (under Blair then I think?) - decided to shut a lot of our smaller hospitals and upgrade older ones or build new larger ones - this has not worked out here though . . . as the coverage just cannot keep on matching the population growth each year . . .

[@TomCro73]

@@dreamcrusher112 Who needs ambulances when you're spending 13 million on a whole "diversity and inclusiveness" organizational structure? Patient focus is *so* passe....

[@markusmayer7956]

Love the video as always! Very impressive driving. Unfortunately, I am having quite a tough time making out what you are saying over the road noise and the siren. Could you maybe add subtitles to those couple of sections of the video when you get a chance?

[@allyking84ify]

The VW van made great progress. A great example of a progressive advanced drive.

[@chillies4156]

Nice video

[@ashley_neal]

Hi @chillies4156 👋

[@Demun1649]

I used to crew. My heart still speeds up, the chest tightens, as does my stomach. I drove a vRS 3 times, and still dream about it. Would be nice to know the sit. you are going to. Even when I was a civvie again, I still, if the chance showed, I would stop on a roundabout and bloke traffic from coming on, ambos and the water fairies as well.

[@chloeswift652]

your vidoes are just amazing

[@artie2070]

Great watching, thanks Chris

[@Samlewis92]

What a cracking pub the rusty gun is

[@mastergx1]

Just asking for an opinion from a responce driver... When im in lane 1 on the motorway/dual carrageway and I see a responding vehicle coming up behind me - I simply signal left and thats it. Just to show that i've seen them. I don't slow down or move over unnecessarily, I just signal and let them overtake (this is assuming there are no other vehicles nearby). Do you think this is good practice?

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Yes that's great as it shows intent to stay where you are so thank you.

[@MalcolmCrabbe]

Depends if the other lanes on the carriage way are clear and the emergency service vehicle has access to pass. You'll notice in this video (around the 2.30 mark) as Chris sticks in the "overtaking" lane the car in front indicates and pulls into the left hand lane, but sill applied the brakes when he had no need too. But at 4.15 the car indicated and almost stopped to allow a clear path before the keep left bollards. Basically you follow rule 219 of the highway code which states "Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. “If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road."

[@mastergx1]

@@ChrisMartinEMS Thanks

[@grahamlawrence2491]

Thanks, Chris. I am a ROSPA advanced driver so I’m always keen to learn more and I find your videos so educational. Overtaking on single carriageway roads is a particular challenge to learn. I understand the technique of the box overtake but my challenge is learning to judge the distance available for an overtake. Do you have any advice on this? Thanks again for your videos and for your service!

[@woodsmic]

Great videos.

[@wilkgr]

I find the regional differences very interesting. Looking at 1:18: where I live in Australia, the ambulance would have chosen one lane and everyone in that lane would have moved over, rather than everybody squishing over in their lane.

[@JohnnieHougaardNielsen]

I really like having the narration while pushing through traffic, but I found much of it hard to hear, with the road noise and so on. Great driving!

[@dazasc1621]

Great skill 👏

[@JohnYoung77]

Love this, the skill that is involved and the speed of thought needed is so far advanced of the average (even very skilled) is so high. I do have a question though: Is there a difference (subjective I know) in how people react depending on Critical Care cars, Ambulances, and Police/Fire vehicles? There should be a course on advanced driving like that, not necessarily on driving like that through traffic haha, but seeing things far in advance (bit like the driving test lol)

[@stevesmith7530]

As someone who teaches response driving in a wide range of vehicles, yes some people do react differently depending on the vehicle. The most common is for people to think they have done wrong when it is a police vehicle, followed by not leaving enough space for larger vehicles, and/or assuming they perform and handle like performance cars.

[@williamstrachan]

IAM and upwards do courses that will help you work on observation and stuff!

[@stevesmith7530]

Personally I prefer RoSPA, but each to their own. RoSPA are the group responsible for helping create the current standards for response driving

[@0000001000000111000]

Wish I could leave Stevenage that quickly!

[@nightw4tchman]

1:12 Just a question Chris but how do emergency services deal with speed cameras? Could you set it off and it tag other motorists as well? I remember seeing ambulances set them off near where I used to work whilst walking home. Is there a lot of paperwork?

[@_Ali.]

I might be wrong on this, but the light bar at the top now has a steady burn blue light at the back to indicate the marked vehicle is on a 999 call, they used to have issues before where sometimes the strobes would be just off that one fraction when they’d hit a camera and then the whole rigmarole of having to send out tickets and go through logs to see what that vehicle was doing at that point then cancel the ticket. Now they just see the light bar on and cancel the ticket. Also, cameras take 2 pics and the time/distance between the 2 pics is used to measure the speed. So a car next to them wouldn’t get a ticket. That’s like if you do the speed limit and someone next to you does 90 through a camera.

[@Thomashorsman]

if its anything like the police, the organisation will be sent the NIP and then the organisation will send the driver a standard form to the driver to fill out explaining the reason for speeding (legal exemption etc) then that’s the end of it

[@lewiskelly14]

​@@_Ali.I think that's crap as there is a van in front on this video which doesn't have a static blue light

[@stevesmith7530]

@@lewiskelly14 Not all vehicles have the static light, often referred to as a "gatso light". It's not always in the lightbar either, some of my vehicles have it mounted near registration plates front and rear. Some actually have the flash patterns in other lights to ensure there is always one light on. This is because technically, a static blue light visible at the rear of a moving vehicle is illegal. (Motor vehicle lighting regulations 1989) There is no exemption for emergency services.

[@_Ali.]

@@stevesmith7530 well that doesn’t make sense, if it’s not permitted by law for a static blue light then why do some vehicles have it as you just said?

[@ivortoad]

You always seem so far away from the incident. Not your fault obviously. Thanks for your service.

[@robertsprigge5535]

Chris, Please see my comment below about the route. Very educational, especially for those of us using these roads with those double-white lines. Would indicating left, even when there's nowhere to pull into, be a useful acknowledgement of your presence? Especially given your motorway speeds, I think you'd have got there quicker going South on the motorway first (unless it was closed of course). I note that one of your recent videos showed you starting from where you finished in this one and taking the first roads in the opposite direction.

[@Hammious]

On a double white, you can't over take unless a car/vehicle is stationary. A pedal cyclist doing less then 10mph, a mounted Horse, or maintanence vehicles.

[@mortgagewizard40]

Is there a priority in this situation, where the vehicle in front should pull over as you are ,by all accounts ,the senior paramedic on scene or not. Thankyou for the videos mate, and thankyou to all your colleagues as well, be safe out there

[@notmozart1]

Fantastic as always - why don't you wear sunglasses? I can't drive in too bright sunshine without them.

[@350zvince]

Probably a stupid question but are you able to use the factory horn normally without triggering the sirens? Like in non-emergency situations.

[@27AC]

Usually, if the blue lights are on, the horn will activate the sirens. If the blue lights are off, the horn is just the normal horn.

[@mstevens113]

Minging roads for overtaking

[@Southern999Responses]

Chris is that HART

[@rypowell1988]

That dual carriageway section at 3:00 looks like you’re absolutely flying. What sort of speeds would you hit on a clear stretch of road like that?

[@jaroslav44]

Do you check the tyres for any damage after each run? Thanks for the video

[@rowanlidbury]

Each shift starts with a complete vehicle check.

[@14LuvMusic]

8:19 was that you suggesting sirens should be used? If in convoy is the siren usage determined by the lead vehicle? And therefore if they don't have sirens, following vehicles shouldn't use sirens either? What would have been their decision to not use sirens on that road? I would have thought they'd have been useful what with the bends.

[@h14hc124]

Generally when traveling in convey, you try to leave the siren on, and use a different siren tone from the vehicle in front, so that drivers know there's more than one vehicle and don't pull back in after the first vehicle has gone past them (not that it always works)

[@RayScarr69]

Out of interest, how come you kept the siren off after 7:40? Would it be a good idea to put the siren back on to warn any cyclists, horse riders, pedestrians and maybe even motorists up ahead that you could be closing in on them?

[@monstermash4458]

How fasr are you allowed to drive? Like how much above the limit is your limit?

[@rowanlidbury]

As fast as it's safe to do so.

[@SuperLittleTyke]

Are emergency vehicles like these equipped with more powerful brakes than the standard spec? Because, when needed, they sure do slow down quickly. Also, are any of these vehicles automatic? I would think 100% gearstick.

[@quinnabrams8875]

is there not a way for you guys to communicate from one vehicle to the other? in a situation like this, to plan an overtake

[@findthebadger418]

If you know the radio number of the other vehicle, then yes

[@quinnabrams8875]

@@findthebadger418 oh, gotcha. I thought maybe there was some kind of central communication channel

[@rhodahaque]

Nice to hear your thoughts as you drive, always pick up tips on how best to assist those heading to the scene like yourself. One question though and it might be a silly one, what are the frequent beeps of the horn for?

[@1240Connor]

The horn controls the sirens when on blues. One 'beep' to switch between them and double 'beep' to switch off

[@adrianw604]

Can you explain why you use the car horn in the way you do? Is it just for extra audible alert in addition to the sirens? Great video!

[@biggiecheese1984]

It’s how they switch the siren tone. A beep of the horn. Much easier than having to fiddle with switches and buttons etc.

[@adrianw604]

@@biggiecheese1984Cheers, seems obvious now I watch the video back! 😊

[@graememckay9972]

Are the sirens wired to the horn button for ease of activation / deactivation? I was a special Constable mid 90s and lights and old 2 tone air horns were on a separate dash panel so the horn never sounded.

[@TheDaveRout]

The van driver was no slouch

[@odd_shoes]

You should have a special noise that you can make, to make the vehicle in front aware you want to pass.

[@shm5547]

6:45 no need for sound on that bit, I think I can work out what the commentary would have been for the driver coming to an almost complete stop on a blind bend with solid white lines. Some people!

[@michaelrk83]

The VW van is rapid!! Not much chance for you to overtake. what vehicle do you drive?? Excellent driving from both!

[@myles2004myles]

Genuine question: why do we see the majority of 999 response vehicles, when approaching a roundabout or intersection, turn their siren on only yards from the junction or r"abour. What on earth are they doing. Its absolutely reckless!!!!

[@ChannelReuploads9451]

I thought the Ambo was on the same call (at 3:00), I could see it using the centre median markings and thought "Yep, same job !"

[@adriandaw3451]

What was that ambulance in front? I didn't know a van could look so composed at those speeds. Driver training and skill helps of course.

[@philbrntt]

that vans got some grunt ,speedy. what does all the different sirens men btw?

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Siren explanation video on the way

[@philbrntt]

@@ChrisMartinEMS oh brill ill keep my eyes pealed for it

[@galaxy-zr6ci]

Can you make a video describing what you're job is, not entirely sure

[@jordang7971]

Do you not have communication to be able to talk to cars nearby?

[@myles2004myles]

Is he genuine? We seem to see him travelling all over the place, sometimes with civvies on? We see him travelling to incidents and following other responders, he is never seen attending any jobs. 8s he genuine and if he is where is he based. It all seems vital strange to me.?

[@techheck3358]

He’s on call, hence sometimes being in everyday clothes & sometimes unmarked cars. Wouldn’t want to show anything about the victim due to privacy reasons

[@discopanda28]

2:24 the double tap of the horn - is that “thanks”? Or “that was shocking” or other? I see it a few times in your videos.

[@h14hc124]

Tapping the horn cycles the siren between the different tones - to get it from phasers back to long, you have to tap it twice.

[@discopanda28]

@@h14hc124 ah thank you!

[@stevesmith7530]

@@discopanda28 depending on the system installed, double-tap is almost always siren on/off.

[@Letmetalktoyayeah]

Are you restricted to 20mph above the speed limit like emergency ambulance vehicles in other services?

[@stevesmith7530]

Not all trusts restrict all ambulances in such a manner.

[@christophmeech]

Do your cars shift automatically or do you ahve to do ot Manually? Cant imagine you havung to do all those thongs at once.

[@rowanlidbury]

I believe it's 'Flappy Paddle'.

[@ryanwalker6849]

Chris what car are you driving?

[@SuperLittleTyke]

These blue light runs always look incredibly dangerous. You only need one dozy driver to pull out in front of you. How many drivers out there are hard of hearing, I wonder?

[@nekotranslates]

People just needlessly slow down instead of maintaining speed like WTF. It's best for traffic to maintain their speed on a single lane road than to slow down, till there's a gap they can get into to let the emergency vehicle/s pass

[@dreamcrusher112]

When there is nowhere to pull over I just push on and let the ambulance catch me when I've pulled over. Most cars are fast enough to just get ahead and find somewhere.

[@BradMitchell_]

What happens if you activate speed cameras?

[@davidcurry4433]

VW Van versus Volvo V60, Strange why the van driver thought he'd get there quicker

[@rogt7458]

Sorry but why all the tooting of the horn?

[@justinadcock4536]

At 4:45 you say you would overtake because of **something** interventions. What does that entail?

[@dreamcrusher112]

critical interventions. He is going because someone needs urgent care faster than an ambulance or heli could arrive. Definitely more needed than the manager in his vw

[@justinadcock4536]

@@dreamcrusher112 ah right. Thanks for the reply.

[@liamwalker8674]

Is there a limit to how fast you can actually go or is it more of a do what is suitable?

[@martinadams5893]

The general rule is 20 mph over the posted speed limit for your vehicle, in the car in a national speed limit, which is 60 mph, the car can 80 mph, while the VW can only do 50 in the national speed limit, can do 70 mph. You can n theory go faster, but should something go wrong, you could face prosecution. You also have remember that emergency vehicles have only three exemptions on the road while responding The speed limit Treat a red traffic light as a give way marker To contravene the yellow bollards in the roads.

[@liamwalker8674]

@martinadams5893 Ah, okay. Thanks for that!

[@stevesmith7530]

@@liamwalker8674 That "general rule" is no such thing. Every service provider has their own policies, which will usually also take into account the type of vehicle and training level of the driver. When teaching I always remind pupils to drive within the restrictions of their employer. It is possible to drive on blue lights and have no exemption for the speed limit in any blue light service, and for ambulance purposes it is possible to drive on blues and have no legal exemptions at all. Recent changes have made the law rather complex. To the letter of the law, it is possible to drive on blues, and claim the traffic light and bollard exemptions with no training whatsoever. A response driver can face prosecution if things go wrong regardless of exemptions, the speed limit and their speed. The offences most likely are without due care and attention or dangerous driving.

[@Inferno65-]

guessing that was a HART team that you followed?

[@findthebadger418]

The vehicle in-front is an Ops Commander

[@Rroff2]

Must have been some channel viewers on the road that day - several people showed well above average awareness of the emergency vehicle(s).

[@SethMaxx1994]

Guess he can't show on scene footage

[@typicalpanda3252]

Don't you have radios? should be some sort of way to be able to communicate you want to pass them even if its a double flash or something, personally don't see that much of a deal as the van didn't hold you up but i get where people are coming from the van should have been behind but oh well....if the van was slowing you down etc then sure it would be a big deal.

[@streetster20]

This was my question - do you have any comms between EMS vehicles that are in close proximity?

[@27AC]

You can use the radios to ‘point to point’ (ie ‘phone’) another vehicle but you’d have to know their call sign (usually four digits) which isn’t obvious from the outside of a vehicle

[@Snowlads]

Is it just me or does the Volvo just seem a bit slow compared to the VRS?

[@MementoMori-xx5qo]

Heavier, and less agile chassis, and slower gearbox.

[@paulnieuwkamp8067]

1:45 I disagree that it's all on you. LOLO: Leave Open Lanes Open...

[@JoshXCVIII]

Out of interest what car do you drive? Sounds like a BMW

[@chrispop99]

First!

[@feynthefallen]

Chris, on videos where you talk a lot, can you please record subtitles? With all the tire noise and everything, I often don't really understand you.

[@kieranmccann94]

I’m not sure what other people’s thoughts are on this but I’ve noticed that in most of these videos people won’t just pull over anymore. Everyone want to do this slow roll instead of just stopping and it infuriating. Especially that Citroen on the solid white lines. JUST STOP for like 5 seconds and let them past.

[@Thomashorsman]

yes its very annoying especially if there’s another vehicle coming towards in the distance because they are getting closer and closer, and if they do a slow roll to let us past, it means we are on the wrong side of the road for longer and are in more danger than needs to be.

[@stevesmith7530]

There was a period of teaching and advertising that if unsure people should slow and let the emergency vehicle driver decide what to do and when.

[@ohnoitisnt]

Do you have a weekend car? I bet its fast haha

[@stevesmith7530]

Manager in a van should automatically yield to CCP in high performance vehicle. They should be as aware of your presence as you are of theirs. I would likely have done a couple of bullhorn taps to ensure it. Yes, give him his due he is doing a fine job of making progress, but once on the really narrow twisty stuff it would be easy to leave them far behind. I know all those roads well, there is no contest.

[@Brandonwillson3]

Hi. Can you do a video where you respond to a job like usual. But after can you do like back to back response videos all in one video???

[@dubious6718]

Don't you just hate vans that never yield..

[@hgghgguk]

Imo all emergency service vehicles should yield to critical care response units as they are most likely better trained, better equipped an can get there faster to provide immediate life saving aid, example instead of a ambulance manager who is attending to support crews an run the scene they should have gave away as soon as possible to allow the critical care response paramedics to attend quicker an render aid no matter if they are making good progress but that's just the opinion of a "normal" person with a slim grasp of what's going on

[@tmzu9of]

In fact both units are probably responding at the request of an ambulance already on the scene, and any paramedic can provide immediate life saving interventions - they’ve probably done this and decided the patient needs something extra, which Chris is coming for. Interestingly the manager in the van in front also brings a few additional clinical skills and equipment, but not as much as Chris.

[@WhiskeyGulf71]

Lucky for the VW ambo driver, i’m not his/her manager, i’d have them on a warning for their driving & lack of protocol. I just hope your patient didn’t require that lost time.

[@Ressy66]

I dont believe they would have delayed Chris, as he pointed out in the video, and as we could all see, they too, were fair moving, they also have a larger mass, easier for public to see, and I must say hear, I at times could hear their siren, above Chris's.

[@tmzu9of]

Actually the person in front drove very well, there was little opportunity to overtake, and it probably wouldn’t have made much difference to speed

[@kevinrandall01]

Audio was literally inaudible, so please don't bother with it.

[@Kieran.Rob53]

I heard just fine

[@mikeyt479]

Only a matter of time before you kill someone.

[@findthebadger418]

Explain that one?

[@TRASHoftheTITANS]

​@@findthebadger418 He leaves similar comments on every one of Chris's videos. I wouldn't waste your time.

[@lewiskelly14]

This is another comment he won't read

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Ah but I do :)