Blue light run - positioning and choices

[@wirdy1]

Good to see a car driven to it's full capabilities in real-world driving. I'd like to buy shares in the garage that change your brake pads every few months.

[@philtabest]

Good luck with that, ambulance services in the UK hire their own mechanics.

[@hyperfluff_folf]

@@philtabest that makes sense

[@ThePezstar]

@@philtabest give it about 2 years with this current government

[@themanwithinflatableknees8770]

@@philtabest and they don’t replace anything on them nearly enough…….

[@jamesgriffiths3057]

some do use contractors as alot of these vehicles are leased. so its upto the leasing company about maintenance.

[@uk.zonda.registry]

Wow you’re such a skilled driver. Have great respect for you Guys.

[@caylumstar9466]

Thank you for writing this kind message, it is great to see that other people are kind too! I am sure it means a lot to him!

[@Stepqen]

They go through a long training course before being able to do this. I have a neighbour 2 doors down who hasn't long gotten his rapid response certification.

[@AirsoftNLD]

@@caylumstar9466 but he cant drive for shit he puts more lifes in danger than saving them

[@EvanVanderStoep]

@@AirsoftNLD So you don't want emergency medical services to respond when your having a heart attack? Sounds smart...

[@AirsoftNLD]

@@EvanVanderStoep u dumb? Theres a safe fast way and a unsafe fast he drives so fuckedup he puts other lifes in danger

[@MrAMBRIDGE]

As a C1 blue light driver for the NHS this video is amazing! Love the commentary and explanations! I’m so very jealous of the capabilities of responding in a car, looks like great fun!

[@notme9038]

That thing was quick

[@abacussin]

It's not fun, it's exhausting, you feel it when the shift ends.

[@samotnaf007]

Am I the only one who remembers the original Ambuchanell? It was a long time without content like this :)

[@yorkiepudd7404]

YES is a shame he had to pull the plug as like a few other blue light chanels.

[@ihavelepoop2325]

Sadly..

[@4lderion]

damn, i missed that channel, learned so much thing yet they need to delete everything because of govt rule

[@_Ali.]

Been so long I actually forgot I watched those vids until reading this!

[@gordondempster1983]

I remember the AmbuChannel too. Those were great videos. Always thought the ambulance looked a little like a hearse though! 🙈

[@Junior-vh1gz]

I think what these videos show is that driving skills, are not that essential, we all know apexs, the ability of our cars etc.. but its the calmness coupled with the constant fear of causing a collision, getting angry at other drivers for not responding how we would like. How on earth you remain so at ease with whatever it is, shows that is why you're behind the wheel and why you're successful at your job! Nice work!

[@kneecaps2000]

Amazing videos. I'm surprised by how aware other motorists are of your approach. Clearly some are not but the majority seem to react in a timely and useful way.

[@artemkatelnytskyi]

Fascinating stuff. Now that's proper driving! My favorite part is that you know when to show restraint, and you brake progressively and positively. This upload is a treat!

[@williamfence566]

Shows how professional drivers read the situation ahead and take the best decisions even at speed. Thanks for sharing

[@cheeseburgerbeefcake]

Seriously impressive driving abilities, the experience shows massively in how you are able to read other traffic and make judgement calls at this pace, I would be a jittering wreck of adrenaline after one of these!

[@sebby324]

Yeah it’s amazing the do car responses like this and then are the ones helping people they don’t have time to be panicking from the journey they have to help people

[@L2002kas]

Great video with even better explanation of what you (and your colleagues) are doing and why do drive this way. Makes it for us without blue lights easier to understand and gives us hints how to act further than just giving you space.

[@GB_Rusty]

Just what I was thinking. I also assume Chris is indicating his intentions (via indicators) so for instance coming up to that first roundabout and me being stationary waiting to turn right, I'd know to pull over if need be or complete my manoeuvre. Which ever is easiest for the car/van behind.

[@idrismoore690]

I go to lift trap ins not allowed to break highway code but thinking of how to release person. I cannot even begin to understand the pressure you are under thinking about patient and the drive. Keep up the excellent work. A lot of people appreciate it

[@amyk9813]

I'm doing advanced driving which follows Roadcraft but of course isn't at your level! The techniques have completely changed my driving but I can't imagine how hard it is as a blue light driver to not get red mist, to stay cool and keep IPSGA ALL the time. Massive respect to you and thank you for your service. These videos really help!

[@295868]

This was actually really helpful. Understanding what you need from us will make me more aware next time I need to move out of the way so thank you!

[@chrishalford1]

HI chris, great video, any chance of a vechile walkaround? Be great to see what your driving.

[@basslinelover4ever]

I think its a scoda octavia Vrs

[@basslinelover4ever]

@rorz I know my cars haha

[@txerrible1386]

@@basslinelover4ever wow how can you tell from only that much coverage of the car, your insane

[@basslinelover4ever]

@@txerrible1386 Hahaha

[@willand_rson]

@@txerrible1386 well it's the a standard rapid response vehicle now in the UK, and the only one with a sunroof is the Octavia

[@Tuberuser187]

Amazing driving, no other way to describe it! The other thing is he's not just an incredibly skilled driver, he is a life saver when he reaches the destination.

[@Richard_Barnes]

Interesting stuff Chris. Always good to have an understanding of your thought process as you make decisions along the route. 👍🏻

[@trippy_boxer_dog2170]

wow insane man! my brother who is also a blue light driver (devon fire service) also was driver for the ambulance service during the pandemic lockdown, watching this really gives you a perspective of exactly how deadly driving on a blue light can be! massive respect mate

[@dandiesel9966]

The balance of those decisions makes you a great driver for a first responder. Good stuff my man.

[@markk4064]

Great videos good to watch and understand how best to respond as a motorist so as not to hinder the emergency services progress while on a shout .

[@MrAlphabetAssassin]

Started watching this video as it was recommended to me then realised it's filmed near where I live. Impressive driving and awareness

[@dannybayley5774]

More videos please! I love watching these and yours are the best I’ve found on KZbin by far!

[@user-gi9qf8uj8v]

Thanks for this video Chris, as a blue light response driver for a home office police force, this is immaculate driving.

[@recall2880]

What car do you drive

[@L.C.Sweeney]

I can't imagine the stress of having to drive like this and then immediately attend a medical incident, which in all liklihood, is even more stressful. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@zarrowthehorse]

Driving like this would be fun

[@stevew6141]

Amazing work! Luton is a busy town. I got to blue light in a Skoda Scout, lovely stable high speed vehicles. Is that the VRS? I had the chance to drive an older model! Maybe explain the difference between siren tones and the uses for them and then possibly exemptions like markings/lights etc as this is useful to road users generally 👍🏻 Thanks for all you do

[@almilhouse9059]

vRS indeed.... Love the sound

[@matt3642]

Such a hero kept your calm and concentration I would love learn blue light keep safe out there buddy newly subbed

[@davedyson4730]

Absolutely brilliant driving. Thank you for your service.

[@tc5290]

Really enjoy these explanation videos. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@onesadtech]

Great work! Really cool to get a break down from your POV! 👌

[@georgekurgansky5986]

Those lines are excellent for reducing stress on the car and yourself and others, bravo! Staying too long on opposing side going past junctions is the most dangerous part. Better off in the middle instead for reducing reaction time.

[@chuckerclucker7812]

Absolutely impressive. Well done brother, keep it up

[@raviramiah5498]

I’m a Doctor and would love to have the skills to be able to do this . Very informative videos and I’ll even use some of the tips in my day to driving 👍

[@paulmorris1989]

Outstanding driving! Very impressed

[@Excited_Cameleon]

Amazing video!!! Sadly not much of those on your channel, can't wait to see more, greetings from Germany!

[@Dave-dm7vt]

I would love to go on a blue light run with you, Chris, your driving is fantastic.

[@CiaranGallagher77]

Am I wrong for this?, so on certain parts of a road I travel regularly I have met emergency vehicles with blues going on a shout now the last 3 times I've met them I've had no where to move over (narrow road) I've seen the blue lights well in advance so I've accelerated hard and kept a distance from them until at at safe bit of the road for th to pass by unhindered?

[@gmbarnard170]

this is very interesting to me especially as i know hitchin well!

[@georgeavison3232]

I’d love to see a pedal cam!

[@almilhouse9059]

Why it's auto

[@georgeavison3232]

@@almilhouse9059 my bad, I forgot autos don’t have pedals !

[@WhiteUnicorn82]

@@georgeavison3232 I must have an earlier version - I'm stuck using pedals for throttle and brakes 😭 where are the brakes and throttling controls in the latest models?

[@stuartsservicing9424]

Really good run and out standing driving.

[@craigreay6064]

Great video's. My brother does the same and this gives me a great perspective of what he does. Thanks for sharing

[@ashleycurrington5866]

I live In Luton and travel In Hitchen/Stevenage everyday. Every blue light EMS now ill think Is it you lol All the best out there and thank you for what you do.

[@Em-7Add11]

it amazes me the amount of people who are so obvlivious to the lights and sirens.

[@paulus12345]

You should do one from what you would like (or hope) a driver would do if they saw "blues" in their rear mirror. ie a car turning right, should they turn, or wait for you to pass? a car at a roundabout, etc etc

[@FloVTR]

Chris could you do a walk around of your Octavia? There’s plenty of people that will be interested in the set up your using. Thanks

[@BenM14-ZW11]

Just watched the new video, and no harshness meant by this, but its better without the internal view. It just cleans up the video, without having to look at internal, external and rear views. Great vids!

[@CodeCommand]

love this channel mate

[@archechme]

Is there a limit to what kind of speed you can use? I can't imagine it is unlimited but if you're going let's say through a 30 zone, is there a max limit you can use or is it up to your discrestion?

[@owster7447]

i believe it is up to the amount of traffic on the road, and visibility etc, say if there's next to no traffic then they can go faster than if there's loads but although there's no limit they also wouldnt be doing say 50 in a 30 zone

[@R6Edward3946]

I know some police forces in the UK use the national rule where if your in a speed limit under the national speed limit you can go the national speed limit but if the speed limit is above the national limit its based on your decision

[@R6Edward3946]

If that makes any sense aha

[@archechme]

@@R6Edward3946 Yeah I get you

[@mikeellis4158]

Hi Chris from Mishawaka Indiana USA. Been watching your channel for about two days now. Are you running a full size bar light or a mini? And it appears to be LED, so are you able to set it up so it runs through a series of patterns to help get drivers attention? As for my self I am more partial to the old revolving lights. I think that they project better at night or in fog and rain ECT. For me I would see about replacing the dash LEDs with either a blue pancake light or something like it. Also do your vehicles have a spotlight on the driver's side? If so a sweeping motion of it back and forth can be used as a attention getter to cars when coming up be hind them. You would want it just high enough to get the driver's attention without blinding them. Works best from dusk to dawn. Bright white is hard to miss. Also works well at intersections. Well take care and I hope to see more videos. Also what vehicles are you using?

[@spacerockerlightyears]

Hi. Do you plan on any commentary driving, I know it’s difficult having done it myself many times including short periods on advanced driving tests, wears you out mind you. Cheers

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Hi, I'll give that a go. Thanks.

[@bz7820]

Awesome video, Chris! I always see that some people generally do not notice unmarked cars when going code 2, even code 3 at times due to blue lights on a dark color car.

[@MyMednas]

I can't see there is any excuse for operating a dark colour, unmarked car. Who did the risk assessment and decided that a less visible colour / livery is acceptable? It's madness in my opinion.

[@bz7820]

@@MyMednas for example, I went past a dark blue unmarked car with lights on and I barely noticed it, it’s only when the sirens were blipped I realised..

[@DevinJuularValentine]

Amazing really, you have to have two almost disparite skills, one, the medical knowledge for when you reach destination, and two, super driving skills. I suppose the thing they share is the ability to remain calm under pressure, and to make calculated decisions at a rapid pace. EMTs are amazing

[@SooDamGood]

Do more of these! Really interesting

[@jambodjembe]

Another really good video. Could I politely ask that you rethink the choice of text style (the end part) as I found it extremely difficult to read. Many thanks and looking forward to future videos.

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

The blue text at the end? Yes, if i add any script like this again I'll use something simpler. Thanks for the feedback.

[@jambodjembe]

@@ChrisMartinEMS That's great.

[@decentdiy4215]

As a blue light driving instructor for a Fire service I enjoy watching these type of blue light run videos. We know you guys drive differently when on your own but it's nice to see you're still thinking about what you're doing. Do you have a speed cap? (e.g. 20mph above the speed limit?) .

[@emsservices6090]

National guidance is now speed limit plus 50%. so 45 in a 30, 105 in a 70 etc. some old timers you will speak to will still think its 20mph above .......

[@walkerrobinson9614]

Nice one Chris. I've got a blue light run next week with WMAS

[@simpleNomadUK]

01:29 the "Oh sh!t" wobble, positive indication of awareness lol

[@auwz66]

You need to use your mirrors a lot more and you are carrying too much speed at times. You seem keen to get back up to speed when at times thats drawing you into a problem, see 2:30 for example. Keep looking for that reaction before you commit back onto the drive. Remember slow get your short tones on and fast long and keep on top of you lateral scans. HTH - ex RPU.

[@Goodywloss2010]

Just saw your blue light to Luton video and again this run starts by ickleford, where are you based? I know there’s a paramedic station letchworth gate but unaware of one in ickleford, unless you are running from home in which case don’t worry about disclosing lol

[@nearestyoutube]

I love the bit when he's driving with sirens on

[@DavidS-iy8bb]

Really great demo, excellent drivi g

[@austinsmith2977]

Bloody good driving mate

[@waynegriffiths5143]

Thank you for your service 🙏

[@Ken_Norman]

Nice to see Roadcraft well executed. 👍

[@mc50992]

That's great driving. Thanks for the video. Also, can someone tell me what the zig zag lines on the roads mean? We don't have there here in Canada.

[@wtw1427]

Ones by crossings on the side of the road mean no parking or overtaking, ones in the center dividing lanes is a no entry zone, unless passing slow movers or emergencies

[@mc50992]

@@wtw1427 thank you. Sounds like our solid yellow lines here. Thanks for letting me know.

[@fetzie23]

A lesson on how emergency services drivers drive under blue lights should be a mandatory part of driving theory lessons. That way more people would know how they can expect somebody with blue lights to act, and how to not hinder them.

[@sandergroen128]

Here in the Netherlands we are not allowed to go 40km over the speed limit with blue lights (except police persuits)... is there a law like that aswell in the uk?

[@johnp6636]

Brilliant video but can I ask why they use a black car? Doesn’t stand out much

[@manlet8907]

It’s his personal vehicle, since he’s pretty specialized in regards to the situations he deals with, he often gets called while not “at work”

[@jessebella9322]

Do you have a speed limit allowance, meaning a top speed you are allowed to travel at? Is this ever ignored under certain circumstances or always strictly obeyed? I think I'm right from the previous videos of yours, that you have this anyway, perhaps im wrong

[@KwyKz0r]

Hey mate, nice driving. Any chance you can give some info on what sort of job you're going to? I note you stopped recording well away from pt address. Interesting to match the urgency to the situation.

[@nunaoooo]

Are the sirens options in the steering wheel?

[@rogers2039]

I would so love to be a passenger on a decent blue light run although despite the obvious skill shown it would scare me whatsit I'm sure! Out of interest, the magnetic beacon on the roof looks nifty with the grab handle. Any idea on what brand?

[@emsservices6090]

Its an RSG 'officers bar'. Not sure if they still make them, they were an rsg invention, with axixtech diablo heads in a metal case and decent magnets.

[@lodersracing]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@ChaosPromotions]

you're a madness, im in awe, wow.

[@davdmansell3130]

Top bit of driving!

[@veetikari111]

Great driving! Btw im not usually big fan of Skodas but that VRS sounds really great 👌👌👌

[@moxiemulgrew]

Great Skills..More videos would be appreciated. Stay Safe

[@13PartyMarty]

Carrying a bit of pace onto the roundabout at 3:15 unless you had a better view than the camera shows. Otherwise good driving

[@smilly9]

Skilled driving, I think over time drivers get this instinct that that someone isn’t going to stop or they are going to pull out in front of you.

[@GenMaster124]

Very informative …..thanks you 👍🏻👍🏻

[@lh8474]

what vehicle do you drive? would you be able to show us?

[@MrJiminibobster]

Only recently found your channel but your videos are fantastic. Question for you: Do you find more and more drivers are driving with headphones in, and does this make your job more difficult as drivers can only react when they see you as you get closer, rather than being more prepared by being able to hear you?

[@CosmicCamm]

That is a loaded question. Additionally, considering he's responding to an emergency and driving at a high rate of speed, I highly doubt he is peering in through driver's windows to examine why they didn't yield.

[@edwardsp1916]

Great driving. Have/do road planners take into account blue light driving? Is the job easier now or more challenging because of road restrictions etc that have been built in recent years? For example, in Bristol many roads have been narrowed, with central areas between carriage ways, raised with kerbs.

[@themanwithinflatableknees8770]

No. Road planners don’t remotely take into account emergency driving. It has become a lot harder in the last few years. A combination of more traffic on the roads and an increasing inability of a growing percentage of the public to be completely unaware of their surroundings.

[@steely666]

Is it a marked vehicle?

[@mustafahumar4386]

If you crash into someone during a blue light run can they claim vehicle repair? Also I don’t mean major crash I mean a clipped wing mirror for example.

[@fraser6772]

Hi Chris! Quick question, what’s your position in the ambulance service?

[@nasa1985]

As a pretty obvious guess.. I’d say, on call paramedic.

[@fraser6772]

@@nasa1985 well I’d beg to differ. His vest says critical care paramedic in some videos, so wondered if he was based on an air ambulance. Thanks for the input though

[@themanwithinflatableknees8770]

@@fraser6772 some trusts employ critical care paramedics in RRVs. They are separate to the air ambulance crews

[@just4laughs76]

He's a consultant paramedic

[@kenlequack3202]

What were you responding to?

[@Patient_Lion_BS]

Is this an Octavia vrs estate, nice to see you guys get treats aswell :) Also, love how it has a pan roof.

[@almilhouse9059]

Yes

[@LordAsney]

It must be difficult to arrive calm and collected at a situation and ready to work after a 5 to 10 minute drive like this. I would be buzzing.

[@vivanoche6947]

What car you driving? Love those seats 💺

[@alexwesterling5686]

Why do the sirens sound like they’re buzzing in the UK? What product makes the siren do that?

[@emsservices6090]

speaker choice. lots of the cars use a 'tube' speaker attachment to avoid having to cut out bumpers etc. places like the USA use things like push bumpers, so a speaker can go on that. for some reason the tube always makes it sound more raspy, than the direct speaker.

[@alexwesterling5686]

@@emsservices6090 awesome, I bet the raspy sound gets people to move quicker too.

[@mondexponent2126]

Over in Germany they all would’ve instinctively moved to the outside of the road to give space. What if they just slam the brakes like in this video , you try to pass them on the right and then there’s oncoming traffic?

[@Code3EmergencyVideosEurope]

hey, great to see some driving from the UK. maybe a video idea?, aa walk around of the vehicle you drive in, showing the blue-light system you use. Greeting from the Netherlands.

[@urskalin3137]

Hi Chris. What Car do You drive? Sounds nice when You accelerate... 😎 And by the way: Thank you for the good Videos!

[@timothyb.9037]

if i'm not mistaken he drives a Skoda octavia VRS

[@anthonymeek4248]

What’s your average MPG?

[@BucksBlueLightVids]

Another great video!

[@jimbarbwe1985]

@4:21 I think you may have activated the angry red face 😡 on the left of the road

[@AP-jl2lv]

id reccomend a smaller font thats more centralized in the bottom on the dashboard, with a more simpler style, like Arial or Times new Roman, without the slow fading in. leave it on the screen for longer, that way fast readers and slow readers can both be catered to at the same time

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Thanks very much for the tip, will have a look at changing that next time.

[@darrenstone3693]

2:30 I don't like this junction. I deliver in Hitchin on a Tuesday and know these roads and area well. It's amazing the amount of motorists that do not see you until the last moment.

[@bastooopanooo2311]

What CAR is it ?

[@MiloFlying]

Do you beep the horn sometimes or is it other traffic at you

[@Lioness99a]

To change the siren from one sound to another, you press the horn which also emits a traditional horn beep too - so no, the horn beeps you heard in this video were all done by Chris to change the siren sound 😀

[@brucellowayne4853]

Great video.. (now a comment, it's a discussion section, chill guys). I don't think the degree of acceleration at 2:25 was justified. Both sides of road can be seen to be occupied. Fairly severe braking needed to "undo" the acceleration. (also 3:57). I suppose it depends on your view of rapid breaking. This guy obvs has decades under belt, and has self-knowledge (he knows he can rapidly brake, so goes into situations in which he might have to, knowingly). I'd prefer to hold back rather than brake. Yes, I'm an armchair critic, but this is a KZbin video.