Over to the Motorway - 999 run

In this video I provide some commentary of the decisions I am making based on the actions of those around me, spotting the deflection, judging actions and maximising my view and for those around me with car positioning.
Hope you find the commentary useful and can take something away from the video.
Stay safe.

[@MrAllister88]

As a mere member of the public, the pride that I carry for the rest of the day after a driver on a blue light run (be it police, ambulance, fire) gives me a wave of thanks is immeasurable.

[@clownfiesta8840]

We really do appreciate the awareness and attention for us on the road! Thank you so much.

[@MrAllister88]

@@clownfiesta8840 I know everyone thinks they are above average at driving, but I do try ;-)

[@a20axf]

@@MrAllister88 The best thing we can do is just keep a good look out and watch videos,like this to understand what not to do etc. I do love the cheeky wave too 👌🏻

[@sandraalivender3680]

Relax yourself

[@a20axf]

@Jac D indifferent 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@williamfence566]

The one dislike is from the van driver who dropped his phone when he thought he'd been holding up a Police car

[@arthur_p_dent]

9:30 Wow, that van driver's rear view mirrors are mostly for decoration it would seem.

[@dougiegraham662]

It's difficult to look in your mirrors and phone simultaneously 😂

[@rubenjanssen1672]

functional ones were optional extras

[@anto687]

They also immediately move back out into the overtaking lane, despite nothing to overtake

[@owster7447]

@@dougiegraham662 lol

[@owster7447]

@@anto687 yep, typical van driver

[@isaacclarkson2833]

Noticed the van driver at 9:45 moved straight back out Into the outside lane after you pass. Shows the sort of driver 🤦‍♂️

[@DJTrainBrain]

Especially the fact that they stay there for as long as they are in view, all the while not overtaking a single vehicle.

[@Snakebloke]

Yup, what a pricklord.

[@douglasreid699]

@@DJTrainBrain the van driver must have special glasses on to see all the imaginary cars in his way lol

[@iamaparanoidandroid1]

One thing I think you have over a lot of Blue Light drivers is that you are very skilled in 'telling' normal road users what you want by asserting your position. The number of times you see blue light vehicles just waiting for people to decide what to do because their positioning is not assertive enough. Perhaps it comes from confidence in the vehicle: you have 'your' vehicle, whereas a regular copper might get a corsa one day and a vectra the next...

[@intxxl4670]

@@Kieran.Rob53 keyword whereas

[@xulphr]

As an American watching this, I want to say that I absolutely love watching these response videos. I always admired responding vehicles in the UK, especially during my visit to London and Wales in 2016. I really hope I get to visit again and do some spotting and manage to get a ride to explore more of the country. Thanks for all the work you do! I'm glad I came across this channel.

[@TheHonestJock]

Really useful, informative and educational for drivers on how to react well to EVs coming up behind them, would have liked the video to continue to show the rest of the journey through the motorway traffic but I'm just being greedy! The commentary works really well as well and adds that element of understanding to the decisions and the thought process that leads to them. Brilliant channel!

[@ryanm.191]

i feel that driving like this on your way to ur task must be very stressful, adding to an already very stressful situation. i admire your composure and how calm you are about the many many terrible drivers, such as that van

[@GeorgeThoughts]

Love the commentary! So interesting. You just need to be saying "Left over crest, don't cut," for that rally co driver action hehe. For the vans, it's a shame you don't have a bullhorn? Do you consider just sounding the car's horn in those situations if sirens and lights aren't cutting it? Horn is for danger I guess so perhaps not the proper use for it, but I'd bet that drivers are so clued into the "trigger" of a horn behind them that even if they're not noticing sirens (somehow) a blast of horn would make them jump up and look around for the source

[@Gingerninja8294]

True about the horns but you'd think the loud sirens would be easily identifiable over a horn, I personally soon as I hear sirens when driving the music is muted and I'm looking around for the blue lights to see where its coming from and how I can get out of the way

[@JamboBandit]

horn is hooked into the sirens in most response vehicles, Means if he pressed he's horn he is just cycling into a different tone, would have to turn of 2 tones entirely for that. Most response vehicles have bull horn but not always ava from 2 handed steering wheel position. means you would have to single grip the wheel to use.

[@yesemitesam333]

Thank you so much for these videos. It's really useful to get an insight into what you want other drivers to do to help you progress quickly and safely.

[@stuartw2756]

Love the commentary. It really adds to the understanding and the thought processes of how you make good, safe progress. Thank you.

[@Deadmau5l]

Never watched something like this and it made me giggle hearing a emergency responder say "hit the apex". Hands down to you lot driving like that under pressure and accompanied with todays average road user's driving skill and awareness haha

[@danth6684]

Thanks for the commentary Chris! Your vocal observations can help all of us average road users understand what to do in the event of an EMS vehicle and also teach us all to be more observant and look further ahead on the roads. Thankyou!

[@jesse291]

7:09 from this point onwards, the white bmw just stood still, the perfect thing to do!

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

Agreed. No point joining to then just get out the way again.

[@adz_b]

So useful, loving the commentary…thanks for sharing and doing what you do 👍🏥🚑🇬🇧

[@Anriandor]

Never clicked so quickly, gonna enjoy it already

[@markwgoldsmith]

Fascinating, thank you - roads I "know" really well, interesting to see the view from your perspective.

[@petercarrington948]

Incredibly skilled driving, and a great help to us normal drivers on how to react to the approach of emergency service vehicles.

[@captkidd]

Thanks ever so much for your videos... They are very interesting and informative to watch.

[@pauldesmond5340]

I have a blue light qual but nowhere near as experienced as you so thank you for all the advice and tips on here which I've used in both professional situations and as a civvy driver.

[@keithhaynes8079]

Many thanks again for the video Chris, take care and stay safe.

[@tonreitsma6517]

Super video! Like the comments you give and thanks for turning down the siren noise. Makes it much better to understand/follow!

[@whodar3swins]

I always like watching your videos, really gives me a good reflexion on someone else's driving

[@MrAllister88]

Really interesting video, I do love the A505 dual carriage way!

[@kenlequack3202]

I do EMS in NJ, USA, and I am very surprised by how well everyone moves out of your way/shows respect on the road!

[@paulwright9106]

I do not understand , why 7 people do not like this video ! Driving is a skill , done by all , improved by some . These videos are really educational , in many ways - thank's Chris .

[@dadmorgan5731]

just absolutely fascinating, love it.

[@paul8161]

Another really good video,, how you can make all those decisions and process all that changing information as you travel on a blue light run is amazing , obviously years of training and doing the job it becomes second nature to you,, very impressive decision making and driving.👍👍

[@koreainsincere]

Brilliant video, you are a credit to your profession.

[@77funtomas]

9:30 what a schmuck in that silver van. Self proclaimed master of the fast lane. He came straight back into same position after being taken over instead of driving in a middle or left lane.

[@ikecarter6011]

I find when you do the thank you bleep after passing it helps as it makes me know what I have done is correct and I can do the same next time to aid in emergency response speed !! Also another great video made even better by your commentary

[@ThePopz57]

Another great Video Chris, great driving at them speeds and love the commentary as well, as always Drive Safe, Stay Safe.

[@mikeakamiky7245]

i like the commentary over lay gives insight to people of there duty on the road to actually how hard it is for the emergency services. (police, ambulance, fire.) enjoying the blue light runs keep up with the awesome work...

[@Frankiedoodle1941]

always interesting to know the reason for the blues lights journey ie bloood delivery ect Many thanx great drive as always Ps keep up the great work

[@Asdosie]

Awesome, loved the commentary alot!

[@cloudmaker]

Just found. This is a fantastic education for ordinary drivers to see, to give an indication of how to help the progress of Emergency Service Vehicles, however one point I still can not agree with is the turning off of sirens when waiting in a queue at red traffic lights. I am aware of the argument of not wishing drivers to contravene the red light but think this is outweighed by the argument that drivers work on information and the sirens are part and parcel of the information needed. A really excellent channel Chris so had to subscribe. Thank you.

[@David-oj8gk]

Very informative video as usual, really appreciate the running commentary of your thought process and actions. Big thank you to all Blue light run drivers. Apologies if you have done this already can you do a video explaining the different tones and uses for them?

[@ace09041982]

Hi Chris, As a member of the Services myself.. (although not C1 / EFAD trained ), and knowing the time and pressure commitments of a Dx01/02 response, I am sometimes dissapointed in the lack of acknowledgement of assistance from some services when responding bearing in mind I have been a commerial driver and do leave enough space for the size and type of vehicle... I would also like to say that I am trying to rewatch your videos as I am looking to apply for my ECA qualification which includes a C1 training and assessment and the information I am taking from your videos helps to show what relevent and irrelevent information needs to be given in an assessment. Thank you for taking the time to upload and voice over / narrate these videos.

[@joshfoley4672]

Is there anybody else who finds these videos somewhat hypnotic and calming?! Almost asmr like?!

[@Jehty21]

I myself find these videos rather enraging than calming. There's always that one car who can't use the mirrors and my blood starts boiling 😁

[@nero5379_]

As a non driver yet! Your videos give me a big insight into how to deal with emergency services and your driving technique

[@fredrickwelch5678]

3:33 I do that every morning. Love you videos and your driving!

[@Stoobers]

Your videos should be compulsory viewing for all road users in the UK... keep up the amazing work Chris.

[@hubertkick1817]

Good Job! Thanks for this Video...

[@steffenfrost995]

Nice clear commentary and smoothly driven :)

[@dbracer]

The A505 from Hitchin to Luton is an interesting drive, at the end - up the hill and round the fairly tight left bend by the college. You're never going to be quite sure how far back the traffic is queuing...

[@robertmac8287]

As a Driver this really is very useful information on what you are expecting from me in response to your positioning on the road, and how i can help you stay safe when your driving. Someone should show this to new drivers right after there tests, while there still at the stage of accepting information.

[@epictetus9766]

Long on blue light run, especially as after 11 minutes you were still not there. Great driving as always. Very impressive.

[@marccartledge2752]

Love the Octavia vRS it’s an absolute beast of a vehicle and perfect for this kind of role

[@ryabex]

I love your videos makes me want to take 1 last ride, I was a eca in newcastle but had a really shit job and ended up having a massive breakdown my only wish is to go back and do it again best job I ever had.

[@wayno197711]

After this skilled blue light run he then has to go and save someone’s life! Brilliant individual and the many like him.

[@David_Trowbridge]

Its nice to hear your appreciation when people do a good job moving out the way. I like to think I do a good job sometimes but I never know for sure haha

[@paulrattray8121]

Just beautiful

[@balkantaxi8705]

You are a very good driver and doin a good job there . Stay safe

[@bennymav81]

Great video Chris, loving this running commentary. Would it be possible to have one with countryside roads, things like blind bends, narrow roads, solid white lines etc? Its one area i cant seem to work out what is best practice, and think it would be useful to know what to do. Cheers

[@paulharris4524]

cheers for that rear view cam pointer at the start as thought it was another car going fast in reverse :-)

[@sygo]

These commentary videos are very interesting, so much for you to consider in such a short amount of time

[@mul555]

Fantastic driving ability. I love the bit at the beginning where you cant talk quickly enough to explain everything your thinking but I think we all understood.

[@User66ish]

Would love to see more heavy motorway driving and that of pushing through heavy traffic for incidents like RTC's.

[@InclusiveDriving]

Around 2:14 and other similar scenarios when you exit a roundabout, do you prefer to be allowed to pass immediately even on a left curve, or is it easier for you if the vehicle in front takes the bend and stop on a straighter section?

[@Kieran.Rob53]

The commentary was amazing 👌🏼

[@bjcliving386]

this is gonna sound bad, and I love your videos, but I love hearing the sound of that skoda and the siren :) Love reading your commentary also as it adds to it so well. :)

[@aaff186]

There was this channel called ambuchannel from Netherlands couple years back that had to go down because of privacy issues.. Glad to see another similar content now that provides entertainment and education

[@Gingerharry2011]

brilliant channel!

[@cameronleehorace]

Very interesting drive, great observations and spacial awareness. Unobservant drivers like the van on the motorway must be quite tedious. I am constantly checking my mirrors and it is a pet peeve of mine when I am a passenger when I can clearly see no or limited mirror checks so I prefer to drive myself. I think utilising the view for larger vehicles to see you in the mirror is a good point, I am not a responder but I tend to use positioning also in general driving on dual carriageways and you also get to benefit of a better view ahead so you are not relying on the other drivers observations.

[@CGCampbellJr]

That was an awesome video with excellent defensive AND offensive driving discussions, well done video, well done drive!

[@billy_crawford]

Superb driving

[@jasonh9518]

This channel is awesome.

[@ChrisMartinEMS]

I appreciate that!

[@namenamename390]

Oh God I've binge watched so many of your blue light runs that I'm starting to recognize the streets you drive on, and I don't even live in the UK

[@Jessebella1]

Good lesson for all drivers really other than the 1000 others in these cool videos is that there is no assumptions made. No assuming this car will do that or that car will do this etc. We can all learn from that for normal everyday driving. False assumption causes many crashes.

[@lucasholving0607]

I've heard this in another video, and imagined hearing it while watching your 999 run 😁👍 Lady voice: *999-mode activated*

[@andrewfrost8422]

Good video, very skilful

[@devonemergencyresponses9661]

hey Chris I love your videos can you do more commentary on them please as it helps more people understand especially me 🙂

[@SilentCougar]

I've watched a good few of your videos, and found each one interesting and informational in regards to how 'WE' should drive when we see blue lights behind or coming towards our front. Do we have clearance to move out of the way, is it safe to do so, does the driver in front see you coming behind me 'flashes headlights' just incase. Every small detail gained from watching has returned quit a few waves or acknowledgemt flashes when space was given to pass safely. Keep up the great work Chris, you do a sterling job.

[@jamieharris5947]

Chris is there anychance you can talk us through some footage from a backlogged motorway run and how you would navigate it ?

[@shaunt7175]

After recently passing LGV theory I must say a video such as this at the end would be invaluable as it shows ALOT how we (public) can position better.

[@ryanyoung7170]

Excellent video part 2 please! Loved the commentary but also like the sound of the engine!! Are you able to do a run with your advanced driving commentary whilst driving? Thanks! 👍

[@huwlewis9059]

Think it might be better for Chris to concentrate on the road while driving, rather than turning into Murray Walker)!

[@tmurphy7846]

I’d love to see a compilation video of cars which maybe got in your way a bit and what they could have done to make your journey better or would have helped you more

[@randyvines1497]

amazing job by amazing people

[@alexsmith7354]

Not sure why but I love the sound of the car

[@madlysk1129]

Can you talk about the structure and the inside workings of the ambulance service such as different divisions such as HART and different ranks etc

[@VytasTM]

Good one! :)

[@AnthonyHiggins84]

kool vids can i ask is there a max speed what you are allowed to go thanks

[@airbus350ulr]

Good job

[@abdulgoney6544]

Wow, thats some serious driving skills

[@qtluna7917]

The straddling the white line is something that, while not really according to the law, is also good to do at night on 1+1 roads, if there is virtually no traffic and you can see far ahead, just to have a bit more distance to the treeline to spot animals earlier.

[@edwardsp1916]

Amazing.

[@mrrhody7234]

4:55 is Australia when this happens (red light on a 2 lane highway) all the cars will just pull off left and right in a diagional pattern allowing them to get thru in other 5 seconds, it's pretty majestically to watch happen

[@baronvonlimbourgh1716]

I always go out of my way to make sure to signal i have seen the emergency vehicle as well and that i am moving out of the way. Either by braking and using the turn signal or if there is a situation where you simply can not move over by using hazzard lights for a moment to show i know you are there and i am doing my best to get out of your way asap. In the netherlands we have a lot roads where lanes are seperated and you can only stay in your lane. Communication is really important to give these drivers the ability to do their jobs in safety.

[@purpleom9649]

A job that not only has the respect of every citizen but when you arrive you become a real life hero, IMHO I don't think it should be the rich and powerful who have the titles I think it should be people who save lives daily...............thank you

[@lewissimpson7745]

love the idea that at 3:45 you slipped out of responder and entered track day hero mode “just gonna clip the apex to maximise speed through here”

[@kylerosier1382]

What speeds do you find you drive at ? I’ve always wondered if there’s a limit services can go with blues on and what is considered “responsible speed” ?

[@callumweir4992]

I know these roads like the back of my hand 😂 hitchin to luton motorway u could of gone quicker than that😉😉😉😉 good work 👊🏻👊🏻

[@Cupra-290]

A polarising filter on the end of the camera would be wonderful and stop the glare on the windshield :) Fantastic driving though!

[@Demun1649]

What is you in? Love the engine sound.

[@nightw4tchman]

I can't imagine having to deal with driving like this and then, when you arrive on a scene, having to deal with a medical, fire or police issue. Truly amazing stuff by all blue light drivers.

[@Ha_Kais2023]

That was a great driving skill brother But I have quick questions why when you Stick to a specific line on the right, why some vehicles do not respond and give way to you (this is only when the route is open outside urban areas) Well be thankful if you responded for this questions ❤

[@izzieb]

What's your opinion on "smart motorways" and the use of the hard shoulder as a regular lane? Do you think it causes any hindrance to emergency vehicles like yourself?

[@NathansTransportCommuntiy]

This is great example of how many good driver there are in the world as well as bad drivers

[@copper2150]

What type/manufacture siren control are you using?

[@lolb1221]

What a boss!