Programme Overview
Emergency Response requires specific knowledge and skills to ensure safety during emergency interventions.
Road safety is a top priority for the transport industry. With more than 85% of all road accidents caused by human error, the key to safer roads is a safer driver.
The IRU Academy Emergency Response Programme increases risk mitigation competencies. It covers risk mitigation techniques and best practices, helping to reduce the number and severity of accidents whilst ensuring that all required safety measures are dully considered when intervening on a scene of an accident. It also addresses the driving techniques to adopt when transporting sick/injured patients to emergency services.
Who is the course for?
The course is for all drivers involved in emergency response services. It covers general defensive driving aspects but focuses specifically on driver competencies when intervening during on a scene of accident. It also addresses risks that are specific to experienced drivers such as overconfidence.
The course is offered globally through the IRU Academy network of Associate Training Institutes.
Programme Modules
Improving driving skills
Improving driving skills involves driving a vehicle safely in normal and emergency situations, applying adequate speed considering traffic, weather, visibility, and road conditions, and taking care of vehicle properties, passengers, and equipment. It also includes mastering driving behavior and pace, maneuvering in limited spaces and off-road, understanding driving physics, and following general rules for driving with distinctive signals.
Theory of Defensive and Preventive Driving
The theory of defensive and preventive driving encompasses anticipating unexpected traffic situations and planning routes, properly positioning the vehicle, using distinctive sound and light signals, and taking care of other road users and pedestrians. It emphasizes the importance of anticipation in traffic, ensuring vehicle safety, and maintaining awareness to prevent accidents.
Dealing with Emergency Situations
Dealing with emergency situations involves managing stress, applying principles for emergency intervention, dealing with road accidents, and securing the scene. It also includes understanding first-aid principles, managing life-threatening situations, helping medical teams during emergencies, handling accident scenes with mass casualties, and driving injured persons to hospitals.
Rescue Vehicle and Equipment
Training on rescue vehicles and equipment includes an introduction to different types of rescue vehicles and their functions, conducting vehicle checks, understanding active and passive safety systems, and using safety devices like seatbelts. It also covers the application of patient moving devices and general awareness in using medical equipment.