Book excerpt: The third edition of the Emergency Ambulance Response Driver's Handbook is the essential resource for all professional drivers of ambulances. It provides drivers with a safe and effective basis for their driving practice as well as an understanding of how to minimise any risk to ambulance drivers, passengers and other road users. The book is designed to serve as both an introductory resource for self-learning or alongside a training course as well as a text which can help to refresh and enhance your existing knowledge. Since the publication of the second edition in 2014, the book has been comprehensively reviewed by a team of healthcare professionals and brought up to date with the newest regulations and best practice advice. With an additional four chapters, this book forms a vital part of the training of any driver of emergency response vehicles. The third edition of the Emergency Ambulance Response Driver's Handbook includes: New chapters on Driving Commentary, Re-Prioritisation of Calls, Navigation and Smart Motorways Up-to-date chapters on Legal Exemptions and Non-Exemptions, Driver Responsibility, Vehicle Inspections and Safety Systems, Attending Incidents and Eco-Driving Learning outcomes at the beginning of each chapter Up-to-date legislation and current guidance New chapters on Driving Commentary, Re-prioritisation of Calls, Navigation and Smart Motorways Full colour images to clarify driving advice and regulations Knowledge recap questions at the end of each chapter About the authorship This handbook was initiated by the Driver Training Advisory Group (DTAG) and is endorsed by the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), who recommend that is used for ambulance driver instruction and education. Contents The Law in Relation to Ambulance Driving Legal Exemptions and Non-Exemptions Driver Characteristics and Responsibilities Driving Commentary Vehicle Daily Inspections and Pre-Driving Checks Automatic Gearboxes Vehicle Operating and Safety Systems Audible and Visual Warnings Lighting Regulations Reversing and Manoeuvring Re-prioritisation of Calls Navigation Attending Incidents Smart Motorways Eco-Driving