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Emergency driver system aims to improve safety

RescueNet Road Safety device is easy to install and can be configured with a wireless RF data transceiver for automatic downloading

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Photo ZOLL

We are always hearing about black boxes in aircraft and in our personal vehicles. Some skeptics have complained that big brother or the government is always watching everything we do. But ZOLL, a leading provider in fire and EMS software, has developed a new product to help emergency vehicle drivers stay on course.

With the RescueNet Road Safety on-board driver modification system, driving parameters such as speed, rate of acceleration and deceleration and how the vehicle is driven while cornering are all part of the driver grading system.

If the driver operates the vehicle outside acceptable ranges of these parameters, they hear an immediate audio warning to take corrective action.

This gives drivers a clear understanding of what management expects, and allows them to monitor and instantly correct their own driving performance.

If a driver ignores system warnings, an exception report is created so management may take corrective action. The system also creates database reports ranking driver performance.

Management can monitor driver behavior and provide appropriate training on areas needing improvement. When fleet management focuses their attention on safety, other critical areas such as vehicle availability, maintenance costs, operational costs and labor relations realize tremendous benefits.

RescueNet Road Safety is utilized on a wide range of emergency response vehicles and equipment including ambulances, fire trucks, police cars and airport crash rescue equipment.

The Road Safety “black box” is easy to install and can be configured with a wireless RF data transceiver for automatic downloading.
As we are always looking for products to provide firefighter safety, this one seems to make a direct hit. Having a documented program that also reminds drivers about certain driving hazards while enroute is a product that has been long overdue.

Having a documented printout on how a driver reacts to a certain driving condition is a great training tool for emergency vehicle operation.

If you are concerned about emergency vehicle driver safety in your department, then this product is a must for you to look into. This module is something that you could also spec out when designing a fire apparatus, ARFF vehicle or ambulance and have it installed right at the factory -- saving time and cost on your part.

We know we shouldn’t put a price tag on firefighter or EMT safety, so if you can put this item into your budget for a future purchase or even to retrofit existing vehicles it would be a good thing.

ZOLL Medical Corporation, one of the market leaders in medical products and software solutions, helps responders manage, treat, and save lives in emergency rescues and in hospitals. For more details on RescueNet Road Safety, visit their website.

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