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		Unit 4		Perform operational duties
					Signs of competence in this unit
						The following information and examples will help people using the competency standard form a picture of desired performance.
						The driver is skilful Drivers who are performing to the standard can drive as smoothly as a skilled chauffeur. The patient's condition is never aggravated by the way the vehicle is driven, and, where necessary, the assisting crew can work almost as if the vehicle were stationary. These drivers notice every bump, dip and crack in the road. They interpret the road and traffic environment well ahead of time so that steering and speed adjustments can be subtle. When they cannot avoid instability, they alert the crew with ample warning. They also have no difficulty in manoeuvring an ambulance in tight places. They make driving backwards look almost as easy as driving forwards, but they take manoeuvring seriously. The driver can transfer learning Drivers who are performing to the standard can jump from one vehicle to another and learn to manoeuvre it with only minutes of practice. Similarly, at new locations they quickly work out the most appropriate manoeuvre and get it right the first time. Where a vehicle is capable of being driven smoothly, they are able to drive it smoothly. They have a good knowledge of navigating and can apply their learning to new locations. They can quickly orient themselves and use a map to get to a location with reasonable efficiency, even in places where they do not have local knowledge. The driver can deal with problems Drivers who are performing to the standard respond well when faced with awkward manoeuvres. Even as skilled drivers, they ask their crew to get out and guide them if there's any uncertainty. When there is an alternative to doing an awkward manoeuvre they will take an easy option to reduce any chance of damage. These drivers know what manoeuvring crashes cost the Service and how long vehicles can be off the road for even minor damage repairs. When having problems in finding an address they remain calm, and quickly set about tracing any breakdown in communication or mistake they may have made in calculating the route. They have no difficulty about asking for advice. When the patient's location presents challenges, they quickly work out ways of getting the patient to the ambulance without risking their own or other's health and safety. The driver does it in the real world Drivers who are performing to the standard express strong views about the importance of patient care. You will notice this by the empathy they show as they relate to patients and the way their conversation matches their patient's needs. They demonstrate care when loading the patient into the ambulance, check that the stretcher is secure, and confirm that the patient is appropriately restrained. They maintain a baseline level of smoothness that always enables the crew to work effectively in the rear of the ambulance. They never go below this baseline, but will exceed it in cases where maximum stability is critical for the patient's health. They recognise that for non-emergency cases they have no exemptions under the road rules, and comply strictly with the Service's policy where it differentiates between emergency and non-emergency cases.

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