|
Somewhatfoolish
Original Poster
3,627 posts
55 months
|
I am about to start, as a volunteer, driving people to and from hospital appointments. Obviously this means don't pull g, keep everything smooth, slooooooow over bumps. There is no particular training given by the organisation for me to do this otherwise I'd be asking them this question.
Is there anything non obvious I should be thinking of? For example, would people benefit from me putting the passenger seat in a specific default setting that is peculiar. Are there some circumstances where I should actually drive "un-smoothly" so they know I am braking rather than freetting about me going to hit something, and stuff like that? If a demented person asks me to do something that I know is bad driving technique, but isn't actively dangerous, should I do it?
I am mostly starting this thread to hear your stories of ill passengers!
|
|
|
Isaac Hunt
6,773 posts
80 months
|
I had to drive my terminally ill father to and from the hospital until he was too ill to travel.
Having leather seats helps as it makes it easier for them to slide on the seat and turn to get out of the car.
Generally drive in a smooth fashion taking care over speed bumps. Corners and roundabouts should be taken a slow speed to reduce roll.
First aid training would also be wise.
|
|
|
HustleRussell
4,114 posts
29 months
|
If the seat is height adjustable, get it high as possible. If the seat belt anchorage on the 'B'- pillar is adjustable, set it low. Seat back probably wants to be a bit more upright than usual. Try to get the headrest within a few inches of the back of the passenger's head. Remove any obstructions to vision out of the screens (things like this cause discomfort and car sickness). Keep the footwell clear and uncluttered. Might be a nice touch to have water available and maybe a bucket would be prudent?
Most of all congratulations for volunteering!
|
|
|
HustleRussell
4,114 posts
29 months
|
Oh and if they're elderly, don't for christs sake ask them 'how are you' or say 'you look well' 
|
|
|
Variomatic
702 posts
30 months
|
Somewhatfoolish said: ...Are there some circumstances where I should actually drive "un-smoothly" so they know I am braking rather than freetting about me going to hit something Absolutely don't do this! If they're paying attention to your driving then all it'll do is make them worry about your observation / anticipation. Which is by far the quickest way to turn a nervous passenger into a terrified one!
|
Advertisement
|
|
|
not260
143 posts
15 months
|
As a volunteer it is unlikely that you will be driving people who are acutely ill or that have serious mobility impairments.
A comfortable smooth drive is all that is required, never rush unless circumstances change.
Conversation would probably be appreciated by most passengers, about non hospital related matters. They are often nervous and taking their minds off things for a short while would probably enhance their experience
|
|
|
RenesisEvo
1,835 posts
88 months
|
Something I was told by an IAM Observer - when approaching cattle grids (bear with me here!) you de-clutch just before the driven wheels go over it; it reduces the vibrations up the drivetrain (and into the car). Having experimented with some fairly evil cobbled speed bumps near me, it would appear that de-clutching does smoothen things out a bit. But the usual health warnings apply (is it safe to do so? etc). I expect going a bit slower would help more (although if you are familiar with mechanical engineering you'll know that this isn't necessarily true).
|
|
|
Munter
23,693 posts
110 months
|
|
|
Uncle Fester
3,114 posts
77 months
|
Waterproof seat cover with ordinary seat over the top to avoid suggesting you're concerned they've forgotten the Tenna liners. These come in pair, keep the spare in the boot, along with cleaning materials.
A little consideration about choice of music.
|
|
|
BlackVanDyke
8,039 posts
80 months
|
Lovely idea to volunteer as a driver!  These aren't driving specifics, more awareness/consideration ideas that will help keep your passengers comfy and safe: Elderly and other hard-of-hearing folk will find it hard to hear you/converse with any significant level of background noise - so radio off as default, let them choose if it's on or not. Offering any physical help - ask! Consider investing in one of these perhaps. Don't try to guess how to fold wheelchairs or walkers, let them show/tell you. Might want a tarp for your boot if you'll be doing stuff like that. Agree, leave seat higher as default, but it can't hurt to ask, maybe someone with a bad back etc. might also prefer it reclined a bit, or might want to recline it once they're in the car but need your help or instruction on how to do it. Try and make sure the inside of the car is a reasonable temperature, ask individuals if they need it warmer or cooler too. Lots of frail elderly folk get chilly VERY fast. Ask if they need/want you to try to avoid speed bumps when possible; even with an incredibly skilled driver and fab suspension they can be incredibly painful for someone with a bad back or who's had recent surgery and the like.
|
|
|
blearyeyedboy
2,569 posts
48 months
|
not260 said: never rush unless circumstances change. As not260 correctly says, dramatic events will be the exception rather than the rule. However, I disagree on the bit I've quoted- I would strongly advise you not to rush at all and carry a well-charged mobile phone. If circumstances change that make you think you should be rushing, you should pull over to the side of the road instead and phone 999. This is from professional experience. I once had the misfortune to be a doctor on call when someone crashed their car trying to rush an unwell person to hospital. Not only was the unwell person delayed but an extra two casualties were created. This is the reason for the Roadcraft line: It is far better to arrive late than not at all.
|
|
|
wollowizard
6,604 posts
69 months
|
Once you get to know a few of them You have to prepare yourself for the regular O.A.P greeting and it will get harder and harder to look shocked.
You'll never guess who's died.
On a more serious note I would think motorways were out of yhe question in case a passenger has a turn of some sort
|
|
