title: Know your rig.
abstract: Driving an EMS rig in winter conditions requires patience and slowing down, but many times operators get in trouble because they simply exceed the operating capabilities of their rig in the given conditions. This can stem from over confidence, but it can also come from lack of training. We'd like to believe otherwise, but we're susceptible to the same perils as the ordinary driver, and having decals on the side of our truck doesn't change that. So take the time to know your rig before heading out into the wintry muck, and make sure you have enough supplies and equipment should you inadvertently find yourself part of the problem rather than the solution. Above all, know your own driving limitations and give yourself the buffer you need. Getting there slowly is better than not getting there at all.
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Molnar
mesh_terms: D000552:Ambulances; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D014887:Weather