UTV Training for First Responders

Back in the mid-'50s the US government came out with a funny-looking little vehicle called the M274, commonly referred to as the Mule. This "go-anywhere" vehicle was well designed and well suited for any terrain, and some consider it the forerunner of the present-day UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle). Back then if you were assigned to operate a Mule you received special training, either at a school or on the job, in order to become a proficient operator. Nowadays many police and fire departments and S&R (Search & Rescue) teams have received UTVs through the Department of Homeland Security, and most of the in-house training is provided by unit members who are already experienced ATV riders. This is good, in that they already know the first "R" of the above-mentioned formula (Read the terrain) and are well versed in operating safely off-road. However, ATVs and UTVs are two very different critters. The ATV is primarily designed to carry one operator and a limited amount of gear, and is a very good scout vehicle—smaller and more maneuverable than a UTV and able to go many places the larger vehicle can't. On the other hand, the UTV can carry several responders, lots of gear, is easier to operate physically and, when needed, can carry out several victims, which is one of its most important qualities. Often rescuers themselves get injured during the "carry-out" stage of the rescue--pulled muscles, sprained or broken ankles, etc. Having the ability to carry more rescuers means that less energy is expended by the rescuers in getting to the mission scene and more can be used for the actual rescue itself.

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Modern "Training" Methods

Much of the UTV training offered today consists of not much more than surfing around cones in a parking lot. If you're patrolling an airport, a large shopping mall or an industrial complex that type of training may suffice, but these versatile vehicles can and do operate very effectively off road in all types of terrain. It has been noted by many professionals in the field that UTV operator training courses are often lacking in several very important areas, off-road operation being one of them. After receiving requests from several public safety officials, a tactical training company in Connecticut developed a comprehensive training program for emergency responders being trained to operate UTVs. Tom Ashmore Enterprises Inc. has had more than three decades' experience in developing operator and team concept training courses. The course it developed for UTVs was designed to train and sharpen operator's driving skills, while teaching them the limitations of their particular machine. Finally, there is a trail system where actual searches and victim transport are practiced

Transporting a trauma patient over rough terrain is a concern. This Rescue Trailer has been designed to give patient comfort

UTV School

So what's it like at a UTV school? Well, let's start with the instructors. At this school they consist of military, fire, S&R, police and engineering professionals, with a combined total of well over 100 years of experience in the off-road and emergency response field. Like any school, there are classroom sessions, and here the logistics of the day's training and the department's specific UTVs are discussed, as are safety and operating procedures. The establishing of a "possible" box containing such miscellaneous equipment as hose clamps, hand tools, extra gas cap, fuel filter, drive belt, duct tape, tie wraps and tire repair kits is covered. Because UTVs are relatively new to the emergency response field, students have questions on subjects ranging from operations to equipment, and these are covered as well. Each student leaves the class with a plethora of fliers and handouts (some, believe it or not, even take notes!). The fact that there are so many UTVs now in service, each with its own characteristics, means that only one department is trained at a time, so as to eliminate confusion between the vehicles and competition between departments and machines. After the classroom sessions, it's out to the obstacle course. This is where the fun part of the day starts. The obstacle course is designed to build the operator's confidence in himself (or herself) and the machine, and covers both the strengths and limitations of each individual machine. During the training there are eight obstacles on the course that need to be mastered, including learning to open up blocked trailheads and stabilizing the UTV on slopes.

A Few of the Obstacles:

Figure 8. This is a very simple "8" through the trees and across a 15-degree slope that the operator needs to negotiate, both forward and in reverse. Although this may seem to be very basic stuff, there are usually some students who have little or no experience operating a UTV, so everyone starts out on the same page. It's also noteworthy to mention that even seasoned operators sometimes have trouble negotiating the Figure 8 in reverse.

The ATV wagon is used to transport high angle or other needed rescue equipment to or as close to the scene as possible.

Blind Man's Bluff. Here the operator is blindfolded and drives the Figure 8 while being guided by the navigator. This helps develop a different feel for the machine, teaches the operator the importance of following orders and the student in the navigator's seat the importance of giving good, crisp and clear instructions. It also builds operator confidence. In addition, it serves as a reminder that, in our litigation-happy society, the ability to document that your operators are so proficient in the operation of their UTV that they can do it blindfolded may well save more than just the victim. Terrain Features. The scout is to guide the operator through this challenge consisting of a rock cross, log cross, log straddle and a steep mogul climb. The scout has to ensure that he correctly conveys to the operator the necessary speed levels to get over the mogul and down the other side; failure to do so and the UTV plays teeter-totter! On the way down the operator must have total control, as there are five big logs to be overcome and the vehicle needs to come to a complete stop before climbing over them. This reinforces both communication and operator skills. Boneyard. This is a small section of boulders that needs to be climbed. Again, the scout is deployed and guides the operator over the obstacles. Failure to perform this correctly could pull the bead off the wheel. Balance Beam. Long logs are half buried and alternated. The scout guides the operator over these obstacles in both forward and reverse. Communications and total machine control are needed to complete this test.

Of course, UTV operations must operate in all seasons and in all types of weather.

Following the old adage "There's no 'I' in the word 'Team' ", this UTV school uses a unique team make-up borrowed from the military. Operator, Navigator, Loadmaster and Scout--each person is cross-trained and can at any given moment perform whichever duty is assigned. Sometimes a team may consist of just the operator and scout, so the scout has to also be the navigator and loadmaster. The scout uses a modified tracking stick, sometimes called a story stick. This stick is two inches wider then the UTV and has markings on it to indicate vehicle clearance and water fording capabilities. When operating in unfamiliar areas, it helps the scout determine if the UTV will fit between trees, over rocks and stumps or in deep water. After completing the obstacle course successfully, students move on to victim carry-out. Demonstrations are given using vehicles such as the Orion patient transport trailer, on-board carry and even patient drag using the Sked Stretcher. Students also practice using ropes in conjunction with their UTV. Ropes, as we all know, are one of the most versatile tools at the emergency responder's disposal, but many times are not utilized efficiently. In this training they are used to stabilize the UTV on slopes, ensuring safe traversal. They will prevent tipping and in slippery conditions keep the vehicle on track.

Stuck Happens!

Invariably, no matter how skillful the operator or how versatile the machine, you're going to get stuck. However, you almost always get a warning, or at least an indication, before that happens. Failure to understand and heed the warnings will not only cause you to get stuck but may well cause you to remain stuck. During the training, UTVs are purposely put into situations that will get them stuck, and the team must know how to retrieve the vehicle. If they're equipped with a winch, safe winch handling is covered. If they don't have winching capabilities, the use of other equipment like a come-along, rope 4:1 systems or the Hi-Lift jack is practiced.

Crossing through the water hole portion of the training course.

In the Advanced UTV course the unit's UTV will get intentionally stuck and the team must successfully get it out. This is an immediate action drill and a timed event. The reason for this is that during an actual mission, time cannot be wasted figuring how to get unstuck, so a "Graduated Response Option" must always be in place. Each team is taught to be mission-oriented, and nothing must be allowed to come between the team and successfully completing the given mission. This is the third "R" (Readiness). This school is operated year-round in all types of weather--after all, rescues don't have the common decency to happen on only nice days! In addition to basic and advanced courses, we also train Night Operations and offer yearly refreshers. The interesting thing students find out about Night Ops is how different everything is with limited light. In the daytime the scouts are equipped with very distinctive flagging, but at night it has to be reflective and the deployment of cats eyes are used not only to find your way back out but also to guide in reinforcements. The key to successfully running a UTV school for the emergency responder is to fully understand that these professionals will be called out in all types of weather, day or night, and will often be in a race against time to save lives. The machine must be properly maintained and inspected and always ready to go. The operators must be trained in all aspects of vehicle operation and be ready to go at a moment's notice. Training needs to be geared to this specific need and not to a civilian's casual or recreational needs. For example, in the civilian mode a flat tire can either be fixed or the operator can just walk home if he so wishes. In the responder mode, tire repair kits—often including a spare tire--are always on board. Run-flat tires may be used. Beadlock wheels are strongly suggested because you do not have the option of walking home--you were sent out on a specific mission and you're expected to complete that mission. An offshoot of this type of training is that we get to work with all the different makes and models of UTVs. Because of this we field calls almost daily from departments asking what make UTV they should buy. There are a lot of variables to get the right machine for the department, so our initial answer is always the same: "What is your response area like?" We'll gladly work with any department and help them get the right machine. We don't sell machines, so we can make recommendations without any bias.