After loading a stable patient into the ambulance, what should you do while en route to the hospital?

In this scenario, the most appropriate action after securing a stable patient in the ambulance is to turn the emergency lights off and obey traffic laws. This approach is vital for several reasons.

When a patient is stable, there is generally no immediate threat to life that requires the use of sirens or emergency lights, which are typically reserved for critical situations where rapid transit is necessary. By driving within the speed limit and adhering to standard traffic regulations, the EMT not only ensures the safety of the patient but also helps maintain safety on the roads for other drivers and pedestrians.

Additionally, the use of emergency lights and sirens tends to cause other drivers to react unpredictably, potentially leading to accidents or dangerous driving situations. Following traffic laws promotes a calmer environment in which the patient can be transported safely.

While notifying the hospital of your estimated time of arrival is also an important step in ensuring that the hospital is ready for the patient upon arrival, it is not the primary action required during transit. The focus should be on safe driving, especially when the patient does not require immediate urgent care during transport.