OWLS HEAD — Firefighters and ambulance crews from the Midcoast learning how to drive fire engines and ambulances assembed Oct. 2 at the Owls Head Transportation Museum to practice their skills, and meet Maine Bureau of Labor standards.

The Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) is a fundamental class for first responders, and drivers spend the day moving through a series of vehicular scenarios while in the driver's seat of fire apparatus and ambulances. 

The driving component of the course culminates a series of classroom training sessions where first responders learn about the responsibilities of driving emergency response vehicles.

On the Oct. driving course, traffic cones were placed in various configurations to resemble truck bays in fire stations, or tight spots in which a driver must use skills to safely maneuver large vehicles.  Drivers are required to reverse through a course that weaves along the tarmac, using mirrors solely for navigation, and perfecting how to take corners with oversized vehicles — while not knocking over any of the cones.

Instructors, all members of the Knox County Fire Training Academy, provides the student with a better understanding of emergency vehicle driving, legal ramifications, and vehicle capacities.

All first responders are required to take the EVOC class, which is held periodically throughout the year.