What does Code 3 Operation refer to?

Code 3 Operation specifically refers to the use of lights and sirens while responding to an emergency. This mode of operation is employed by emergency vehicles to navigate traffic and reach the scene of an emergency more quickly while alerting other road users to their presence. The activation of both lights and sirens signifies the urgency of the situation and allows for the safe and expedient movement through traffic.

This practice is critically important for emergency responders, such as ambulance drivers, as it ensures that they can provide timely assistance to those in need, which can often mean the difference between life and death. In contrast, the other choices pertain to different operational contexts that do not involve the urgency conveyed by Code 3. For instance, operating without an attendant or transporting non-emergency patients would not necessitate the use of lights and sirens, as these scenarios do not require the same level of urgency that Code 3 represents.