Many drivers are not sure how to react to blue lights from emergency vehicles, understanding their intentions and where they can get past is key to been safe.  Many drivers do not know the emergency vehicle is even there, this is one of many reasons for regular mirror checks.  The use of the car stereo can also mask the sound of sirens, making their job far more difficult. 

This clip, whist on the motorway clearly shows the lack of mirrors, or awareness which is very in-responible and could be dangerous.

Similar situation on this clip, where the White Fiesta is not aware, in fact does not have a centre mirror fitted to the car?

Using a routine like Mirror-Signal- Manouevre is usual for the emergency vehcile behind you, know they are there using your Mirror (general observations, and listening for their sirens), letting them know you have seen them with signal e.g. Left signal, signal or your position.   Being predictable makes the emergency vehicles job much easier. 

Importantly emergency vehicles need to have space and time to get past you, try to anticipate where they are trying to go, and make thier job easier.  If you pull up where there is no space for them to get past, this makes their life harder.  Consider your speed, if you slow down unnecssarily where they have no-where to come by that does not help them.  It is not always necessary to come to a complete stop in order to make it easier for them to pass, simply positioning in a better place and slowing down can make their job easier. 

When stationary, but especially when at traffic lights, leaving around a car length in front gives you space to move out of the way, often without crossing the solid stop line, which techincally would still be illegal.

This clip in Stoke on Trent Staffordshire shows how emergency vechicles would deal with town centre situations.

The highway code says

“219  Emergency and Incident Support vehicles. You should look and listen for ambulances, fire engines, police, doctors or other emergency vehicles using flashing blue, red or green lights and sirens or flashing headlights, or Highways Agency Traffic Officer and Incident Support vehicles using flashing amber lights. When one approaches do not panic. Consider the route of such a vehicle and take appropriate action to let it pass, while complying with all traffic signs. If necessary, pull to the side of the road and stop, but try to avoid stopping before the brow of a hill, a bend or narrow section of road. Do not endanger yourself, other road users or pedestrians and avoid mounting the kerb. Do not brake harshly on approach to a junction or roundabout, as a following vehicle may not have the same view as you.”