Drivers can offer great assistance to medical personnel and enhance the safety of their passengers when accidents occur by getting first aid and CPR training. During an accident, emergency response teams come from all directions and may take time before arriving at the scene. During this period, drivers who are well trained can be conducting CPR and offering other first aid services to the victims of the accident. They can also provide assistance to fire responders. With information and knowledge, the observations, decisions and actions taken by drivers can have substantial impact before and after the accident or any other emergency.
CPR training provided
School Bus drivers have regular contacts with their passengers. This level of communication is key because it allows them to understand the medical histories of the patient and know any recent illness or injury incurred. The knowledge of the students’ health condition is necessary especially if a student gets sick on board or if there is any emergency. In addition to the CPR training, this information is crucial in offering effective CPR or first aid in case of an accident. There are numerous organizations in Canada that offer the training. During the training sessions, the drivers learn on the best ways to handle trauma and medical emergencies such as shock, bleeding control, cardiac arrest, respiratory problems, seizures, hypothermia and how to take spinal precautions. The CPR training also provides them with information on the procedures to follow during emergencies and one of the major procedures learned is how to evacuate the school bus.
When is it necessary to evacuate school bus?
There are a wide range of situations that merit bus evacuation. Such situations include:
- Fire: In case fire erupts on the bus, chances are high that the gases and the fire itself will spread throughout the bus within a short time. Thus, an evacuation is required.
- Fuel spill: If an accident makes fuel to leak from the bus, it will take just a spark for fire to start. Therefore, a driver must evacuate the bus to avoid injuries.
- Downed power lines: In case there are power lines that are draped across the bus and there no fire hazards, it is important to wait for emergency responders and power company to put the electricity off. During the evacuation the driver must ensure that the students or any other passengers move out of the bus using the farthest point of contact from the hazard.
Conclusion
As can be seen from the article, CPR training is important for all school bus drivers. The knowledge and skills gained can go a long way to saving life of many students and other passengers. It is the duty of every school in Canada to ensure that their drivers have the required training.