Accident Procedures
 

BASIC UNDERSTANDING
 

At the scene of an accident involving a school bus the responding law enforcement agency (police, sheriff, or Highway Patrol) is in charge.

The responsibility for the release of students rests with the School District personnel.

The following bus emergency procedures shall be enacted when the welfare and safety of students are involved. The severity of the accident may alter the order of events to protect the welfare of children.
 

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
 

A.

Bus Accidents While Transporting Students
 

1.

Bus Driver/Teacher Responsibilities
 

a.

Provide emergency first aid for the following medical conditions in the order listed:
 

1)

Restoration of breathing;

2)

Severe bleeding;

3)

Shock; and

4)

Minor injuries.
 

b.

Evacuate bus, as follows, only if required for safety of passengers:
 

1)

Give instructions for orderly evacuation from designated exits;

2)

Announce specific assembly point after evacuation;

3)

Check to be sure that all passengers have left bus;

4)

Supervise or arrange for supervision of students at assembly point; and

5)

Take roll/account for all students and staff.
 

c.

Notify the following:
 

1)

Highway Patrol or appropriate law enforcement agency;

2)

Emergency ambulance service or paramedics (if necessary); and

3)

Fire Department (if necessary).
 

d.

Contact (by telephone or public telephone) the school as soon as possible and give the following information:
 

1)

Type of accident;

2)

Location of nearest intersection;

3)

Extent of injuries and request for emergency ambulance service and/or District medical assistance;

4)

Request another bus to transport students (if necessary).
 

e.

Report to Superintendent and Transportation Director names of students sent to hospital giving the name and location of the hospital.
 

2.

Responsibilities of District Personnel Other Than the Driver on the Bus
 

a.

Assist in implementing direction given by driver.

b.

Assist in supervision or orderly evacuation if this becomes necessary.

c.

Supervise passengers and assist with first aid.

d.

To the extent qualified, assume the responsibilities of the bus driver if the driver is incapacitated.
 

3.

District Office Responsibilities
 

a.

Notify the following if driver has not already done so:
 

1)

Contact Highway Patrol/Police/Sheriff Department;

2)

Fire Department (if necessary);

3)

Health Specialist;

4)

Superintendent; and

5)

Emergency ambulance service or paramedics (if necessary).
 

b.

Dispatch supervisor to the location of the accident.

c.

Dispatch vehicle(s) to the scene to transport.

d.

Inform school of attendance and give detailed information regarding the emergency.

e.

Continue to update information as it is received, including destination of pupils taken from the scene.

f.

Provide updated information to District personnel upon request.
 

4.

Student Services Personnel
 

a.

Report to scene of the accident, emergency hospital, or to designated school.

b.

Render first aid as necessary

c.

Check all passengers for possible injuries.

d.

Prepare written report on all injuries giving the following information:
 

1)

Name of injured;

2)

Type of injury and its severity;

3)

First aid given at the time of the accident; and

4)

Name of attending hospital (if appropriate).
 

e.

Assess need for psychological first aid/activate Crisis Team, if needed

f.

Continue to update information and account of events.
 

5.

School Responsibilities
 

a.

Dispatch appropriate staff to attending hospital.

b.

Notify parents or guardians of the incident.

c.

Release student(s) to parent(s) or guardian(s).

d.

Complete Accident Report for all students who have complaints of injury.

e.

Coordinate with Insurance Section to provide Insurance Claim Forms to parents.
 

B.

Emergencies Occurring During Transportation of Student (Take cover, Earthquake, Fire, or Unsafe Conditions at Destination, etc.)
 

1.

Bus Driver/Teacher Responsibilities
 

a.

"Take Cover" warning signal:
 

1)

Pull out of traffic and park the bus at the curb.

2)

Find shelter for the group or command students to take cover utilizing the seats in the bus.
 

b.

During an earthquake or emergency (surprise attack) stop the bus and command the students to "Drop" in the aisles or under the seats for protection.
 

1)

Do not park near buildings

2)

Do not stop under or on freeway overpasses.
 

c.

Under extreme emergency conditions contact  Superintendent or Transportation Director for instructions. The instructions may be:
 

1)

Return to school;

2)

Report to nearest school; or

3)

Complete scheduled route.
 

d.

Arrange with the administrator of the school for supervision and care of students.

e.

Notify Superintendent  where students are located and the person responsible for their supervision.
 

2.

Responsibilities of District Personnel Other Than the Driver on the Bus
 

a.

Assist bus driver in implementing procedures outlined above.

b.

Remain with pupil(s) and supervise them until they are released either by the school administrator or designated representative.
 

3.

Superintendent  or Transportation Director Responsibilities
 

a.

If necessary, dispatch additional buses to assist in student transfer.

b.

Account for the disposition of all students who are transported by buses to locations other than their school of attendance or home.