When something bad happens, many people are quick to blame the bus driver, to second-guess decisions, and to question their ability or training. This response, while understandable, can be a serious mistake and can lead to an elevated risk of injury and harm. Allow me to recommend a different response should you or your family become involved in a bus accident.
- Calmly Move to Safety. Most often, this means staying still and calm on the bus until help arrives. If the bus is on fire or presents some other risk, you may need to evacuate the vehicle to a safe location. Whatever the circumstances, do not panic.
- Account for Everyone in your Group. Staying together as a group can help provide a sense of security and will make it easier for emergency personnel to control the accident scene.
- Assess for Injuries. Once you are together in a place of safety, it is important to assess for injurers. Understand this – most people want to be okay after an incident. Wanting to be okay, and actually being unhurt can be two different realities. Don’t allow pride, inconvenience, cost, or any other concern to prevent you or a member of your group from getting medical care and treatment. Not all serious injuries are readily visible. Concussion, internal bleeding, shock, and many other conditions can pose a serious health risk.
Joseph Bradica
HGSK
138 N. 5th Street
Reading, Pa 19601
