Bus accidents

[Jeanine]

OK, what does everyone do in relation to bus accidents off of school grounds?

1) If the accident is in the am?

2) If the accident is in the middle of the day (1/2 day kdg)?

3) If the accident is after school is let out?

The police and volunteer ambulance show up at the accidents and take care of the kids. They are more than capable of rendering proper care and seem to resent us being there, they think we should stay in our school. I agree! The principal would like to grab us (in a private car) and go to the scene to assess and treat. We are trying to expand on our policy and would appreciate input.

[suzanne4, RN]

You would be much better off staying at the school and taking care of distraught parents that will be showing up. Unless you have training in Emergency/Trauma depts., you would only be delaying treatment at the scene for the students. The medics have a set routine that they are required to follow.

Sorry, but I definitly do not agree with your principal on this one.

[Jolie, BSN]

I agree with both of you that you belong at school, caring for children and parents there. Under what authority does he propose you care for children at the accident scene? I am certain that your school protocols do not extend into the field. While you could assess injured students, you have no standing to provide emergency care in the field. Not to mention no supplies! If EMS requests your help, then fine. If not, you belong at school.

[Chaya, ASN, RN]

I think the most valuable use of your time would be as "point" or information liason; you would have access to records providing info the EMTs might need in the field or info needed by ER before family could be contacted (could also assist in the task of contacting).