A first aid certificate is a requirement for a bus driver's licence — but what must you be able to do when an accident happens? Here are the four steps in first aid, life-saving first aid for unconsciousness and cardiac arrest, use of defibrillator, stopping bleeding and calling for help, adapted for the situation with many passengers on a bus.
Introduction
As a bus driver you have responsibility for many people at once, and you are often the only one with formal first aid training on board. Therefore a valid first aid certificate is part of the requirements for a bus driving licence. This article covers the principles of first aid — it does not replace a proper first aid course with practical training, but it brings together what you should be able to draw on if a passenger is injured or becomes acutely ill.
The four steps in first aid
All first aid follows the same basic structure — the four main points. The sequence ensures you don't become the next casualty, and that you do the most important thing first.
- 011) Stop the accident / create safety — stop the bus safely, activate hazard lights, protect against further danger, and bring yourself and passengers to safety before helping.
- 022) Assess the person (life-saving first aid) — is the person conscious? Is breathing free? Is there life-threatening bleeding?
- 033) Call for help — dial 112, give exact position and number of casualties, and if possible have someone else call whilst you help.
- 044) Give basic first aid and stay with the person — keep them calm and warm until the ambulance arrives.
The unconscious person who is breathing
An unconscious person who is breathing freely must have their airway secured. Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin so the tongue does not block the airway, and check that breathing is normal. If the person is breathing, they are placed in the recovery position (stable side position), so any vomit can run out, and the airway is kept clear. Stay with the person and watch that breathing continues.
Cardiac arrest — resuscitation and defibrillator
If an unconscious person is NOT breathing normally, it is cardiac arrest and you must immediately start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and call 112. Resuscitation consists of chest compressions and rescue breaths in fixed ratio, and a defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as possible — many bus terminals, stations and public places have one.
- 01Call 112 (or get someone else to) and ask for a defibrillator.
- 02Give chest compressions: press in the middle of the chest, approx. 5-6 cm deep, at a rate of approx. 100-120 compressions per minute.
- 03Combine with breaths in the ratio 30 compressions : 2 breaths (according to the training you have).
- 04Turn on the defibrillator as soon as it is there, and follow its spoken instructions carefully.
- 05Don't touch the person while the defibrillator is analysing or delivering shock.
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