Firefighters learn school bus rescues in Jackson

More than 20 firefighters from Cape Girardeau and Bollinger counties joined bus drivers from the Jackson School District on Monday to receive hands-on school bus rescue training at Orchard Elementary School.

Capt. Steve Baugh, Jackson Fire Department public information officer, said this was the second time school bus familiarization training has been offered but the first time other districts participated.

"It is a great opportunity," Baugh said. "We are able to get in and learn in a non-emergency environment. In the event of an emergency we know what to expect from them and they know what to expect from us. It's a two-way street."

Firefighters were able to go through different types of buses used in the district and familiarize themselves with the various styles of doors, hatches, emergency exits and lifts.

"I haven't been on a bus in 15 years," said Capt. Jeff Crites with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department. "It wasn't anything like this. I learned quite a bit."

Student volunteers were on hand to portray accident victims as firefighters practiced removing them from buses and moving them onto waiting stretchers. Baugh said removing victims from buses can be challenging because of the confined spaces and high seatbacks.

In addition to the training, the groups discussed accident procedures, including addressing parents wanting to pick up their children from an accident scene, handling bystanders who want to assist and accommodating children involved in the accident who are not hurt.

Bus driver Lisa Russell said Monday's training provided a level of comfort to her and other drivers.

"If there was an accident, we know what we need to do," she said. "We are better prepared."

Fire departments represented at the training included Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Delta, Gordonville, North County, Fruitland, Millersville and Marble Hill.

cbartholomew@semissourian.com

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