School Bus Emergency Extrication, an Emergency Responder's Perspective

Over the last few years, we've talked a bit about working with local police and law enforcement on emergency extrication of school buses. Today, at FireEngineering.com Tom Kiurski, training coordinator, paramedic, and director of fire safety education for Livonia (MI) Fire & Rescue, tells the story from his perspective, including what it takes to get a school bus on which to practice and the contents of the three-part course. Just like the school transportation industry, he calls on his colleagues to increase cooperation and education for the sake of safety.

(Photo from Tom Kiurski.)

Recession Proof Jobs in School Transportation?

Bad news for many Americans this week as 55,000 jobs were cut on what some are calling Bloody Monday. While many school districts are looking at cutting school bus and other services or cutting district pay to balance budgets, school bus contractor Student Transportation of America is saying it offers "recession proof jobs." In a press release Dina Cooper, STA director of recruiting, said:

"Kids have to go to school despite the ups and downs of the economy ... Budget deficits are prompting many more school districts to consider the benefits of contracted student transportation and we're expecting to win a record number of new business bids in the coming months. This growth is driving our need for additional employees. Job cuts at other transportation businesses mean the pool of qualified drivers and mechanics has grown and we're looking forward to welcoming these well-qualified men and women to our growing team."

What the recession means for the rest of the industry and driver jobs around the country remains to be seen.

Nuts About Peanut Allergies?

Over the last several years, we've heard quite a bit about peanut allergies and school-wide bans on the nuts. In an article worth reading, Today's Parent looks at a different take on the problem: telling district personnel about the child's condition and training them in how to use EipiPens.

The conversation would surprise most school administrators and parents, who’ve grown accustomed to no-nuts policies at schools, daycares and other places where children gather. Calon didn’t want Trinity’s school to ban peanut butter or anything else containing nuts. She simply wanted the teachers to know who her daughter was, where her epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) was located and how to use it if Trinity was in trouble.

What does your operation do about peanut bans and training drivers in treating students that suffer from peanut allergies, bee sting allergies or diabetes? (thanks for the link, Bruce)

Make 'Em Laugh, Get 'Em Behind the Wheel

A bit of fun to start out School Transportation News' inaugural posting on Daily Routes. Video below comes from a hiring campaign at Calgary's Southland Transportation.



More from the campaign and other videos now on STN's YouTube channel.