Girard, PA – Recently, a group of first responders from surrounding communities attended an intensive Bus Rescue (BRES) training course, designed to highlight the unique challenges of rescue operations involving buses. This 16-hour class, hosted by A.F. Dobler Hose in Girard, was evenly divided between lecture and hands-on practical work. The buses were acquired through STA Transportation of Girard, which donated two school buses last year: one to A.F. Dobler Hose and one to Lake City Fire Company. Both departments utilized the buses prior to this class for mock scenarios, patient packaging, and working in confined spaces. Such situations can also occur in coach buses and passenger trains, which pass through portions of Erie County.

The Bus Rescue course was structured to provide participants with an understanding of the unique challenges posed by motor vehicle accidents involving buses. Students began in the classroom by gaining insight into the various types of bus construction. This included highlighting the complexities these structures present during rescue operations. The course then advanced to practical applications, where students learned the techniques required to safely gain access to a bus, extricate passengers, and stabilize the vehicle in emergency situations.

During the lecture portion, students discussed and analyzed problems that rescuers may encounter during bus-related emergencies. Not only did the lectures cover key concepts on traditional school buses, but also highlighted important concepts of mass transit buses, coach buses, and unique buses such as double decker buses. The classroom portion of the class even went as far to discuss alternative fuel type busses which could run on propane, compressed natural gas, and more recently, batteries. Collectively, these aspects are essential for understanding the risks associated with bus rescues and the strategies needed to address them effectively.

For the practical session, students applied their knowledge in a series of evolutions that closely mirrored real-life emergency scenarios. The class utilized both an upright bus and one deliberately positioned on its side, allowing them to experience the complexities of different crash situations. They practiced handling various impact scenarios, honing their ability to strategically remove sections of the bus to gain access to confined passengers. The course went beyond the basics, offering in-depth lessons on what to expect when cutting through the bus’s structure, including identifying critical strength points to ensure safe and efficient extrication. Further, the course highlights different methods of cutting through metal using Holmatro Tools, Sawzalls, K-12 Saw, and other rescue tools. The experience continued as students learned to remove the back windows, seat windows, and windshield of the bus, essential skills in gaining entry to bus and providing adequate space for removing passengers from the bus. They also tackled the challenge of removing a six-foot square section from the roof of a bus on its side. Additionally, students practiced cutting through A-pillars, a key technique for accessing the front of a bus on its side, and they mastered the art of rolling back the front roof using a ratchet puller.

By the end of the training, participants had not only enhanced their technical skills but also developed greater confidence in their ability to manage bus-related emergencies. This course was a vital step in preparing first responders to handle the unique and demanding challenges of bus rescue operations, including high-risk, low-occurrence scenarios such as bus accidents and rollovers. These types of events are rare but require precise execution and quick thinking, ensuring that responders are ready to protect and save lives in any situation.