Safety and Emergency Procedures
Know the exits before you need them
A passenger vehicle has more exits than the main door: rear doors, roof hatches, and push-out windows. Know how many exist, how each opens, and which side is away from traffic or fire. Point out exits to passengers during boarding on long trips or when conditions change.
Fire
Stop safely, shut off the engine, set the parking brake, and evacuate passengers away from the vehicle and upwind. Call 911. Use the extinguisher only on a small fire you can approach with a clear escape path; never open the engine cover fully if fire is present. Do not re-enter a burning bus for belongings.
Crash and medical emergency
Protect the scene with hazard lights and warning devices when safe. Check injuries; do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or traffic. Call 911, give the location and passenger count, and start first aid within your training. Account for every passenger at the assembly point. Notify your carrier and complete required reports.
Evacuation control
Choose an exit away from traffic. Assist passengers with disabilities, but do not delay the whole evacuation for one person if another safe route exists. Take the first aid kit and radio if quickly available. Keep passengers together and away from the vehicle.
Worked example: Smoke appears from the engine compartment while passengers are boarding. The driver stops, sets the brake, opens the exits, and moves everyone upwind. The driver calls 911 and does not open the hood fully. Reasoning: smoke may hide a fire; a full hood opening feeds oxygen and puts the driver close to flames.
Traps that cost marks: moving injured passengers without immediate danger; forgetting to count passengers; evacuating toward traffic; and fighting a fire after passengers are safe.