Emergency Preparedness, Fire Safety, and Post-Crash Procedures
Emergency readiness is tested through evacuation, fire response, and the first minutes after a crash.
Know the exits
Before each trip, confirm how every exit works: doors, push-out windows, roof hatches, and rear doors on some vans. Brief motorcoach passengers at the start of the trip. Keep the aisle clear so exits actually work.
Evacuation
Stop in a safe place, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, and if there is fire, move everyone upwind at least 100 feet. Account for all passengers, including anyone using a mobility device, and have a plan for carrying a rider who cannot transfer. Never reboard a burning vehicle.
Fire
Use the extinguisher with PASS: pull the pin, aim at the base, squeeze, sweep. For an engine fire, do not open the engine cover fully, because that feeds oxygen; use the inspection port and stay back. Never use water on fuel or electrical fires.
Post-crash
Stop, protect the scene with warning devices set out 10 to 100 feet depending on the roadway, and call 911. Do not move injured passengers unless fire or traffic demands it. Give first aid within your training, exchange information, notify the carrier, and complete the accident report. A fatality, or an injury requiring treatment away from the scene with a vehicle towed, triggers post-accident alcohol and drug testing.
Worked example
Smoke appears from the engine while you are loading. You stop loading, move riders 100 feet away and upwind, and call 911. You attack only a small fire at its source. If the smoke is heavy, you evacuate and wait for the fire department, because a loaded bus fire is not a hand-extinguisher job.
Traps
Fully opening the hood; evacuating downwind; leaving riders aboard a smoking bus; forgetting the passenger count.