[Vision2020] Washington School Kids Save School Bus and Driver

[Donovan Arnold]

While it is fantastic that these kids were able to work together to avoid injuries and safe the driver's life, there is another important issue here that is being ignored; Bus drivers are so suppose to have a certified health card to drive. That means that a Department of Transportation certified doctor signs off on every commercial driver's health exactly for the purpose of avoiding this incident and insuring the safety of passengers and other motorists and pedestrians.
 
As someone with a commercial driver's license, I am simply appalled at how unhealthy of people they let drive these large tractor trailers and schools buses knowing full well they are at serious risk of a heart attack or other health problems. I have seen 550 lbs men behind the wheel of tractors. The doctors that are signing these people off as being healthy when they are not are putting lots of innocent people's lives at risk. They need to be held accountable. The headline for this story could have just as easily been a tragic one. 
 
Donovan Arnold

From: Tom Hansen <thansen at moscow.com>
To: Moscow Vision 2020 <vision2020 at moscow.com> 
Cc: Penni Cyr <cpenni at gmail.com> 
Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 5:38 AM
Subject: [Vision2020] Washington School Kids Save School Bus and Driver

Courtesy of ABC News at:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/t/story/wash-kids-stop-school-bus-driver-stricken-16106194

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Washington Kids Stop School Bus After Driver Stricken

Washington state middle school students stop bus, give driver CPR after apparent heart attack

A quick-thinking Washington state middle school student steered a school bus to safety after he saw the driver slump over and pass out from an apparent heart attack, authorities said.

Surveillance video shows 13-year-old Jeremy Wuitschick rushing down the aisle and grabbing the wheel Monday morning as another student yelled "Oh my God!"

"I was just thinking I don't want to die," Wuitschick said. "I turned to the right. Turned to the side of the road. Took the keys out of the ignition. We started slowing down, and I said, 'Somebody call 911!'"

Wuitschick and another student, Johnny Wood, did chest compressions on the driver.

Police in the town of Milton, about 30 miles south of Seattle, quickly showed up and the 12 students were escorted off the bus.

The bus didn't hit any other vehicles, and no one was injured. Police Chief Bill Rhoads credited Wuitschick's quick actions.

"We're just happy the kid was thinking on his feet," he said.

Deputy Schools Superintendent Jeff Short said the 43-year-old driver was in "grave condition" at a hospital. He said students go over emergency procedures several times annually, learning what to do if a bus driver is incapacitated.

"It's just for this type of situation," Short said. "I think they did an outstanding job."

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Seventh grader Jeremy Wuitschick steered the bus to safety after the driver fell ill.





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Video

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Students-stop-bus-after-driver-suffers-heart-attack-146672835.html?tab=video&c=y

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Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho

"If not us, who?
If not now, when?"

- Unknown



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