Unexpected events can happen that need to be addressed right away. Managing emergencies properly can improve the safety of ourselves and passengers. Examples of possible emergencies include:
- Downed power lines/wires
- Collisions
- Passenger injury or illness
- Fires
- Robberies
- Hijackings
- Threats of violence
If you find yourself in an emergency, your job is to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Remember these seven steps if you experience an emergency:
- Remain calm
- Assess the situation
- Provide protection
- Obtain help
- Reassure and assist as needed
- Secure the scene
- Gather information
Evacuating Passengers
Some emergencies require operators to evacuate passengers from the vehicle to ensure their safety. After deciding to evacuate your passengers, these are the steps to do it safely and quickly:
- Stay Calm- passengers look for you to lead them to safety.
- Notify Dispatch– provide dispatch with your location and other important details.
- Communicate with passengers– let them know you have to exit the vehicle as quickly as possible and give them directions on how to exit safely.
- Exit the vehicle– direct the evacuation and designate a person to help passengers get out of the vehicle from the outside.
- Find a gathering point– designate a safe place at least 100 feet away from your vehicle for passengers to wait for help safely.
- Lift operation– be prepared to evacuate passengers when the lift is not working.
Remember passengers are your responsibility until they re-board your vehicle or another transit vehicle, or they are transported by emergency responders. Continue to work with dispatch, supervisors, and the authorities. Do not leave the scene until you have been cleared to do so by police and by a company representative.
Make sure you know your location’s steps to document emergencies and complete any reports quickly while events and facts remain fresh in your memory.
By remaining prepared for emergencies, you embrace our spirit of Care, Share, Dare, and Deliver with safe and reliable mobility solutions for our communities. Safety First!
