Monday 10th November– 11.30am – Suzie Wheaton.
Almost 50 people, mainly school children, have been assessed and treated by ambulance crews after the bus they were travelling in went down an embankment and overturned.
Seven ambulances, a paramedic area support officer, two senior paramedic officers and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham were dispatched to the incident on Holme Lacy Road in Hereford shortly after 8.20am today. A MARS BASICS Doctor that was initially dispatched to the scene was diverted to Hereford County Hospital to assist with the further triage of casualties as they arrived at A&E.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Crews arrived to find a bus at the bottom of an embankment lying on its left-hand side. All of the passengers on board had managed to get out of the bus before the crew’s arrival.
“However, the woman driving was trapped for a period of time. With the assistance of the fire service, the woman was extricated and treated for chest and abdominal injuries. She was immobilised using a neck collar and spinal board before being conveyed to Hereford County Hospital.
“The passengers, all of whom are believed to be pupils of approximately 14 years of age, were triaged by ambulance staff at the scene. Six of them were also taken to Hereford County Hospital by ambulance.
“A second bus was sent to the scene to help transport approximately 20 uninjured pupils back to their school. A senior paramedic officer travelled on board the bus with the children.
“A further 19 patients, who had suffered a range of minor injuries such as cuts and bruising, were taken to the same Hospital for further triage by other means of transport.”
Ends