Bus drivers, conductors to be tapped as first aid responders – Red Cross

MANILA — Victims of road accidents need not look far for first responders as more than 4,000 bus drivers and conductors will soon become knowledgeable in giving first aid.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and commuters’ group Ligtas Patrol signed an agreement late Monday afternoon, which would see the humanitarian organization train and certify the public utility vehicle workers in giving first aid.

PRC Chair Richard Gordon said that their agreement would be a “step in the right direction” to ensure passengers’ safety. He added that the certification they would give to drivers and conductors would only be good for two years and the recipients would have to retrain for recertification.

Forty-two bus operators from the Provincial Bus Operators Association of the Philippines will participate in the program, according to Ligtas Patrol president Elvira Medina.

She noted that their partnership with the PRC would allow them “to be more effective in our aim to promote safer and more efficient travel” experience for the public.

She, however, noted that the provision of first aid kits would be the responsibility of the bus operators.

By training drivers and conductors, Medina said that it would reduce the instances of them fleeing from their responsibility if they figure in a road mishap.

Gordon explained: “It’s because [through the training] you learn to value life and take responsibility for another man’s life. It is inculcated in you that you are a lifesaver.”

For the first half of 2015, the PRC said that data from the Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group showed that 567 individuals died and 5,220 persons were injured in more than 11,200 road accidents nationwide.  SFM