Volunteer first responders say Lincoln school bus rescue one of their most challenging jobs

The double decker crashed into a ditch in North Hykeham yesterday

Author: Aaron RenfreePublished 12th Nov 2021

Volunteer first responders say rescuing 60-school children from a bus which crashed into a ditch near Lincoln was one of their most challenging jobs

Yesterday, the double-decker came off the road in North Hykeham.

A 12-year-old boy suffered a broken arm and a 14-year-old girl was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Emergency services and even a number of teachers rushed to the scene to help.

A critical care doctor, three critical care paramedics and an advanced nurse were also in attendance from emergency care charity LIVES.

Medical Director Dr Simon Topham said having extra support is often the difference between it being a "well-managed incident" and an "excellently managed incident".

"There were 54 children our team actually dealt with.

"We managed to treat and discharge 11 of those on scene with minor injuries.

"There were 6 further that were reassured, because this is a distressing incident for anyone, let alone children.

"Only two had to ultimately go to hospital, and neither of those sustained serious injuries."

He said the crash was one of the most challenging incidents the team's had to deal with.

"I've been responding voluntarily for LIVES since 1993 and I think I can bring 5 or 6 incidents with buses to mind, but non of those with the same number of children involved.

"I think in terms of sheer numbers this is certainly well up there in one of the most challenging incidents.

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