Community trains for emergency situations

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ)- With the school year about to begin, first responders in Franklin County want to make sure they’re prepared for anything.

That includes emergencies at and on the way to school.

First responders trained for what to do in the case of an emergency situation involving a school bus full of children and for one parent who participated that scenario hits close to home.

It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, a drunk driver crashing into a school bus full of children, turning it over, injuring many.

“This is reality this can really happen,” said Ashley Tingle, a parent.

For parents like Ashley Tingle it’s a thought that crosses her mind every day because not only does she have kids that ride the school bus but she’s a bus driver herself.

“I pray for guidance everyday as I get behind the wheel as everyone trusts me with their children and as a parent,” said Tingle.

So when Tingle heard the county would be conducting a training scenario showing what to do in the case of a big crash, she was more than excited to participate.

“It was a great learning experience for everyone. I mean it makes it real,” said Tingle.

And that’s exactly what emergency officials want to hear, they say the training is just as much for parents and students as it is for the first responders themselves.

“I think it’s invaluable that we learn each others protocols. We know each others faces and it’s not thrust upon us in an emergency atmosphere,” said Chief Kevin Hutcherson with the Franklin County Fire Department.

And Tingle agrees, saying she hopes to see more emergency training’s like this in the future.

“I think that they should have the kids out here from each school you know what I mean and have them seeing some of this,” said Tingle.

In addition to training for what to do in the case of a bus crash, first responders also trained for what to do in the case of an active shooter on a school bus and also if a bus were to catch fire.