Allegany-Limestone Central becomes first in NYS to have AEDs on buses

ALLEGANY, N.Y. (WIVB) — Every school bus in the U.S. is equipped with a fire extinguisher and safety exits, but for the first time in New York State, Allegany-Limestone School District will also equip its fleet with AEDs, or automatic defibrillators.

The school district has started what they hope becomes common practice.

“I don’t think we were looking to be pioneers,” said Allegany-Limestone Superintendent Tony Giannicchi. “I think we’re always looking out for the best interests of our students.”

For the past two years, the Allegany-Limestone School District has been pushing to install fast response AED units in their school bus fleet, not because a student or bus driver has needed it before, but as an added safety measure.

The district had to get approval from the New York State Department of Transportation, which got lawmakers involved, because of regulations.

“We got a lot of pushback from the state. There were no regulations or anything for a school bus to have AEDs on it, so being the first one in New York State to do it, we had to open it up for all of New York State,” said Curtis Peters, the school’s transportation supervisor.

Peters said after getting approval, the school worked with AED supplier One Beat Medical to figure out what units would fit best in the buses.

“We equipped every one of our vehicles in our fleet with one,” Peters said.

In total, all 17 buses in the school’s fleet were equipped with AEDs, costing $800 each. Peters said it was worth it because the bus routes go through rural areas. If something happened, it would take an ambulance 10 to 20 minutes to respond.

“The big part of the AEDs, we didn’t have that time to wait,” Peters said. “If something happens to either a student or one of my staff members, we want people to be on there right now.”

Students will also be trained in how to use the AEDs at three separate bus emergency drills this year.

“One of the things we push in our school district is community service,” Giannicchi said. “Our students are always looking to give back to their communities, so for them to step up and learn how to do it, it’s just all part of being part of this small community.”

“The units we went with have a big screen on them and they walk you step-by-step and show pictures of actually how to use the machine, so the kids will be able to use them too,” Peters said.

Giannicchi said the community has supported the additions of bus AEDs from day one.

“This was a big leap and they have reassurance now when their kids are on that bus that we’re taking every procedure that we’re keeping them safe,” Peters said.

Every driver and monitor in the school’s transportation department is now CPR and AED certified.

All 17 AEDs have been installed and rolled out with the start of the school year.

Dillon Morello is a reporter from Pittsburgh who has been part of the News 4 team since September of 2023. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.