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Article Summary
A 7-year-old Cincinnati Public Schools student died after she was found unresponsive on a school bus Sept. 16. Questions have emerged about when bus staff recognized that she was unresponsive and when 911 was contacted. School-bus safety experts have also raised questions about emergency-response and supervision protocols, while the cause of death remains under investigation.
Experts question how drivers and monitors should respond when a student becomes unresponsive.
This is consequent to the death of a 7-year-old Cincinnati Public Schools student who died after becoming unresponsive on a school bus.
What happened on the school bus?
Seven-year-old Ngone Talla was riding a bus operated by First Student on Sept. 16 when she became unresponsive during her trip home, according to police.
A police report indicated that the bus driver and monitor noticed that Talla was unresponsive when the bus arrived at her home. However, the report said they did not call 911 at that point.
Talla’s father called 911 after the bus arrived. As a result, emergency crews were dispatched to the home for a child reportedly experiencing possible cardiac arrest.
The circumstances surrounding when Talla first became unresponsive remain part of the investigation. In addition, what happened during the remainder of the bus ride is also being investigated.
Experts question bus response protocols
The incident has prompted questions from school-bus safety experts about the response when a student becomes unresponsive. Specifically, questions focus on how drivers and monitors should respond.
Safety expert Ken Trump told Local 12 that adults supervising buses carrying students with disabilities are expected to actively monitor students. They must also recognize signs that a child may be experiencing distress.
Another expert, Andy Nelson of Safer Driver Solutions, said calling 911 is generally appropriate. This action should be taken when someone appears to be experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
However, those comments do not establish that the bus driver or monitor violated a law, school policy or Talla’s required services.
Investigators still have to determine what happened medically, when Talla became unresponsive and what supervision and assistance were required for her.
Training requirements vary
The case has also raised questions about the training provided to school-bus personnel. This is especially important for those who work with students with disabilities.
Ohio requirements for school-bus aides include training related to working with students with functional needs and responding to stressful situations. State requirements do not appear to establish a universal CPR-training requirement for all school-bus aides, according to reporting by Local 12.
Individual school districts and transportation providers can have additional policies or training requirements.
Cincinnati Public Schools and First Student have said they are cooperating with the investigation.
Cause of death remains under investigation
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office has not yet released a final autopsy report determining why Talla died.
Earlier reports indicated that the death appeared to be from natural causes. However, the investigation was continuing. The coroner’s office said the autopsy report could take additional time to complete.
Reports have also raised questions about Talla’s seatbelt and whether she may have become caught in it. However, that should not be described as the confirmed cause of death unless investigators or the coroner establish it.
Talla’s family continues to seek answers about what happened during the bus ride and after she was found unresponsive.
The investigation is expected to provide more information about the medical circumstances of her death and whether required transportation and supervision protocols were followed.
FAQs
Why are bus safety experts discussing the case?
Experts have raised broader questions about how school-bus personnel should recognize medical emergencies, supervise students with disabilities and respond when a child becomes unresponsive.
Is there evidence that the delay in calling 911 caused Talla’s death?
That has not been established. The investigation still needs to determine the medical cause of death and whether earlier intervention would have affected the outcome.
Could the incident lead to changes in school-bus policies?
That will depend on the findings of the investigation and any reviews conducted by Cincinnati Public Schools, First Student or other authorities. The incident has already prompted discussion among safety experts about emergency-response procedures for students with disabilities.
Does Ohio require school-bus aides to have medical training?
Ohio has training requirements for school-bus aides who work with students with disabilities. The specific requirements for medical or emergency training can depend on applicable state rules, district policies and the transportation provider.
