Forest River is expanding access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across its operations, a move that underscores growing attention to cardiac emergency preparedness and could have broader implications for pupil transportation.

The company announced it is installing AEDs in 120 facilities, with at least one employee at each location trained in CPR and AED use. The initiative, led by its safety and human resources teams, focuses on both equipment placement and hands-on training.

“At Forest River, people come first, and looking out for one another is more than a statement, it’s a responsibility,” said David Youman, chief compliance officer. “By strategically placing AEDs where our people work and training responders how to use them, we’re strengthening our ability to act quickly when every second matters in a cardiac event.”

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., with about 10,000 cases occurring annually in workplaces, according to the American Heart Association. Survival rates drop significantly with each minute without defibrillation, while immediate AED use can dramatically improve outcomes.

Forest River’s rollout also emphasizes awareness, as research shows more than half of employees do not know where AEDs are located in their workplace.

The company said it plans to expand AED placement and training as the program continues.

OEM Perspectives on AED Preparedness

Forest River’s initiative raises broader questions about how school bus manufacturers and suppliers approach emergency preparedness within their own facilities—and whether similar measures could extend beyond the workplace.

To find out what other industry OEMs do, School Bus Fleet reached out to several manufacturers but did not receive information in response in time for publishing.

AEDs on School Buses: Rare but Emerging

A small but growing number of districts have begun equipping school buses with AEDs as part of broader safety initiatives. In one example highlighted in local news coverage of Western New York, Allegany-Limestone Central Schools implemented onboard AEDs to address the reality that medical emergencies can occur during transport, when immediate access to first responders may be limited.

Officials emphasized that bus routes go through rural areas of the community, and that emergency services could take 10 to 20 minutes to respond. The devices, designed to guide users step-by-step, were paired with CPR and AED training for both staff and students to ensure all could act quickly and confidently. The effort reflects a preparedness-focused approach: while cardiac emergencies on school buses are rare, having life-saving equipment readily available can help bridge the gap until emergency personnel arrive.

A Growing Conversation Around Transit Safety

The discussion around AEDs on school buses mirrors a broader shift in public transportation.

Sudden cardiac arrest affects approximately 350,000 people annually in the U.S., and survival rates without treatment can be as low as 5%. However, when CPR and AED use are applied within three to five minutes, survival rates can increase to as high as 74%.

Transit agencies have already begun responding. Systems such as Boston’s MBTA, Chicago’s Metra, and NJ Transit have installed AEDs across trains, stations, and facilities. In some cases, these programs have directly contributed to lives saved.

With millions of passengers using public transportation daily, the presence of AEDs—and trained personnel—has become an increasingly important component of safety planning.

Industry Perspectives and Practical Challenges

Among school transportation professionals, opinions on AEDs aboard buses vary.

Some drivers and staff support the idea, pointing to real-world experiences where faster access to an AED could have changed outcomes. In one discussion among drivers, a participant noted that a student death on campus was later determined to be survivable with an AED.

Others emphasize logistical and practical concerns, including training requirements, device maintenance, liability, and the relatively low frequency of cardiac events on school buses.

Some suggest a middle-ground approach, such as placing AEDs at bus depots or transportation centers rather than on every vehicle. One driver noted that having devices available at the bus yard could still address emergencies involving staff, citing multiple incidents over time.

Looking Ahead

As AEDs become more common across workplaces and public transit systems, the school bus industry may face increasing pressure to evaluate their role in pupil transportation.

For manufacturers like Forest River, expanding AED access within facilities is one step. For school districts and contractors, the question remains whether similar investments should extend to the buses themselves.

With student safety as a core priority, the conversation is likely to continue: Should AEDs become another layer of protection on school buses—and if so, what would it take to make that a reality?