Bus firm criticised after pensioner hurt

But the bus operator defended its man, saying that he had done his best to assist given that drivers are not trained in first aid, buses do not carry first aid kits, and mobile phones are not issued to drivers because they cannot be used legally while on the move.

Ben Littlejohn, 29, of Crowhurst Lane, Sidley, said he had got onto the bus outside Sidley launderette at 9.22am last Tuesday and sat at the back with his disabled wife, for whom he is a full-time carer.

But he added: "I was appalled at the driver's attitude when we got to Herstmonceux and this old lady ripped open her shin on the step as she tried to get on the bus and fell.

"At first he did nothing, and then reluctantly it seemed, got up and asked if anyone had a mobile phone.

"The poor woman was bleeding profusely yet he seemed more interested in filling out paperwork because there had been an accident.

" I can't believe buses don't carry first aid kits in case something like this happens, and I thought the driver's reaction left a lot to be desired."

A passing police car, believed to be an armed response unit, was flagged down and three officers took over and administered first aid while an ambulance was called.

The bus, delayed by some 30 minutes, pulled away as the ambulance arrived.

Helen Martin, marketing manager for Stagecoach Bus, said their driver had been interviewed by his manager, and said that he had asked for anyone with a mobile phone to call for help.

"But almost immediately he saw a police car and flagged it down, and the officers took over, calling an ambulance and tending to the lady," said Ms Martin. "The police gave him permisssion to carry on in service, but he saw the ambulance arrive as he was departing."

She added: "Obviously we are sorry that another customer felt that the driver should have done more, but he assures us that he did everything he could at the time."

Ms Martin said first aid kits were not standard equipment on Stagecoach buses as drivers were not trained to use them, and although many drivers carried their own mobile phones, they were not issued by the company because it is an offence to use them while driving.