On Thursday 12 September, Network Rail collaborated with emergency services and industry partners in a live action exercise to test their readiness to respond in emergency situations.
The exercise, known as Operations Salthouse #2, simulated a train derailment, including multiple injuries – and complicated by a flask of nuclear material being transported in the opposite direction. Responding to the incident, colleagues from the police, British Transport Police, fire and ambulance services, Northern Trains, Direct Rail Services, supported by the Radsafe team and Network Rail’s own teams worked together to secure the scene and evacuate the train’s passengers, played by local extras and representatives from Casualties Union and Furness college.
A Rail Incident Office from Network Rail co-ordinated the multiagency response, supported by a Tactical Incident Leader.
The exercise proceeded according to plan, allowing us to work closely with key agencies to ensure that we are joined up in the event of an incident. It also allowed emergency responders to carry out the first ever live trial of the ‘ten second triage’ protocol developed in the aftermath of the Manchester Arena bombing.
Wendy Potter, Network Rail’s operations manager for Cumbria, said: “By holding detailed scenarios such as this, we help to make sure that our processes are robust, and that we are well prepared to keep our passengers and communities safe. I’d like to say a huge thanks our partners from Northern, Direct Rail Services and the emergency services for taking part in the exercise.
“Events like this are vital for testing the way we will work together in an emergency. We will review the exercise in detail and the lessons we learn will be implemented going forwards.”
Image credit: Network Rail