Network Rail recently teamed up with emergency services and industry partners for a live-action exercise to test their emergency response capabilities.
Dubbed Operations Salthouse #2, the exercise simulated a train derailment with multiple injuries, further complicated by a flask of nuclear material being transported in the opposite direction. Responders from the police, British Transport Police, fire and ambulance services, Northern Trains, Direct Rail Services, and the Radsafe team, along with Network Rail’s own teams, collaborated to secure the scene and evacuate passengers. These passengers were portrayed by local extras and representatives from Casualties Union and Furness College. The multiagency response was coordinated by a Rail Incident Office from Network Rail, supported by a Tactical Incident Leader.
The exercise went smoothly, enabling close collaboration with key agencies to ensure a coordinated response in real incidents. It also provided an opportunity for emergency responders to conduct the first live trial of the ‘ten second triage’ protocol, developed after the Manchester Arena bombing.
Wendy Potter, Network Rail’s operations manager for Cumbria, commented:
“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 to 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.”
Photo Credits: Network Rail
