Railway or tram rescue

Include all incident actions

Incident information

Provide relevant information to the fire control room when requesting proportionate control of the railway
Use location markers on fixed structures to confirm and communicate exact location
Request advice and assistance from rail or tram network operators regarding the most appropriate access
Identify whether trains or trams are informed, run at caution, stopped or stopped and power off and isolated
Identify rail power systems and determine whether the line is electrified and involved in the incident
All incident information:
Gather information from available sources to gain accurate situational awareness and understanding
Question the responsible person, other responders and witnesses to understand incident factors and history
Confirm and communicate the involvement, number and severity of any casualties (persons or animals)
Ensure that a scene survey is carried out at the earliest opportunity
Access any operational or site specific risk information (SSRI) and confirm accuracy
Debrief crews that have withdrawn from a working area during an incident to gain operational intelligence and safety-related information
Maintain situational awareness and identify changes during the incident through active monitoring and regular briefings
Further incident information
- Access risk information including emergency plans held at stations, signal boxes and other locations
- Identify any limited clearance areas and take notice of warning signs
- Identify the impact of tunnels, bridges, viaducts and flyovers on access, resources and incident plan
- Identify and communicate the speed and type of line, for example single or multi-directional
- Identify utilities installed adjacent to railway lines and assess the impact on the incident and the safety of personnel
- Investigate the scene looking for indicators of occupancy considering seating and standing capacities
- Identify the status of ventilation systems, pressurised escape areas and intervention/access shafts
- All incident information:
- Use local knowledge, topography and map reading skills to aid navigation to an incident
- Ensure that tracks and pathways are suitable for fire service vehicles
- Consider the least damaging routes to incidents and where possible, stay on marked paths and tracks
- Consider Step 1-2-3 Plus: Safety Triggers for Emergency Personnel
- Access past, present and future weather information from sources such as the Met Office
- Ascertain the availability of pre-arranged evacuation strategies and policies
- Consider pollution prevention information contained within site specific risk plans
- Seek advice from landowners and other bodies on susceptible areas of the environment
- Review situational awareness following an emergency evacuation or tactical withdrawal

Resource information

Request adequate resources to enable effective search and timely extrication of casualties
Establish and maintain contact with the rail infrastructure controller or Rail Incident Officer (RIO)
Request attendance of heavy or specialist rescue equipment (consider other agencies and USAR)
Request medical support at rescue incidents as soon as a need is identified
Consider requesting specialist resources to transport people and equipment to the scene
All incident information:
Request sufficient resources to implement initial actions, the incident plan and support contingency plan
Consider requesting the attendance of a competent person, subject matter expert or tactical adviser
Consider resources that may be available from neighbouring fire and rescue services and partner agencies
Inform and/or seek advice from environment agencies and/or sewage undertakers where necessary
Consider whether appliances, personnel, equipment and other resources can be released from the incident
Regularly update fire control on the availability status of appliances and other resources
Further resource information
- Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
- All incident information:
- Identify the safest access route, rendezvous points (RVPs) and marshalling areas, and communicate to all responders and the fire control room
- Consider requesting facilities for the welfare of crews deployed at protracted incidents
- Consider the availability of pollution control equipment and/or pollution containment facilities on site
- Make use of specialist fire and rescue service or on-site environmental protection equipment
- Consider the appointment of a HMA (or equivalent) to oversee environmental protection activities

Risk information

Moving rail stock
- Where possible await the arrival of the Rail Incident Officer (RIO) before entering the track area
- Establish a 3 metre exclusion zone until trains have been confirmed as stopped, power off and earthed
- Identify the proportionate level of control over the railway
- Ensure high visibility clothing is worn where compatible with other PPE
- Consider trains may coast for considerable distances after power has been isolated
- Seek assistance from the police or other relevant responder agency to secure a safe working area
- Brief crews that are moving around the rail infrastructure on Personal Track Safety guidelines
Difficult access and egress
- Consider the impact of the transport infrastructure on safe access and egress routes
- Consider a range of means of accessing incident including the use of specialist vehicles
- Define routes using physical barriers and clearly illuminate where there is reduced visibility
- Consider the effects of geography on equipment logistics, casualties and crew welfare
- Gain access to railway carriages and rolling stock via doors, corridor connectors, and windows, or create an opening
Working environment and rail infrastructure
- Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
- Identify and communicate trackside hazards (e.g. power, utilities, biological materials, undergrowth)
- Consider the impact of stations, tunnels, sidings, depots and other rolling stock on incident response
- Assess the weight of the object, its stability and its impact on the mode of transport and any casualties
- Keep feet clear of track points that may move without warning
Fuel and power systems
- For the rescue of live person(s) personnel and equipment must not come within 1 metre of OLE
- Consider making electrical gloves available for personnel to use at incidents involving live electricity supply.
- Request the use of short-circuiting (SCD) or earthing devices – to be used only by qualified personnel
- Identify the presence and status of any Battery Electric Multiple Units
- Establish a 3 metre exclusion zone until trains have been confirmed as stopped, power off and earthed
- Consider additional risks presented by steam trains (Extreme temperatures, high pressure steam)
- Request isolation of live power systems (infrastructure and on-board)
Vehicle construction and contents
- Identify materials and systems used within a vehicle and communicate to all emergency responders
- Identify and communicate hazards relating to pressurised systems to all responders
- Identify the design and construction of the mode of transport, and the most appropriate tools for gaining access to it
- Assess the weight of the object, its stability and its impact on the mode of transport and any casualties
- Consider removing or stabilising vehicle contents if they are likely to hamper response
- Identify the likely direction of travel for any loads that may move
Unstable mode of transport
- Assess and communicate hazards relating to instability to all emergency responders
- Implement and monitor appropriate stabilisation methods for the mode of transport, taking into account the required operational activity
- Regularly assess the effectiveness of the stabilisation techniques employed
- Consider appointing safety officers to monitor the stability of the mode of transport, and the impact of operational activity on this
Hazardous materials
- Approach the vicinity of the incident cautiously and at slow speed
- Identify potential sources of biological contamination (e.g. waste from sanitary conveniences)
- Identify and communicate any diesel, grease, asbestos, detonators and track welding powder
- Identify any hazardous materials signage and other indicators as part of scene survey
- Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established following an assessment of the risk to crews, other agencies and the public
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
Rescue tools
- Consider extrication methods which do not require the use of tools or equipment
- Select the appropriate rescue tool considering the condition of the casualty, extrication plan and materials
- Provide hard and soft protection between the tool and the casualties, operators and other responders
- Monitor rescue tool performance for indicators of unidentified materials
- Ensure all personnel wear PPE according to service risk assessment and procedures for rescue incidents
Bodyfluids
- Avoid contact with body fluids where possible
- Isolate or cover body fluids following casualty removal
- Wear body fluid gloves and cover broken skin with waterproof dressing
- Instigate decontamination procedures following exposure of personnel and equipment to body fluids
All incident information:
Working environment
- Identify bodies of water, unstable ground and risks of falling from height in working environment
- Consider the effect of weather conditions and time of day on the working environment
- Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
- Implement measures to maintain access and egress during the incident
- Establish, identify and communicate safe traffic routes, establish clear zones and equipment points
- Provide lighting to illuminate hazards to personnel in poorly lit environments
- Ensure that personnel have access to the appropriate PPE
Weather conditions
- Monitor personnel for signs and symptoms of fatigue, dehydration, heat or cold stress
- Consider task rotation when personnel are carrying out manual handling tasks
- Consider relief and welfare arrangements to reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on themselves and others
- Instigate appropriate medical interventions if personnel show signs and symptoms of physiological stress
Noise
- Consider isolating sources of noise
- Keep the number of people exposed to the hazard at a minimum and reduce time of exposure through personnel rotation
- Ensure personnel wear appropriate hearing protectors
Heavy and bulky objects
- Consider using machinery or other equipment to assist with manual handling risk
- Request additional or specialist resources to assist with manual handling tasks
- Consider the task, individual capabilities, load and environment (TILE) when carrying out risk assessments for manual handling
- Ensure personnel adopt the provided safe system of manual handling
Moving vehicles
- Be vigilant and co-operate with service procedures relating to vehicle movements
- Position appliances to fend-off vehicles and use warning signs, lights and cones
- Apply safety measures to minimise the risk of collisions
Animals
- Avoid, contain or control animals if necessary
- Request support with managing animals from owners, keepers, police, vets or welfare organisations
Hazardous materials
- Identify whether the incident should be reclassified as a hazardous materials response
- Remove unaffected chemicals from the hazard area if safe to do so
- Comply with service protocols when handling substances that are hazardous to health
- Ensure open wounds, cuts and grazes are covered by a waterproof dressing prior to operational activity
- Comply with hygiene arrangements and do not eat, drink, smoke or vape
Body fluids
- Avoid contact with body fluids where possible
- Isolate or cover body fluids following casualty removal
- Wear body fluid gloves and cover broken skin with waterproof dressing
- Instigate decontamination procedures following exposure of personnel and equipment to body fluids
Distressing or traumatic scenes
- Minimise number of personnel exposed to traumatic scenes where possible
- Consider seeking the assistance of other agencies when dealing with traumatic incidents
- Erect screens to restrict the view of traumatic scenes
Violence and aggression
- Consider adopting defensive tactics if people are displaying unpredictable, aggressive, violent or illegal behaviour
- Request police support at incidents involving violence and aggression towards crews

Powers, policies and procedures

All incident information:
Consider the legal exemptions in relation to environmental protection i.e.
- A discharge is made in an emergency to avoid danger to human health
- All reasonably practicable steps were taken to minimise pollution
- The relevant environment agency is informed of the incident as soon as possible
Enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises:
- if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
- if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
- for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
- NB Does not apply to Crown property (including ministry of defence) and diplomatic or consular premises
- NB The Master of the ship (or delegated officer) of a merchant vessel must give permission to board
Restrict the access of persons to premises or a place if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
Enter premises or a place, by force if necessary, without the consent of the owner or occupier of the premises:
- if they reasonably believe an emergency to have occurred
- if they reasonably believe a fire to have broken out or to be about to break out
- for the purpose of extinguishing or preventing the fire or protecting life or property
- NB Does not apply to Crown property (including ministry of defence) and diplomatic or consular premises
- NB The Master of the ship (or delegated officer) of a merchant vessel must give permission to board

Why?

Expectations?

Benefit vs Risk?

Objectives

Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Provide medical care and release trapped casualties
All incident information:
Maintain the safety of all personnel, other responders and the public
Save life and reduce harm
Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
Further objectives
- Promote community recovery and restore normal operations
- Minimise the impact of the incident and fire service actions on any identified environmental risk
- All incident information:
- Consider the JESIP principles at all incidents involving multi-agency operations
- Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
- Protect Critical National Infrastructure and/or local critical infrastructure
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations

Tactical priorities

Identify the proportionate level of control over the railway
Establish a safe working environment for fire crews and other responders
Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and instigate a triage process
Stabilise life threatening injuries or conditions and maintain casualty care throughout incident
Develop and communicate immediate release, emergency and full extrication plans
All incident information:
Carry out a dynamic risk assessment, identify hazards, evaluate risk and implement safe systems of work
Declare the tactical mode and communicate to all personnel and fire control
Carry out and formally record analytical risk assessments at suitable intervals
Establish emergency arrangements appropriate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Further tactical priorities
- Consider taking action to prevent a serious escalation of the incident
- Consider appointing a search co-ordinator to ensure all areas have been systematically searched
- Co-ordinate the simultaneous activities of extrication teams and tool operators
- All incident information:
- Apply the firefighter safety maxim and safe person principles at incidents
- Identify and communicate the hazard area and establish a safe working area as soon as is practicable
- Anticipate the likely development of the incident and evaluate the potential consequences of a range of actions
- Develop and communicate an incident plan considering contingencies arrangements
- Consider the competence of individuals and teams when allocating tasks
- Regularly review and update incident plan in response to active monitoring of the situation against expected outcomes
- Review the tactical mode following active monitoring and briefings with sector commanders
- Periodically review the analytical risk assessment using situational awareness from active monitoring
- Use the Joint Decision Model to co-ordinate an effective response at multi-agency incidents
- Identify the need to evacuate and develop a strategy in liaison with partner agencies
- Establish an appropriate muster point and communicate its location to all personnel, and other responders if present
- Secure the scene to ensure evidence is preserved for internal and external investigations
- Carry out an environmental risk assessment and monitor the impact of tactics on the identified risk
- Consider preservation of evidence when planning, communicating and implementing tactics

Operational tactics

Implement a co-ordinated search plan, define parameters and sub-divide the area where necessary
Stabilise the vehicle and create initial access to casualties
Reveal hidden areas to aid identification of components that could damage tools or cause uncontrolled release
Implement appropriate space creation techniques in line with the casualty extrication plan
Extricate the casualty considering their injuries and overall threat to life
Create and resource a suitable casualty care point
All incident information:
Gain access to premises causing minimal damage considering the urgency of the situation
Establish and resource a casualty care point
Determine whether people should be advised to evacuate, shelter in place or 'stay put'
When evacuation is necessary, identify the number of people affected and develop a plan
Further operational tactics
- Stay 1 metre from live parts of the system when performing a rescue of person in contact with live electricity
- All incident information:
- Consider the potential effects of incident development when positioning appliances
- Identify the number of casualties requiring medical attention and instigate a triage process
- Instigate and communicate hygiene arrangements, facilities and consider decontamination
- Implement an appropriate protection plan when an identified nature conservation site is at risk
- Consider screening casualties from the view of the public, media or other casualties

Communication

Establish and maintain contact with the rail infrastructure controller or Rail Incident Officer (RIO)
Brief crews that are moving around the rail infrastructure on Personal Track Safety guidelines
Establish incident ground communications considering working environment and infrastructure
Provide a structured handover when transferring casualty to medical responders
All incident information:
Establish and maintain an incident ground communication plan considering other agencies and remote resources
Ensure that all personnel are briefed on the current hazards, risks, control measures and tactical mode
Communicate the incident situation to other responders via fire control using the M\ETHANE message protocol
Provide a structured brief when handing over and taking over command
Communicate findings of analytical risk assessment to all personnel and other agencies
Further communications
- Communicate the contents of any M\ETHANE message transmitted to all responders
- Ensure communication systems are effective in subsurface and tunnel environments
- Establish a media liaison point and brief a nominated media liaison officer

Control

Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
All incident information:
Establish an incident command structure appropriate to the likely size and complexity of the incident
Ensure that appropriate inner and outer cordons are established and communicated following an assessment of risk to all people present
Control access to the inner cordon using methods proportionate to the type, size and complexity of the incident
Appoint competent safety officers to monitor specific hazards or activities
Instigate a tactical withdrawal of personnel when the mode changes from offensive to defensive
Further control
- Commit only minimum number of essential personnel to hazard area
- Consider establishing a forward control point
- All incident information:
- Be prepared to adopt a leadership role at multi-agency incidents
- Establish a scene access control point to log all people operating within the inner cordon when appropriate
- Consider the use of command support systems and equipment where required
- Monitor the performance of personnel and where necessary modify plans to available competencies
- Record the details of the transfer of command; this should be done at the incident ground and in the fire control room
- Instigate a safety sector at large or complex incidents under the control of a safety sector commander
- Implement exclusion zones if intolerable risks to safety are identified
- Request police assistance to establish a traffic cordon or air exclusion zone if necessary
- Request an air exclusion zone through the appropriate authority if required
- Maintain effective command and control in an emergency situation
- Carry out a roll call of personnel at the scene following an emergency evacuation of responders
- Communicate the tactical withdrawal and emergency evacuation arrangements to all personnel

Incident closure and handover

Inform network rail when incident is completed and all personnel are at a place of safety
Ensure that hazards are identified when handing over responsibility for safety to the responsible person
Consider decontamination of personnel, PPE and equipment prior to redeployment
All incident information:
Ensure that effective supervision of operational activity is maintained until the conclusion of the incident
Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary
Ensure that hazards, potential hazards and control measures are identified when handing over responsibility for health and safety to the responsible person
Consider taking appropriate steps to secure premises or vehicles after access or entry has been gained by force
Conduct a structured debrief at a level appropriate to the size of the incident
Consider community recovery protocols and arrange appropriate assistance prior to leaving the incident
Instigate and co-operate with post incident investigations where necessary

Railway or tram rescue

Incident information

Further incident information

Resource information

Further resource information

Risk information

Moving rail stock

Difficult access and egress

Working environment and rail infrastructure

Fuel and power systems

Vehicle construction and contents

Unstable mode of transport

Hazardous materials

Rescue tools

Bodyfluids

Working environment

Weather conditions

Noise

Heavy and bulky objects

Moving vehicles

Animals

Hazardous materials

Body fluids

Distressing or traumatic scenes

Violence and aggression

Powers, policies and procedures

Objectives

Further objectives

Tactical priorities

Further tactical priorities

Operational tactics

Further operational tactics

Communication

Further communications

Control

Further control

Incident closure and handover

Additional information