Train Rescue

Rescue operations in train accidents can result in many casualties due to collisions or human accidents. These accidents range from minor incidents to large-scale disasters.

Unlike regular vehicles, trains have complex structures and carry high voltage electricity. Therefore, it’s essential to first learn about the structure and characteristics of trains.

Train Car Structure

Looking for book or explanation on parts of a train! : r/trains

Initial Response

Confirm the Accident Location
Is it on the platform? Under the vehicle? Inside the vehicle?
Confirm the Scale of the Accident (Number of People Needing Rescue)
Assess the situation!
Identify the Person in Charge On-Site
Once the location is confirmed, call the stationmaster or the conductor. Ensure the train is immobilized.
Check the Power Status of the Accident Train
The power status is crucial to prevent secondary accidents for the rescuers. Pay extra attention if the vehicle is severely damaged.
Request Cooperation
If the accident vehicle needs to be moved, request a large crane from a private company. If there are many injured people, ask for support from other fire departments.

Train Rescue — 215 Train Stopper Images, Stock Photos & Vectors | Shutterstock

Prevention of Electric Shock Accidents

There are high-voltage devices under the train that are usually isolated in boxes to prevent external contact. However, during an accident, it’s unclear how the electricity may be leaking. High-voltage parts are sometimes colored yellow, orange, or red, but some parts may not be colored. Touching these parts carelessly is dangerous.

High-Voltage Equipment Under the Floor

VVVF Inverter – DC 1500V
Circuit Breaker/Disconnector – DC 1500V
Main Switch / High-Voltage Through Switch – DC 1500V
High-Voltage Fuse – DC 1500V
Ground Switch – DC 1500V

Pay special attention to hazard signs and lightning bolt symbols.

Pantograph

A pantograph is a device mounted on the roof of trains and electric locomotives to draw electric current from overhead wires.

Even after lowering the pantograph and cutting off the power, the underside of the vehicle may still hold residual current. It is necessary to wait for the residual current to dissipate, which takes at least 3 minutes. Be extremely cautious when entering under the vehicle.

After lowering the pantograph and waiting for the residual current to dissipate, check for any remaining current using a voltage detector (wearing insulating gloves).

Train Rescue Steps:

Lower the pantograph.
Wait for 3 minutes.
Use a voltage detector to check for any remaining current (wear insulating gloves).
Ensure the train is immobilized with wheel stoppers.

Remember to be cautious when entering the area under the vehicle.

Train Rescue Methods

Determine the Rescue Method

Protect the Privacy of the Victim: Use blue tarps or similar materials.

Moving Train Passengers

If Trapped Between the Platform and the Train:
Move passengers to the opposite side of the train. This is effective if the train uses metal springs. However, if it uses air springs, the train maintains a constant height, so this method is ineffective.
Use air mats or spreaders (heavy-duty removal tools) to expand the gap. Initially, try using manual force. Note that the train’s body is lightweight, and the side walls are weak, so place the tools on the frame or areas with structural reinforcement.
Ensure the victim wears a safety harness to prevent falls before expanding the gap.

If Trapped Under the Wheels

Lift the Accident Vehicle: Use heavy-duty removal tools such as air mats, hydraulic jacks, and spreaders.
Lifting Points: Use the axle box, other parts of the bogie, or the vehicle body. For wheel entrapments, the axle box is the primary lifting point.
Spring Stops: When lifting parts other than the axle, fix the springs beforehand to prevent wasted lifting height due to spring extension. The method varies by vehicle type, so consult with railway personnel.

If Wrapped Around the Wheels

Expand the Gap: Use heavy-duty removal tools.
Remove Wheels: Use tools to detach the wheels.

If Trapped Under an Overturned Train

Lift the Accident Vehicle: Use heavy-duty removal tools.
Hoist the Vehicle: Use cranes or other heavy machinery.
Destroy Structures: Use cutting tools to break apart structures.

Opening Doors

Emergency Door Handles: Trains have “door cocks” for emergency evacuation.

Train Rescue Measures to Prevent Secondary Accidents

１．Entering the Railway Tracks:

Be aware of the danger of contact with operating trains.
Be cautious of electric shock hazards from high-voltage equipment under the train.
Avoid contact with hot parts like brakes, wheels, and motors that may be hot after running.

２．Stopping Trains:

If there are no measures to stop following and oncoming trains that could interfere with rescue operations, request the railway company’s responsible person to stop related trains.

３．Entering the Tracks:

When entering the tracks, limit access to prevent accidents with following and oncoming trains.

４．Safety Monitors:

Place monitors at the front and rear of the accident train to ensure safety monitoring.

５．Engage Brakes:

Ask the driver and conductor to engage the brakes securely and use wheel stoppers.

６．Jack-Up Operations:

Attach wheel stoppers to the rear bogie to prevent the vehicle from rolling during jack-up operations.

７．Jack-Up Placement:

If there are sleepers directly under the jack-up site, use them. If not, remove gravel and use blocks and waterproof sheets to stabilize the ground and set the jack vertically.

Lower the Pantograph Quickly for Train Rescue

Learn the Structure and Terminology of Vehicles

Please watch a reference video about train rescues.

FIRE RESCUE CLUB