Disaster management

Lesson No. 1

(I)  Availability of Resources:

       Resources available in case of a major accident may be grouped into 4 different units, depending on the time frame within which these can be made available after an accident.

      These are as follows:

       Resource Unit I      -          Railway and non-railway resources available on the train and at nearby surroundings.

       Resource Unit II    -          Railway resources available at ARMV/ART depots and elsewhere within the division.

       Resource Unit III   -          Railway resources available at ARMV/ART depots and elsewhere on adjoining Zones and Divisions.

       Resource Unit IV    -          Non-railway resources available within or outside the division.

I      Resource Unit-I:

       (a)    On trains carrying Passengers following resources are available:

       (i)      First Aid Box available with the Guard.

       (ii)     First Aid Box available with Train Superintendent and in the Pantry Car.

       (iii)    Portable Telephones, Fire Extinguishers in Brake Van.

       (iv)    Portable Telephones in Locomotives.

       (v)     Walkie-Talkie with Guard and Driver.

       (vi)    Cell Phones/Mobile communications with Passengers.

       (vii)   Doctors travelling on the train.

       (viii)   Railway Officers and staff travelling on the train-either on duty or on leave as passengers.

       (ix)    Passengers travelling on the train who volunteer their help.

       (b)    Non-railway resources available nearly:

       (i)      Volunteers from nearby villages and towns.

       (ii)     Transport facilities available at site or passing through nearby L C Gates.

       (iii)    Tractors with trolleys from nearby villages both for transport purposes and for lighting up the accident site.

       (iv)    Local networks are most effective in rushing assistance immediately, especially with regard to:

                -          medical resources,

                -          additional manpower,

                -          rescue equipment,

                -          lighting arrangements,

                -          transport services,

                -          fire fighting tools etc.

(c)   Railway resources available nearby:

       (i)      Engineering gangs.

       (ii)     OHE staff and signal staff available.

       (iii)    Other resources such as medical facilities, communication facilities.

(d)  At adjoining Stations:

       (i)      Staff available at adjoining or nearby stations.

       (ii)     Railway resources as given in respective Divisional DM Plans.

       (iii)    Non-railway resources as given in respective Divisional DM Plans.

       (iv)    Resources should be mobilized to send medical team at short notice as given in the respective Divisional DM Plans.

2. Resource Unit-II

       AMRVs, ARTs with 140T crane within the division and other Railway resources.

3. Resource Unit-III:

       (i)      Location of AMRVs, ARTs with 140T crane based on adjoining Zones/Divisions.

       (ii)     Resources of men and material available on adjoining Zones/Divisions are given in their data bank and included in the Zonal/Divisional DM Plans of respective Zones/Divisions.

4. Resource Unit -IV

       (i)      Non-railway resources available within the division-as given in the data bank and included in the Divisional DM Plan.

       (ii)     Non-railway resources available outside of division-as given in the data bank and included in the Divisional DM Plans of adjoining Zones/Divisions.

(II)         Disaster preparedness-ARMVs/ARTs :

(A)  Accident relief Medical Van:

1. ARMV Scale I-Equipment stored in Special Medical Relief Vans stabled in separate sidings:

       ARMV is made up of 3 to 4 bogies containing an Operation Theatre, a recovery ward, medicine cabinets etc. In order to ensure expeditious medical aid, ARMVs are stationed every 160 to 200 kms. apart at major junctions for quick dispatch to an accident  site. ARMVs are stabled in a siding in the passenger yard having direct exit in both Up and Dn directions so that it is possible to dispatch it with a locomotive within 15 minutes of being ordered. Medical officers are always in readiness to accompany the ARMV. In an accident involving a passenger carrying train, other officers also leave by the ARMV which is dispatched first.

(i)    Location of ARMVs are given in Accident Manual/Zonal DM Plan.

(ii)   One key of ARMV is available with Loco Foreman or the Station Master in a glass fronted case, other key is with the doctor in charge of the ARMV.

(iii)   Medicines and equipment are provided as per Railway Board norms.

(iv)  Keys of all locks inside the ARMV are also in duplicate. One set of keys are with the Medical Officer in charge of the ARMV and the other set of keys are kept in a glass fronted case inside the ARMV.

(v)   The target time for turning out of ARMV is 15" by day and 20" by night from the time of sounding of siren.

(vi)  Section wise chart for requisitioning of ARMVs from adjoining Zones/Divisions from both ends is given in Zonal Disaster Management Plan.

2. ARME Scale II- Equipment stored in boxes in Special room on platform at station:

In addition to ARMVs, chests containing medical equipment are kept at nominated junction stations 75 to 100 kms. apart, ARMEs can be Scale -I or Scale-II depending on the complement of equipment provided and are transported by train to the accident site.

(i)    Locations of ARME Scale Ii are given in Accident Manual/Zonal DM Plan.

(ii)   The medical equipments are kept sealed without any lock.

(iii)   The Scale II room has duplicate keys.

(iv)  One is with the Medical officer and the other is in Station Master’s Office.

(v)   These are taken out and rushed to the site of an accident by any train or available road vehicle.

       Tools stores and equipment provided in ARMVs and ARMEs are periodically reviewed. The complement of surgical equipment and list of medicines stocked are periodically updated as a result of latest and more sophisticated equipments should be available.

(B)  Accident relief train:

1. Accident Relief Train:

       ART is made up of 7 to 8 bogies and consists of a 140T crane, hydraulic jacks, re-railing equipment, gas cutters, cold cutters, etc. In order to ensure quick restoration after an accident, ARTs like ARMVs are stationed at every 160 to 200 kms. apart at major junctions.

Like ARMVs, ARTs are also stabled in sidings having direct exit in both Up and Dn directions.

Tools, stores and equipment provided in ARTs are periodically reviewed. ART Locations are given in Accident Manual/Zonal DM Plan.

(i)    ART Special formation is stabled complete on a separate siding having double entry for faster exit in both directions.

(ii)   Rescue/Restoration equipments are kept as per Railway Board’s instructions.

(iii)   Break Down Special keys are with the following officials:

       - Engineering Tool Van SSE/SE/JE/Permanent Way.

       - Mechanical Tool Van SSE/SE/JE/Mechanical.

       - Over Head Equipment Tool Van SSE/SE/JE/OHE/TRD.

(iv)  ART is propelled by an inbuilt Diesel Engine and is capable of movement in both directions.

(v)   In case road approach is faster, re-railing equipment may be moved by road as required.

(vi)  The target time for turning out of ART is 30 “by day and 45”. by night from the time of sounding of siren.

(vii)  Section wise chart for requisitioning of ARTs with 140T Crane from adjoining Zones/Divisions from the other end is given in Zonal Disaster Management Plan.

(I)   Disaster response-Overview:

(i)   Golden Hour:

       If a critical trauma patient is not given definite medical care within one hour from the time of accident, chances of his ultimate recovery reduces drastically, even with the best of Medical attention thereafter. This one hour period is generally known as The Golden Hour.

       During this Golden Hour period every effort should be made to:

(i)    Render definite medical care to the extent possible by qualified medical practitioners.

(ii)   stop bleeding and restore Blood Pressure.

(iii)   Persons under shock should be relieved of shock immediately.

(iv)  Transport casualties to the nearest hospital so as to reach within this Golden Hour period.

       For being effective, any Disaster Management system should aim at recovering as many critical patients as possible and rushing them to hospital within this period.

2. Disaster Syndrome:

A victim’s initial response following a Disaster is in three stages, viz. Shock stage, Suggestible stage and Recovery stage. These initial responses are called Disaster Syndrome.

(i)   Shock stage: In which victims are stunned, dazed and apathetic.

(ii)  Suggestible stage: In which victims tend to be passive but open to suggestions and willing to take directions from rescue workers and others.

(iii) Recovery stage: In which individuals may be tense and apprehensive and may show generalized anxiety.

3. Three Different phases of Disaster Response:

       Disaster Response in case of a railway accident, constitutes of 3 phases. These 3 phases are determined both by the time factor, as also by the extent of specialized assistance available. Firstly, it begins with the spontaneous reaction of men available on the train at the time of the accident. There after the second phase continues with contributions made in rescue and relief work by men and material available locally in nearby areas of the accident site. The third and longest phase consists of meticulously planned action by trained DM teams who arrive at the accident site to carry out rescue and relief operations.

       The first phase which is of shortest duration last for about half an hour. It is an amateurish, poorly equipped effort; but is nevertheless the most important phase. In most cases, this is the only help available for a major part of the ‘Golden Hour’.

       The second phase which is of 2-3 hrs. duration is comparatively less amateurish and much better equipped. Their contribution is vital since the ‘Golden Hour’ period comes to an end during the working of this group. How many critically injured passengers can finally be saved depends solely on the efficiency of this group.

       The last and final phase of Disaster Response by railway’s DM team continues for a few days. It comes to an end not only with the restoration of traffic but with the departure of most relatives and next of kin from the accident site and disposal of all bodies. Few of the grievously injured who continue to be hospitalized for comparatively longer spells are then the sole responsibility of railway’s medical department.

       With the above scenario in mind, it is necessary to take firm and quick decisions to save lives and property. To achieve these objectives Railways have a well-defined action plan that is successfully executed by the coordinated efforts of different disciplines, all of whom function as a team. The three groups which are active during the above mentioned 3 phases of Disaster Response, may be classified as follows:

(i)    Instant Action Team (IAT)

(ii)   First Responders (FR)

(iii)   Disaster Management Team (DMT)

(II) Disaster response - Overview:

(A)  Instant Action Team (IAT):

1. Instant Action Team comprises:

       (i)      The Guard, Crew, TS, TTEs, AC coach attendant, Asst. Guard, RPF and other railway staff on duty on the accident involved train.

(ii)   GRP staff travelling on the train on duty.

(iii)   Railway staff travelling by the accident involved train either on duty or on leave as passengers.

(iv)  Doctor travelling by the train.

(v)   Passengers travelling on the train who volunteer for rescue and relief work.

(vi)  Railway staff working at site or available near the site of the accident.

(vii)  Non-Railway personnel available at or near the accident site.

2. Pre-accident checklist of preparation for Members of Instant Action Team:

(i)    Generally, about 15" time elapses before information regarding occurrence of an accident reaches the Divisional Control Office. In case information can be conveyed immediately this time can be saved. This 15" time is of vital importance since it constitutes 25% of the ‘Golden Hour.’

(ii)   In case they have a Mobile, telephone numbers of all relevant officials such as those of divisional control offices etc. have been permanently fed into the Mobile for immediate use in an emergency.

(iii)   These important telephone numbers cover all those sections where they are required to work their train either within their own division or even those of adjoining divisions.

(iv)  Divisions print and circulate a DM Telephone Directory containing all such telephone numbers that are likely to be required in an emergency.

(v)   Whenever they are travelling at night keep a torch handy and secure it by some means.

3. Railway Staff travelling on the accident affected train:

(i)    Detail duty list of Guard, Driver, Assistant Guard, Train Superintendent, Travelling Ticket Examiner, AC Mechanic, Coach Attendant, RPF & GRP staff are laid down in the Accident Manual of Zonal Railways.

(ii)   Whenever a train is involved in a serious accident with causalities/injuries to passengers, all railway staff travelling on the train either on duty or on leave are deemed to be duty with immediate effect.

(iii)   The senior most officer travelling on the train will assume charge as Officer-in-Charge Site (OC Site).

4. Duties of OC site-Immediately after the accident:

(i)    Note down the time of accident.

(ii)   Ensure protection of traffic by Guard and Driver.

(iii)   Ensure reporting of accident to nearest Station/Control.

(iv)  Roughly assess the extent of damage and likely number of casualties.

(v)   Collect railway staff and volunteers from amongst the passengers and form different groups.

(vi)  Till Divisional Officers arrive and take over charge of the situation, continue to discharge duties of OC Site.

(vii)  After Divisional Officers arrive, fully brief the DRM hand over charge to him.

(viii) The on-board OC Site should ensure issue of a detailed message with following information before leaving the site of the accident.

       - time/Date of accident.

       - Location Km./between stations.

       - Train number and description.

       - Nature of accident.

       - Approximate number of killed/injured.

       - Extent of damage.

       - Assistance required.

       - Condition of the adjacent line, if any.

       - Whether OHE is involved.

(ix)   From here onwards, the DRM of the accident involved division takes over charge as OC Site.

5. Formation of Groups comprising members of Instant Action Team:

(i)    OC Site shall immediately collect all Railway staff on train/at site and form separate groups.

(ii)   Passengers travelling by the same train who volunteer for rescue relief work should also be drafted into these groups.

(iii)   Passengers from accident involved coaches should be directed towards their own coach.

(iv)  Passengers from coaches which are not effected can be distributed amongst other accident involved coaches.

(v)   In the absence of OC site, TS/TTE shall take steps to form such groups

(vi)  In the absence of TS/TTE the Guard/Assistant Guard shall take steps to form such groups.

(vii)  5 or 6 groups should be formed depending on number of coaches involved.

(viii) Ideally, one group should be formed for handling each coach.

(ix)   In case sufficient number of officers are present, then one officer should be made in-charge of each group.

(x)   Otherwise, Sr. Supervisors travelling by the accident involved train should be nominated as in-charge of each group to co-ordinate its working.

(xi)   In case sufficient number Sr. Supervisors are also not present, one TTE should be nominated as in-charge of each group to co-ordinate its working.

(xii)  Each group should rescue injured, entrapped passengers.

6. Duties of members of Instant Action Team-Till arrival of Divisional Officers:

(i)    In case you have a Mobile and it is working, inform the divisional control office immediately about the accident.

(ii)   Observe the position in which your coach has stopped; whether it is standing upright or turned upside down or lying on its side.

(iii)   Try and see whether your coach has stopped on a bridge or whether there is level ground on both sides.

(iv)  Search your coach with your torch and try to determine the general position.

(v)   Call out aloud and find out whether there are any doctors present.

(vi)  Call out aloud and find out whether there are any railway staffs present.

(vii)  If a person is bleeding and loosing blood, or if he is unconscious, then in that case you have to act quickly, ‘Golden Hour’ should be kept in mind. You may have at the most only one hour’s time on hand.

(a)   Extrication of critically injured should be done under medical supervision as far as possible.

(b)   In case medical supervision is not available, then critically injured passengers should be made to lie down on a bed sheet and thereafter taken out by 4 persons holding the four corners. This will ensure that no further damage takes place. (Bed sheets will be available in AC coaches).

7. Duties of the Instant Action Team - In case of a fire:

(i)    In case of fire pull the Alarm Chain and stop the train immediately.

(ii)   Try and put out the fire before it becomes a big blaze by using either water or blankets etc.

(iii)   Advise passengers to take a cloth, wet it in their drinking water and cover their nostrils.

(iv)  Make sure that no passenger lies down on the floor.

8. Duties of OC Site-till arrival of divisional officers:

       Having formed different groups consisting of available railway staff on the train and volunteers from amongst passengers, the rescue and relief work should be got started in right earnest. This entire exercise would take about 30" time. Once the rescue and relief work by the Instant Action Team has got underway, the OC site should then devote his attention to contacting First Responders.

(a)  Locating nearby villages:

(i)    There would be some village nearby, either visible or out of sight.

(ii)   In most cases, villagers turn up on their own having heard the sound of the disaster.

(iii)   Otherwise, try and see if any light or any other signs from the village are visible.

(iv)  In case none of the above is possible, then speak to either the control office or the nearest station and find out the location of nearby villages as also their general direction.

(v)   Having ascertained the general location of nearby villages, send messengers (preferably railway staff) to inform villagers and seek their assistance.

(b)  Locating the nearest manned level crossing gate:

(i)    The train driver is the best and fastest source of information regarding location of the nearest manned level crossing gate in either direction.

(ii)   Send a railway staff to the gate for contacting the gateman.

(iii)   In most cases, the gateman, will be able to give location of nearby village.

(iv)  The massager should then try and stop a passing vehicle and go to the nearby village, inform villagers and seek their assistance.

(c)   Organizing assistance from local people available in nearby village

(i)    Villagers should be asked to make an announcement from their loud speaker (generally available in the local Temple, Mosque, Gurudwara, church etc.) informing others regarding the accident.

(ii)   Everybody should be asked to rush to the accident site with following:

       - tractor trolleys (both for transportation as also for general lighting),

       - as many cutting implements, hammers, chisels etc. as are available,

       - ropes,

       - ladders,

(iii)   If doctors or para-medical staff are available in the village they should also be sent to the accident site.

(iv)  The messenger should stay back try and organize opening of a big building (preferably a school) for sheltering of injured passengers and/or preservation of dead bodies.

(v) Disaster response-First Responders:

(a)  Duties of First Responders-Local people:

1. At Accident site:

(i)    Tractors which arrive should be lined up in a row facing the track with their headlights switched ON for illuminating the accident site.

(ii)   Group leaders of IAT who were earlier conducting rescue and relief work should co-ordinate with the local people and guide them.

(iii)   Grievously injured passengers extricated from coaches should be sent to the nearest hospitals in tractor trolleys.

(iv)  The following priority should be adhered to while sending such grievously injured passengers:

-      unconscious,

-      bleeding excessively,

-      having breathing problems

-      grievously injured,

-      in a state of shock,

-      having fractures,

-      having simple injuries.

(v)   Dead bodies, if extricated should be kept alongside the coach but away from the track for proper tagging etc. before being dispatched for preservation.

(vi)  Bodies should be kept in separate lots, coach-wise, so that they do not get mixed up.

(vii)  Tagging of dead bodies should indicate the coach number and also the cabin number, if possible. (For example NCR 98127, cabin number containing berths 9-16)]

2. In villages/towns:

(i)    A big building, preferably a school be got vacated and made ready for keeping of dead bodies and unclaimed luggage of passengers.

(ii)   They should be asked to bring tea, refreshments, warm clothing to the accident site for train passengers.

(iii)   Look after injured passengers who have been taken to the village.

(iv)  Take injured passengers to the nearest hospital by means of any transport available. For this purpose, apart from tractor trolleys, even trucks passing on the highway can be utilized.

(B)  Duties of First Responder-Railway Staff:

       Detail duty list of Gang Staff, Gatemen, Station Master at adjoining station, Traffic Inspectors, Permanent Way Inspectors, Signal Inspectors, Loco Inspectors are laid down in the Accident Manual of Zonal Railways. These include the following:

(a)   Conveying of information.

(b)   Medical assistance.

(c)   Passenger assistance

(d)   Organizing Transport

(e)   Security assistance

(f)    Providing Communication

(g)   Sending manpower for site.

(h)   Preservation of clues and evidences.

(i)    Joint measurements.

(VI) Officers At Division & HEADQUARTS:

(a)  General:

1. Intimation of Accident-Divisional Control Office:

(i)    In the Divisional Control Office, information regarding an accident is generally received either by the Section Controller or the TPC.

(ii)   PRC will order movement of ARMV and ART (with 140T crane)

(iii)   Dy. CHC (Chg.) will first inform Hospital Casualty. Thereafter he will inform officers and supervisors as given below.

(iv)  Each departmental functionary will inform divisional officers and supervisors of his department about the accident as detailed below:

       Functionary                     Officers and Supervisors

-      Dy. CHC (Op).                 Operating & Safety

-      Dy. CHC (Chg).                Hospital Casualty, DRM, ADRM, Medical

-      TPC                                Electrical

-      PRC                                Mechanical

-      Engg. Control                   Engineering, Personnel, Accounts

-      Test Room                      S & T Stores

-      Commercial Control          Commercial, Public Relations

-      Security Control               RPF

2. Intimation of Accident - Headquarters Central Control Office:

(i)    In Headquarters Central Control Office, each departmental functionary informs Headquarters officers of his department about the accident.

(ii)   PHODs will inform their respective Board Members.

(iii)   CSO/Dy. CSO will inform CRS.

3. Informing Non-Railway Officials:

(i)    DM, SP and CMS of the district within which the accident site falls should be informed regarding the accident by the CHC.

(ii)   ADRM will inform the following regarding the accident:

       -        IG/GRP,

       -        ADG/GRP,

       -        Divisional Commissioner,

       -        Home Secretary

(iii)   In case POL rake is involved, then IOC/HPC/BPC officials should also be informed.

(iv)  In case Mail bags of RMS are involved, then Postal officials should also be informed.

4. Divisional Officers required to go to site:

(i)    All divisional officers required to go to the accident site. They should proceed by the ARMV or by road.

(ii)   The second senior most officer of each branch should stay back at divisional Headquarters.

(iii)   Once it has become clear that the accident is a Disaster, then the 80/20 rule should be followed:

(a)   80% of all officers should go to the accident site, and only 20% should stay back at Headquarters.

(b)   Similarly, 80% of all supervisory staff should go to the accident site, and only 20% should stay back at Headquarters.

5. Headquarters Officers required to go to site:

       All Headquarter officers required to go to accident site. They should proceed by the 1st special train which will be carrying GM and other officers from Headquarters.

       Nominated officials from various departments arriving at site by ARMVs and ARTs form part of the Disaster Management team. Officials representing each department are responsible to ensure that assigned duties of their respective departments are efficiently carried out. Senior officers of each department will also ensure that their work is synchronized with that of functionaries of other departments for quick rescue, relief and restoration operation.

(B) Medical Deparment:

1. Formation of two teams:

(i)    Team ‘A’ headed by the senior most doctor amongst them will stay back at the divisional hospital and perform duties as given below.

(ii)   Team ‘B’- headed by CMS/MS in-charge will rush to the accident site immediately by ARMV along with 12-15 doctors and 15-20 paramedics.

2. Duties of Team ‘A’

(i)    Team ‘A’ Will establish an Emergency Cell in the Casualty Unit of Railway Hospital.

(ii)   Contact local hospitals (Railway/Govt./Private) near the accident site and ask them to rush their road ambulances along with necessary medical teams to the accident site and also be in readiness to receive and provide medical treatment to injured passengers.

(iii)   Co-ordinate with MS/CMD of adjoining Divisions/Zones and ask them to send their medical teams to the accident site.

(C) Commercial Department:

1. Transportation of men and material to accident site:

(i)    As soon as the ARMV/ART siren sounds, 50 TTEs./TCs and 50 licensed porters in uniform should be collected together and rushed to the accident site in the ART.

(ii)   More TTEs/TCs and be sent by the 2nd and 3rd Special trains carrying backup logistic support to accident site, from each end.

2. Helpline Enquiry Booths at stations:

(a)  General:

(i)    Helpline Enquiry Booths on Zonal Railways are opened as follows:

       - Originating and destination stations of the accidents involved train.

       - All junction stations falling on the route of the train.

       - Divisional Headquarters of originating and terminating divisions.

       - Zonal Headquarters of originating and terminating Zonal Railways.

       - Any other station as may be decided.

(b)  Accident details to be available:

(i)    Accident details would include number of dead and injured.

(ii)   Break up of type of injuries, such as grievous, simple etc.

(iii)   Disposal of injured passengers in various hospitals.

(iv)  Names of injured passengers.

(v)   Number of dead bodies indentified, and their names.

(vi)  This information would continue to be updated once every 3 hrs.

(c)   Information regarding running of trains:

(i)    Departure of unaffected front/rear portion of the accident involved train, and its expected time to of arrival at destination.

(ii)   Expected date and time of starting of relatives special from originating and destination stations of the accident involved train, its stoppages enroute and its expected time of the arrival at intermediate stations.

(iii)   Details of other trains that were scheduled to run on the accident affected section, but have been.

       -        Delayed,

       -        Regulated,

       -        Diverted,

       -        Rescheduled,

       -        Short terminated,

       -        Cancelled

(d)  Refunds:

       Booking counters at stations should be augmented for granting of refund to large number of passengers who have been unable to either complete or commence their journey as a result of the accident.

(d) Mechanical Department:

       Main responsibility of Mechanical department is for extricating injured passengers & dead bodies from coaches and toppling those coaches whose search has been completed. For discharging the dual responsibility, 2 separate groups will be formed at each end for purposes of ‘search and rescue’ and ‘off tracking of coaches’.

       Once 4 ARMVs, 2 ARTs and 2BD specials have arrived at the accident site from both ends, normally no more mechanical equipment will be required from anywhere else. The main work will then consist of using of theses resources effectively and efficiently.

       Different teams and groups will be for formed for discharging the dual responsibilities of the Mechanical department. Each team should consist of 4 to 6 members and each group should consist of 3-5 teams, depending upon requirement.

(E)  Security Department

       Main functions of the Security Department can be broadly classified as:

       (a)     Co-ordination with GRP and Local Police.

       (b)     Crowd management.

       (c)     Protection of luggage.

       (d)     Protection of railway property.

(F)  Electrical Department:

       Main responsibility of Electrical Department will be regarding site illumination and OHE. For discharging this dual responsibility of providing Illumination at site and managing the OHE, 2 separate units will be formed at each end of the accident site consisting of General branch’ officers & staff and TRD officers & staff.

       Different teams and groups will be formed for discharging various duties of the Electrical department. Each team should consist of 4-6 members and each group should consist of 3-5 teams, depending upon requirement.

(G) Signal & Telecommunication Departemnt.

       Main responsibility of S&T Department is providing effective, adequate and reliable means of communication at the accident site and other work centres.

       For this purpose following types of communication facilities should be provided:

       (i)      Satellite telephones.

       (ii)     BSNL telephones.

       (iii)    Mobiles, in case the area is under mobile coverage.

       (iv)    Walkie-Talkie sets.

       (v)     Railway telephones

       (vi)    Public Address System.

(H) Engineering Department:

       Main responsibility of Engineering Department is for laying the track ahead of the140T crane where track has been uprooted and restoring the track after re-railment has been completed.

1. Rushing men and material to accident site.
2. Mobilization of adequate work force and materials.

(I)  Personnel Department:

(i)    WLIs shall be available round the clock in shift duty to look after the welfare of injured persons in each hospital.

(ii)   Issue complimentary return journey passes to relatives for escorting injured and taking them back home.

(iii)   Man personnel branch counters in CARE and discharge duties listed out for those counters.

(J)  Accounts Department:

(i)    Making available sufficient amount of cash for meeting emergent expenses.

(ii)   Issue of cheques for making of enhanced ex-gratia payments, if so announced at accident site by Hon’ble Minister for Railways.

(K) IT Department:

(i)    Room nominated for being used as Headquarters Emergency Cell should be activated.

(ii)   Adequate number of PCs with Railnet and E-Mail addresses already configured into them should be activated.

(iii)   Similarly adequate number of PCs in divisional control office with Railnet and E-Mail addresses already configured into them should be activated.

(iv)  PCs in various Helpline Enquiry Booths at different stations should all be made functional, connected to Railnet and made ready for receiving and sending E-Mails.

(v)   All information being received from the accident site is uploaded on to Zonal Railways Website.

(VIII) ConTrol offices:

1. Rushing of ARMVs & ARTs to accident site.
2. Diversion, Regulation, Short termination, Cancellation and Rescheduling of Mail/Express/Passenger trains.
3. Running of Special trains-Following special trains will be required to be run in the given order of priority:

(i)   2 ARMVs from each end.

(ii)  2 ARTs from each end.

(iii) 2 additional BD Specials one from each end.

(iv) Ist special train carrying GM and other officers from hqrts.

(v)  Unaffected front/rear portion of the accident involved train.

(vi) 2 empty coaching rakes, one from either end for clearing unaffected passengers of the accident involved train.

(vii)         2nd and 3rd special trains for accident site, one from each end, carrying logistic backup support, material and additional manpower from junction stations.

4. Sequence of movement of ARMVs ARTs into the accident effected block section.
5. Setting up Emergency Cells in Divisions:

(i)    Divisional Emergency Cell shall be opened immediately after receipt of information of the accident at Divisional Control Office.

(ii)   Requirements of all departments for movement of men and materials to the accident site shall be conveyed to the Divisional Emergency Officer, who shall arrange their movement.

(iii)   Divisional Emergency Cell will collect updated information regarding all aspects of the accident and pass on the same either telephonically or by E-Mail to:

       -        All Helpline Enquiry Booths within the division.

       -        Headquarters Emergency Cell.

6. Setting up Emergency Cell in Headquarters -Similar to the Divisional Emergency Cell, Headquarters Emergency Cell is also opened at Headquarters Office.
7. Manning of Divisional/ Headquarters Emergency Cell in shift duty:

(i)    Divisional/ Headquarters Emergency Cell shall be manned round the clock by offices.

(ii)   In addition to officers of the Operating Department, there will be officers of Engineering, Mechanical, S&T, Electrical, Commercial, Medical Security and Personnel departments in the Divisional/ Headquarters Emergency Cell round the clock.

8. Liaison with Railway Board - Headquarters Emergency Cell will maintain constant liaison with Safety Directorate’s Emergency Cell in Railway Board.

(VIII)       ASSISTANCE FROM ADJOINING DIVISIONS/ZONES:

1. Necessity of assistance from adjoining Divisions/Zones:

(i)    No division can be equipped to handle a disaster of such a large magnitude like Ferozabad or Gaisal.

(ii)   Assistance has to be sought from adjoining Divisions/Zones.

(iii)   A division is normally expected to handle an accident of the magnitude involving up to 100 injuries (Grievous + Simple). Threshold levels have been given in terms of injuries, because initially it is difficult to estimate number of casualties.

(iv)  Whenever number of injuries is estimated to go beyond 100, assistance should be sought for from adjoining Divisions/Zones.

(v)   This is to be coordinated by the Chief Emergency Officer in Headquarters Emergency Cell.

2. Assessment of assistance from adjoining Division/Zones:

       DRM after reaching the accident site should make an immediate assessment of likely injuries.

3. Scale of assistance from adjoining Division/Zones:

(i)    As a thumb rule, assistance of 1 team should be sought from adjoining division for every 50 additional injuries, beyond 100 injuries.

(ii)   In case of all disasters, following should be used as an approximate guideline for deciding level of assistance required:

-      Threshold level                       150>Injuries>100                        250>Injuries>200

-      No. of teams                                  1 team                                        3 teams

-      ARMVs                                               2                                              2 + 2

-      140T crane                                         2                                          2 + 2 BDs

(iii)   Complement of staff in each team sent by adjoining divisions/zones will be as per norms given below:

-      Officer in charge                         Senior Scale

-      Doctors                                              5

-      Para - medical staff                            10

-      Commercial officers                             2

-      Commercial supervisors                      10

-      Commercial staff                                20

-      Personnel supervisors                          5

-      Group ‘D’ staff                                   20

-      RPF                                              1 platoon

1. Assistance from Defence & Para Military forces.