Emergency Exit Training with GWR

On Thursday March 3rd, Emilie and Imogen from the Platform team met with Maddy Mills from the South-East Community Rail Partnership and members of GWR’s training team to do some emergency exit training.

Maddy has been working in community rail for many years and has, on several occasions, been asked questions that weren’t always easy to answer.

What happens if the train breaks down?

What happens if we have to get off the train?

What equipment is there on the train to keep us safe?

Maddy decided that the best way to be able to answer these questions was to go along and ask them for herself, and she invited the Platform team along with her.

It was a really exciting day for the team, but it was important to follow the safety guidance given by the instructors. All participants had to wear safety shoes. All participants had to wear hi-vis jackets. Everyone had to listen carefully when walking down to the train, and only walk along the parts that our instructors guided them on to. 

With the safety procedures being adhered to at all times, the team were able to board an empty train in order to learn about how train operating companies have procedures in place for a range of different emergency scenarios.

The team practised climbing out of the train: first with, and then without, a ladder. They spent some time exploring the train in order to identify, and familiarise themselves with, the tools, signs, and equipment that have been placed on-board trains in order to protect passengers – and staff – and to help in emergencies.

Emilie from the Platform team was given the starring role in a short exercise that involved pressing the emergency intercom and communicating with the driver, pretending that there was a serious incident emerging in the carriage. Unfortunately, she was so excited about partaking that she couldn’t stop grinning, and is – therefore – not expecting an award for her acting skills any time soon.

The day was fun, but moreover it was also extremely informative and, despite enjoying themselves, the team were able to understand the number of serious issues that can arise during rail-travel. Fortunately, it was also clear just how much there is in place to mitigate these scenarios.

At the end of the day, Imogen was even lucky enough to go into the cab and sit in the driver’s seat –  a dream come true indeed!