Emergency Response Guide: How To Handle Yourself And Others During A Train Accident

9 people died and more than 30 others were injured after a speeding train collided with a stationary Kanchenjunga Express en route to the Sealdah station from Tripura’s Agartala.

Chairperson and the CEO of the Railway Board, Jaya Varma Sinha shared that the rescue operations were completed. She also added that after a preliminary investigation, it was found that the driver of the goods train disregarded the signal and hit the Kanchenjunga Express from the rear. Such accidents often leave passengers in a state of shock, which can later lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). So, what should you do in such distressing times?

In case of such devastating accidents, you should know how to handle yourself and others around you as well. So, keep these things in mind as a precautionary measure-

– Do not de-board the train right away

One of the biggest challenges people face in such accident cases is panic. The panic leads to shock from which many do not recover and can result in PTSD. In a panic state of mind, do not hurriedly get deboard the train. Assess the situation first, see where the train is and if there is enough space to get down and away from harm’s way.

– Call the helpline number

Often there have been cases where people have frantically tried to contact their family members or friends after an accident but there was no network coverage. As a result, communication becomes tough. As per railway officials, helpline numbers are quickly activated whenever there is a train accident to make communication possible. Make sure to dial the helpline number first, inform them about the accident and take further steps.

– Carry a medical or first-aid kit

Whether travelling in a car or train, it is important to always have a first kit with you. In such cases, travelling with a first-aid kit will prove beneficial. Keep bandage and cotton in the medical kit. Also, keep medicines for common ailments like fever and vomiting. Along with this, keep dry foods like cakes, biscuits and chocolates in the medicine box.

– Comforting children and elder

After an accident, children and adults are more likely to experience stress and become more panicked. In such circumstances, make sure to comfort them and attend to their wounds or injuries.