On 18 July, Golden Square Fire Brigade along with CFA members from Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk, attended an interagency training session organised by V/Line, that covered what their role is when there is an emergency involving a train.
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CFA joined VICSES, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria staff in the session.
CFA were invited alongside other emergency services personnel from Victoria State Emergency Service, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, as V/Line staff went through their emergency procedures at the Bendigo depot.
The teams from the four attending agencies were taken into the yard in two groups, following a safety briefing. A V/Line driver supervisor, a conductor and a driver went through the basic procedures to follow in case of an emergency.
Bendigo had previously taken part in the collaborative session, and recommended it to surrounding stations to get involved.
Onboard training ensured the four agencies who atteded were aware of emergency procedures.
The inside session included learning the locations of emergency equipment (including ladders, first aid kits and extinguishers), the online fire suppression system and emergency access points. In the train yard, crews went over isolation points, hazardous materials the trains carry, crumple zones, removing covers to access underneath the train, the batteries and engines.
Bryan Greenwood, 1st Lieutenant at Golden Square Fire Brigade near Bendigo, took part in the session. “V/Line targeted briagdes that specifically have V/Line trains passing through towns at high speeds,” Bryan explained. “It was hugely beneficial for us to understand the ins and outs of V/Line, and how we can assist when called to an emergency.”
