Amtrak Train Derailment - (Nodaway, IA - September 2002) » Lessons Learned

1. An effective, functional means of communications is essential.

   There were no turf issues that are so often associated with this type of event. Most of the rescuers and emergency responders knew each other, proving the value of daily verbal, face-to-face communications. Technology, however, was overwhelmed by an event of this magnitude. The Sheriff Department’s simplex VHF radio system (155.010 MHz) was simply overloaded and plagued by dead areas created by the remoteness of the incident site and topography. Cellular telephone also proved to be ineffective because of dead areas and the lack of towers near the incident site.

   Incident planning should include provisions for alternate means of communications. As proven by this incident, small rural communities are not immune to disasters that can quickly overtax an otherwise functional communications system.

2. Incident Command and Accountability Systems are important elements in the successful management of a large-scale incident.

   The management of 241 victims and 200 rescuers is difficult under the best of circumstances. An incident command and accountability system is an essential element in the successful management of large-scale events. To be effective, everyone involved must be familiar with the system and should regularly use the system so that it will be automatic in these types of events.

3. Access and logistics are critical to the success of a large-scare incident.

   It was necessary to perform three extrications during this incident. There was a great need for ropes, hand lights, scene lighting and short ladders because of very limited access due to unbreakable windows, and the narrow stairways in the two-story cars. Prybars, backboards, and c-collars were also in great demand.

   There was very limited access to the site. Rescuers had to drive into from two different directions and then back out. The process was complicated by the darkness of the scene and a number of railroad trestles open to the water below.

   Transportation was also issue. When the number of ambulances was exhausted, school buses and privately owned vehicles were pressed into service in order to remove passengers and victims to safety.

   Future planning for a similar event should identify the types and source for the equipment that could potentially be required in a multiple casualty incident. Training for the incident should include driving techniques for maneuvering in tight quarters.

4. Pre-Incident Planning is an important tool in the successful management of a train derailment or other large-scale event.

   Adams County had an often exercised and up-to-date Emergency Operations Plan at the time of the incident. The County activated its Emergency Operations Center and followed the plan. It worked and the incident proved the value of exercising the plan. The general comments received after the incident, including those from Amtrak, were very positive. In the absence of a contingency specific plan, emergency responders relied upon their tornado response plan, which proved to be effective in managing the incident. Debriefings and a critique were held at the community center following the incident. Officials from the Corning hospital and Amtrak coordinated the event.