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Emergency Response Training

Think VRE as you prepare next year's training calendar. VRE is heavily focused on ensuring that our first response and law enforcement partners are familiar with the most important elements of the railroad and rail equipment to perform work safely.

Our System Safety & Security department offers FREE training, covering:

  • Properly stopping rail traffic
  • Emergency features of rail equipment
  • Dangers of rail equipment
  • Identifying strategies to evacuate passengers
  • How to preplan a response
  • Working with railroad management
  • How to secure rail equipment
  • What hidden hazards exist

 


Passenger Train Emergency Response (PTER) Classroom Module

Class Description: This class is designed to provide a high-level overview of the railroad environment and the train equipment. Instructor goes into detail about understanding the hazards of being on or about the railroad and how to work with the railroad to stay safe when a responder is needed to be on the tracks. This class is an excellent starting-point for any staff level and for management looking to facilitate discussions about preplanning first-due territory that includes railroad tracks.

Location(s) & Class Size: Your agency’s training or conference room. Any time, any shift.
Class Size: Unlimited
Duration: 2-3 hours
IT Requirements: Projector Screen/Audio/AC Power
Note: If requested, Amtrak representatives will participate as well.


Practical Hands-On Train Equipment Familiarization*

Class Description: This class will bring your team to one of VRE’s two maintenance and storage yards to get hands-on experience looking at railroad tracks, railcars, locomotives and their respective emergency features in a safe, controlled environment. Qualified staff will lead groups through equipment to demonstrate functions and expand upon information covered in the classroom PTER module. It is recommended (but not required) that this class be offered to personnel who have already had the classroom PTER module.

Location(s) & Class Size: Broad Run Storage Yard – Bristow, VA or Crossroads Storage Yard – Spotsylvania, VA Class Size: 1-30 people
Duration: 2-6 Hours
*This class is only held on weekends as rail equipment is not available during the week.


Please feel free to share this information with colleagues or training officers in your jurisdiction to help us provide those we rely on with the tools they need to stay safe!

Scheduling is done on a first come, first served basis due to limited staff. For additional information or to schedule training dates and times, complete the form below or email System Safety & Security Administrator Charlotte Nourse at cnourse@vre.org.