Emergency Rescue Drill Aimed at Increasing Preparedness

The scenario was gruesome: An inbound commuter train strikes a car carrying two passengers only to be followed seconds later by freight train striking a second car.

This time it was just an exercise, but Downers Grove fire and police departments have responded in the past to similar incidents that were all too real.

On Sept. 19 the two departments, along with police and fire personnel from Lisle, Woodridge, Bolingbrook and Naperville, took part in the emergency rescue drill at the behest of the Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad. The exercise was held in the BNSF yard near Warren and Oakwood Avenues.

Such drills are held at least once a year, said Chief Jim Jackson of the Downers Grove Fire Dept.

In the case of a local train-car accident, the DGPD handles the initial assessment, with the fire department taking over to deal with hazardous materials such as spilled fuel, and with rescue operations, he said.

A second drill involving the police response to an unruly Metra passenger riding in the upper level of the train also was part of the morning's exercises. Similar real-life scenarios involving intoxicated passengers happen several times a year, said Police Chief Robert Porter.

"If we get a report, we'll stop the train at the next available station," he said.

Once the accident scenarios had played out, members of the departments met for a "hot wash" briefing, where they discussed the outcome and what they need to do well, Jackson said.

Fire Station 2 and an extra medic unit took part in the exercise, the chief said. Equipment included three engines, one truck, one squad and two ambulances.

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital was also involved in the morning's drill, taking the opportunity to was practice its response to such an accident.