Orange County Emergency Drill Simulated Train-Bus Crash
SPARROWBUSH — Stuffed teddy bears took the place of injured victims and smoke rose from a machine instead of an actual train fire. Most of the large-scale training exercise organized by Orange County to simulate a train-versus-bus accident was staged. But for the roughly 15 local agencies and the dozens of emergency, fire and medical personnel who took part, the experience of practicing a response to a train accident with multiple casualties is a chance to hone skills and eliminate mistakes that could mean life or death in a real collision. "This is the time to learn," said Walt Koury, emergency services commissioner for Orange County. "This is the time to find out what those gaps are in training, equipment and management."
SPARROWBUSH — Stuffed teddy bears took the place of injured victims and smoke rose from a machine instead of an actual train fire. Most of the large-scale training exercise organized by Orange County to simulate a train-versus-bus accident was staged. But for the roughly 15 local agencies and the dozens of emergency, fire and medical personnel who took part, the experience of practicing a response to a train accident with multiple casualties is a chance to hone skills and eliminate mistakes that could mean life or death in a real collision. "This is the time to learn," said Walt Koury, emergency services commissioner for Orange County. "This is the time to find out what those gaps are in training, equipment and management."