PEMBROKE — More than 30 first responders met Thursday at UNC Pembroke’s Regional Center and received training on how to safely respond in the event of a train incident.
The Rail Car Incident Response course provided first responders with ways to recognize different types of rail cars, potential leaks and courses of action to take.
The course also teaches hazard recognition and emergency response tactics for emergency response to incidents involving hazardous materials transported by rail car.
“Due to the close proximity of the rail line at the southern end of campus, this course was extremely valuable in the event of a rail car accident near campus where potential hazardous materials are escaping from the container,” said Michael Bullard, an environmental health and safety officer at UNCP.“As the safety and security of the campus is the primary goal of the Environmental Health and Safety Office and Campus Police, this is a continuation of training of this type to enhance the knowledge base and readiness of our first responders.”
The training participants were comprised of UNCP Environmental Health and Safety, UNCP Campus Police, Robeson County Emergency Operations Center personnel, Pembroke Police, Pembroke Fire, Pembroke Emergency Medical Services, and various emergency services members from outside the county.
The course was funded by FEMA and was taught by the University of Findlay–Ohio. It was co-sponsored by the UNCP Environmental Health and Safety Office and Police and Public Safety.
