Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 - Train Contact with Person PDF

Training & Technical Operations Division Training Note FROM: Fire Chief EFFECTIVE DATE: August 8, 2023 FILE IN TFS TRAINING MANUAL UNDER: GROUP: 300 Public Transportation SECTION:...

Training & Technical Operations Division Training Note FROM: Fire Chief EFFECTIVE DATE: August 8, 2023 FILE IN TFS TRAINING MANUAL UNDER: GROUP: 300 Public Transportation SECTION: 303 Toronto Transit Commission- Subway SUB-SECTION: 303.1 Priority One – Train Contact with Customer UNIT: TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................. 2 2 OBJECTIVE.................................................................................................... 2 3 RESPONSIBILITIES AT PRIORITY ONE: CONFIRMED TRAIN CONTACT WITH CUSTOMER.......................................................................................... 2 3.1 Toronto Fire Services Responsibilities....................................................... 2 3.2 Toronto Fire Services Personal Protective Equipment.............................. 6 3.3 Coroner Responsibilities.............................................................................. 6 3.4 Toronto Police Service Responsibilities..................................................... 7 3.5 Emergency Medical Service Responsibilities............................................. 7 3.6 TTC Personnel Responsibilities................................................................... 7 4 TRACK LEVEL............................................................................................... 8 4.1 Safety Considerations................................................................................... 8 4.2 "Police Use Only" or “Emergency Use Only” Grey Box.......................... 11 5 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROOM (ERR)................................................... 12 6 SUMMARY.................................................................................................... 13 Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 1 of 13  1 INTRODUCTION Over 1.8 million passengers ride the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) each day. Each subway train (which consists of 6 cars) can carry between 1200 to 1400 passengers and arrive at each platform throughout the City every 2.5 minutes during rush hours. The TTC relies on Toronto Fire Service (TFS) to assist with most of their emergencies. This allows TTC staff to maintain service and/or resume subway service as soon as possible. A delay at one station can cause overcrowding at other locations. 2 OBJECTIVE This Training Note is to inform Toronto Fire Service crews of the duties and responsibilities of all responding agencies at TTC Subway “Priority One” calls. The duties as defined provide a clear picture of who does what and where authority lies. 3 RESPONSIBILITIES AT PRIORITY ONE: CONFIRMED TRAIN CONTACT WITH CUSTOMER 3.1 Toronto Fire Services Responsibilities TFS crews are responsible for rescue efforts, to assist Toronto Paramedic Services with medical aid and for the removal of the body when requested by Toronto Police Service (TPS). TFS will make every effort to coordinate efforts with other agencies in order to return the TTC to their operational level as quickly as possible while ensuring the safety of all personnel involved. When Toronto Fire Service Communications receives a call for a “Priority One” incident, they will dispatch it as a “Rescue Response – Person Possibly Under a Train”. The typical vehicle response would include: Pumper or Rescue (closest) Pumper or Aerial Rescue (if not dispatched already) Squad Squad Partner Vehicle Highrise Response Vehicle District Chief. Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 2 of 13  An incident of this nature may require heavy lifting and stabilizing equipment as well as additional personnel to complete rescue procedures and other specific tasks. Once on scene, if not met immediately by a representative of the TTC, the first arriving TFS Incident Commander (IC) should proceed to the platform level of the subway and commence size-up of the incident. If TFS is the first to arrive on scene, proceed immediately to the closest Emergency Alarm Station (EAS), indicated by a Blue light, and call Transit Control at 3555 or (416) 393-3555 (TTC has gone to the VOIP system and many of the PAX phones now require the full telephone number) to advise them that TFS will be performing an Emergency Power Cut/Trip. Emergency Alarm Station (EAS) NOTE: The red and black sticker inside the box indicate the PAX phone number and the precise location on the station platform (e.g.: College Station, north end of the northbound track). Many, if not all, PAX phones have gone to the VOIP system and require the full phone number (416-393-3555). Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 3 of 13  Do not allow TFS crews to enter track level until TTC Transit Control Centre has been contacted via the PAX phone, at which time you should do the following: Identify yourself, the phone identification number and the nature of the emergency. Stay on the line until TTC Power Control, via TTC Transit Control Centre, confirms that they have an indication of “Power Off”, the extent of the power cut and if all trains have been stopped from entering the station. If TFS is not the first arriving Emergency Service, the first arriving TFS IC should attempt to locate the TTC IC who may be identified with an orange reflective vest with either Emergency Response Commander (ERC) or Chief Supervisor written on the back, and/or Toronto Police Services (TPS) personnel to acquire additional information and direction. The TTC IC will be able to notify the crew if procedures have already been taken to cut power to the Third Rail and that all trains have been stopped in both directions. TFS crews are still responsible to confirm that the Emergency Power Cut/Trip procedures have been completed to ensure safety prior to entering track level. NOTE: TTC Transit Control Centre will never guarantee or confirm that the Third Rail has no power, they will only advise that they have an “indication of power off”. This is not confirmation of power off. Always treat the Third Rail as live. The Third Rail must always be considered live, even though verbal confirmation of “indication of power off” has been received. Both the Collector Shoes and underside of the subway cars should also be considered ‘live’ and extreme caution taken to avoid these areas. Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 4 of 13  Third Rail Once the crews have entered track level, it is up to the TFS IC to determine the best course of action. Confirm with the TTC IC that the mechanical braking system has been applied on the subway car. This provides additional safety. TTC will assist if the subway cars need to be detached and moved out of the way. TTC Maintenance Staff will be on site or can be requested through TTC Transit Control Centre. NOTE: On the Bloor/Danforth Line, the T-1 Train must have all six handbrakes applied as the normal parking braking system is air applied and spring released. In the event of a catastrophic air pressure failure, there is no air to apply the normal parking brake and without the six handbrakes applied, the train may roll on grade. Release Handle Application Handle Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 5 of 13  NOTE: On the Yonge/Sheppard Line and TYSSE (Toronto-York-Spadina Subway Extension) the braking system is fail-safe in that the brakes are spring applied and air released. Parking brakes are applied by the operator with a toggle switch in the cab. Once the situation has been dealt with, the TFS IC will obtain the necessary information from the other responding agencies. Prior to leaving the scene, the TFS IC will ensure, after consultation with TPS and the TTC IC, that no additional aid is required. If circumstances dictate, the TFS IC/Company Officer should check with crew members to determine if the Critical Incident Stress (CIS) team should be called for support counselling. 3.2 Toronto Fire Services Personal Protective Equipment TFS crews will take all necessary precautions to ensure they are not exposed to bio-hazardous materials. This will include the use of TFS issued personal protective equipment: bunker gear, helmet, nitrile gloves, structural firefighting gloves, protective eyewear, and mask. 3.3 Coroner Responsibilities The Coroner will be notified by TTC, TPS and/or Toronto Paramedics if a fatality occurs in the subway. The Coroner may attend the scene or give directions to emergency personnel over the phone. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Coroner may ask that the body be removed to a private room, the Emergency Response Room (ERR), located off platform level or mezzanine level. The Coroner also may ask Toronto Police Service or TTC Security personnel to secure the scene and/or room until their arrival. Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 6 of 13 3.4 Toronto Police Service Responsibilities The TPS will investigate the incident to determine whether it was an accident or if a crime has been committed. TPS, or under their direction, the TTC IC or TTC Special Constables will take pictures of the scene. Once the Coroner has approved the removal of the body, the TPS will transfer the information to the TFS IC and Toronto Paramedic personnel at the scene. TPS will obtain witness statements and secure the scene along with TTC Special Constables. TPS personnel may enter track level and aid in the rescue/recovery using equipment obtained from the “Police Use Only” or “Emergency Use Only” grey box located under the platform at the outgoing end of the station. 3.5 Emergency Medical Service Responsibilities Toronto Paramedic Services personnel operate under the guidance and instruction of the Coroners Act. Their responsibilities at these scenes are governed through the protocol set in place by this legislation. In general, Toronto Paramedic Services will not transport if a fatality occurs. Under the Ambulance Act and related regulations, they may transport human remains when: “The remains of the person are in a public place and it is in the public's best interest that the remains be removed.” Toronto Paramedic Services personnel may assist other agencies with body recovery and placement into the ERR. Toronto Paramedic Services personnel will enter track level when it is determined safe to do so to assist with the removal of the injured person. They may also obtain and use supplies from the ‘Police Use Only’/’Emergency Use Only’ grey box. 3.6 TTC Personnel Responsibilities This section describes the responsibilities of the TTC Incident Commander (IC), TTC Special Constables, and the Customer Service Attendant (CSA). When this type of incident occurs, TTC Transit Control Centre will immediately call 911 and advise them of the problem, location, and request assistance. TTC Transit Control Centre will dispatch Chief Supervisors, Special Constables, and the Car House Emergency Truck (TTC Clean-up Crew) to the scene. All trains in the area will be placed on ‘STOP and STAY’ to ensure no traffic will enter that area. If there are persons on the train at the platform, they will be evacuated onto the platform area and cleared away from the incident. TTC Special Constables will prevent passengers from entering into and around the scene. The TTC Customer Service Attendant (CSA) will close the station and not allow customers to enter the station. TTC Special Constables will have a camera to assist TPS in taking pictures of the scene. They will also ensure witnesses are Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 7 of 13  secured at the scene for questioning by TPS. They will coordinate efforts with the TPS to evacuate the station. The TTC IC ( identified with a vest that reads “Emergency Response Commander” or “Chief Supervisor”) will confirm with TTC Power Control, via the TTC Transit Control Centre that the Third Rail power has been cut but continue to treat the Third Rail as live. TTC Special Constables will notify the Video Services Unit to determine whether the incident was an intentional act or not. The TTC IC will provide assistance to TPS and other emergency services with regards to safety in the subway. If a fatality occurs, TTC will notify the coroner. Once satisfied that all TFS crews are clear from track level, the TFS IC will advise the TTC IC. It is the responsibility of the TTC IC to check with all other agencies before authorizing power be restored to the Third Rail. The TTC IC shall provide authorization to TTC Transit Control Centre to restore power. ONLY TTC Transit Control Centre staff are authorized to inform TTC Power Control that power to the Third Rail be restored. The TTC have maintenance crews who will be called out to provide additional assistance at these calls. The maintenance crews will provide the wash-down of the subway car and track area if needed. 4 TRACK LEVEL 4.1 Safety Considerations There are many hazards to be aware of in the subway system. The following is a list of objects and areas to be concerned with while operating at track level. The prime area of concern is the Third Rail power that distributes 600 VDC at 10,000 amps. This rail should always be considered ‘live’ while working at track level. When crews are assisting at incidents at track level, they should maintain an operating margin from the platform out to the outer running rail. Do not extend past the outer running rail, to avoid accidental contact with the Third Rail. Collector Shoes, located on both sides of the subway car, receive power from the Third Rail. These are to be treated as ‘live’ and contact should be avoided. Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 8 of 13  Collector Shoe Running Rails, Rail Crossovers, Drainage Ditches, and Paper Catchers are trip hazards to be aware of at track level. Rail Crossover Paper Catcher Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 9 of 13  Track/Rail Switches are operated from a remote location, will crush anything their path, and are still operational after the power is cut to the Third Rail. NOTE: Track/Rail Switches are still operational even after a power cut to the Third Rail has been confirmed. DO NOT step on them or near them. DO NOT step beside the control box as they are operated automatically from a remote location. All moving switch components must be avoided. A Track/Rail Switch is designed to crush anything in its path, and it will not release. Never try to force a switch with a pry bar. Request assistance from the TTC Transit Control Centre. Location of Rail Switches Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 10 of 13  NOTE: The above picture shows where NOT to step on a Track/Rail Switch Mechanism. Biohazards – care and attention to personal protection must be taken when contact with body fluids is imminent. There is little space to work when operating at track level and underneath a subway train. Be sure to wear all TFS issued personal protective equipment when responding to all TTC related incidents. 4.2 "Police Use Only" or “Emergency Use Only” Grey Box At the outgoing end of each platform, on the underside of the platform, there is a large grey wooden box labeled “Police Use Only", or "For Emergency Use Only". Body Recovery Box (Closed) Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 11 of 13  Body Recovery Box (Open) This box may contain the following: Body Bag Shovel Disposable Straw whisk and scoop Wire stokes basket Wrapped in a plastic bag: 6 Tyvek disposable suits 6 pairs of Nitrile disposable gloves Chalk 2 - 200 gram shaker bottle of Control XNR (disinfectant and body fluid absorbent) This equipment is available for all Emergency Services to utilize at the scene. For safety concerns, TFS crews must ensure they are wearing the personal protective equipment issued by TFS. If any equipment is used at the scene, i.e., Control XNR powder, the TFS IC shall inform the TTC IC at the scene to restock the grey box for future needs. 5 EMERGENCY RESPONSE ROOM (ERR) The TTC has identified at least one room in each subway station that will be used to place deceased accident victims pending the arrival of the investigating Coroner and/or body removal service. These rooms are called Emergency Response Rooms (ERR’s). Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 12 of 13  Small yellow stickers with a black ring, some containing the letters ERR, are installed on the exterior of the ERR door. Both stickers pictured below identify the ERR. 6 SUMMARY TPS personnel are in charge of the scene under the direction of the Coroner if there is a fatality. TFS is responsible for rescue efforts and assisting Toronto Paramedic Service for medical aid. The TFS IC must develop an Incident Action Plan (IAP) that ensures the safety of TFS crews and others while operating at track level. Toronto Fire Services Training Note: 303.1 Training & Technical Operations Division Effective Date: August 8, 2023 Page 13 of 13