What is the first priority when deciding to evacuate a train?

The first priority when deciding to evacuate a train is the safety of passengers and employees. When an emergency arises, the immediate concern is to ensure that everyone on board is safe from harm. This may involve assessing the situation and determining the safest way to facilitate the evacuation, ensuring that all individuals can exit the train without injury.

While gathering supplies, communication with dispatch, and minimizing downtime are important considerations in managing the overall response to an emergency, they all become secondary to the paramount concern of safety. Without ensuring the safety of those on the train, no other actions will be effective or meaningful. Therefore, prioritizing safety establishes the foundation for a successful and organized evacuation process, enabling adherence to safety protocols and helping to minimize panic among passengers and crew.