Goals and opportunity
When emergencies occur, both rail companies and first responders lack the critical information they need to ensure the fastest possible emergency response To transform how they respond to train emergencies, Norfolk Southern sought a partner that could connect 911 centers and field responders with the data and information needed to respond effectively and safely.
Partnering with RapidSOS
Norfolk Southern partnered with RapidSOS to establish direct, bi-directional communication (voice, text, video) between their network operations center (NOC) and first responders. With a direct connection to local first responders, Norfolk Southern makes it quicker and easier for first responders to access information related to cargo and hazardous materials.
How it works
Impact
Prior to this partnership, 911 had to manually search online databases and verbally relay critical information to field responders during rail incidents.RapidSOS and Norfolk Southern’s solution, which is free to public safety agencies across the U.S enables bi-directional,digital communication between rail companies and first responders to ensure the fastest and safest possible response.
Data sources shared with 911:
- Derailment location
- Hazmat information
- Train consist
- Car numbers
- Mutual aid notification
