Metro conducted a multi jurisdiction response drill involving the bombing of a train in the tunnel between Foggy Bottom and Rosslyn.
The drill, dubbed Operation “Deep Rescue” because it took place in the lowest spot of the longest tunnel in Metro, had 150 volunteer participants — many from Community Emergency Response Teams from around the region — and drew more than 200 first responders from the District, Virginia, Maryland and federal agencies.
Many of the volunteers were covered with fake blood, cuts and bruises to simulate different types of injuries.
Metro conducts large-scale first response drills annually. Last year, the drill took place at the Huntington station on the Yellow Line.
“This is a really culmination of a year of training,” said Metro safety chief Fred Goodine.
During the drill, a “bomb” was detonated on the train as it traveled to Virginia. A triage area was set up on the Foggy Bottom platform, and a rescue train carrying first responders was sent to get those hurt in the “attack.”
The mood during the drill was relaxed. Participants chatted on the rescue train for nearly 50 minutes after first responders arrived, and authorities seemed in no hurry to move the train.
Numerous Metro officials said this was because they treat the drill as a learning experience and a way to determine whether the rescue train was a good way to get people out of the tunnel after an explosion.
Spokeswoman Candice Smith said Metro safety officials gave their performance a “C.”
“You task the system,” Metro safety official Chuck Novicktold volunteers waiting to return to the station. “You task different ways of doing things.”
“There should be more verbal communication going on,” he said to the crowd, which was growing more uncomfortable by the minute because the air conditioner was shut off. “Any info is better than none.”
“Maybe this isn’t the best way to do it,” he added, before offering to push the train back to Foggy Bottom if it didn’t move soon.
Carlos Jiaciento, a 28-year old volunteer, agreed with Novick’s assessment.
“It seemed like there were communication problems between the various first response agency and departments,” he said.
