Railway Safety Guidelines for Parents Highlighted by Sverdlovsk Medical Professionals
In the bustling city of Yekaterinburg, the dangers of tram transport are not just limited to the inside of the vehicles. Rare cases have seen young explorers risking their lives by riding on the external structures of trams, highlighting the need for increased awareness and education about safety around railway tracks.
It is crucial to remember that crossing the tracks should only be done at designated points, regardless of how rushed or late one might be. In an emergency, obeying crossing signals and barriers can mean the difference between life and death.
In case of a conscious victim, talking to them and trying to calm them down is advised. However, if a person is unconscious and not breathing, CPR should be initiated immediately. Calling an ambulance and staying with the victim until medical professionals arrive is crucial.
The task of adults is to instill correct notions of safe behavior, primarily by setting a good example. Children should be taught from an early age about the dangers of railway tracks and the importance of not approaching or playing near them.
Strict avoidance of trespassing on tracks is essential. Entering or walking on railway or tram tracks, crawling under trains, or crossing against signals is illegal and extremely dangerous, as trains can move without warning, even when stationary.
Train surfing, or riding on or clinging to train or tram exteriors, is highly dangerous and strongly discouraged. It exposes individuals to falls, impacts, electrocution, or being struck by trackside obstacles. No mention of safe train surfing practices is ever given; it is considered illegal and life-threatening.
Additional precautions include using physical barriers or fencing to prevent children’s access to tracks and ensuring clear public safety campaigns and enforcement to prevent trespassing and risky behavior.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Surgery at Children's City Clinical Hospital No. 9 in Yekaterinburg, Araik Petrosyan, recalls a case of a child injured while riding on the coupling of a tram. This serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lurk around railway tracks.
In 2025, no patients with injuries sustained on rail transport were admitted to the reception-diagnostic department of DGCB No. 9. However, this year, five cases of injury on railway tracks have been registered at Central City Clinical Hospital No. 23 in Yekaterinburg.
The regional department of information policy has reported on the dangers faced by children and teenagers near trains. Adults also get injured on the railway, with cases reported in various hospitals.
Remember, your actions can save lives, both of your loved ones and strangers. Be attentive and cautious to avoid putting yourself in danger and protect children from potential risks. Safety around rail infrastructure depends on respect for legal boundaries, strict avoidance of unauthorized track access, and sustained education to prevent risky behaviors like train surfing.
- In line with the Deputy Chief Medical Officer's warning, it's prudent to educate children about the hidden perils of railway tracks, such as train surfing, which can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.
- Furthermore, promoting health-and-wellness includes understanding the importance of science in enhancing safety, specifically in the context of threats like train surfing near railway tracks, where adhering to safety guidelines can save lives.
