During an emergency stop or severe slack action, what is the first action the crew must take?

• A. Stop the train and wait for orders.
• B. Notify dispatcher only.
• C. Call out Emergency, Emergency, Emergency on the radio.
• D. Check the brakes and continue.

Answer: (C)

In an emergency stop or severe slack action, the priority is to get immediate, clear two‑way communication with the railroad’s operations center. The first action is to broadcast “Emergency, Emergency, Emergency” on the radio. This standard call instantly flags the situation to the dispatcher and others, ensuring they know an emergency is in progress and can provide instructions and take necessary precautions on the network. It mobilizes the right response quickly and helps prevent miscommunication or delays.

After that emergency call is made, the crew would then follow safe procedures to stop and secure the train. Simply stopping and waiting for orders can waste critical seconds, and notifying the dispatcher alone doesn’t guarantee the crew has occupied the radio channel with the urgent warning, which is why the radio call is the essential first step. Checking brakes and continuing would be unsafe in an emergency scenario.