RapidSOS: Train Derailment Solution
Delivering critical hazmat information during large-scale emergencies 🚂
Detailed workflows and solutions for this project are hidden under NDA.
Over the last decade, an average of 1,300 train derailments occurred each year, accounting for 61% of all train accidents. For derailments involving hazardous chemicals, timely access to cargo and hazmat data is one of the most critical factors for first responders.
As the lead product designer for this strategic partnership between RapidSOS and Norfolk Southern, I spearheaded the end-to-end design of a safety platform to rapidly digitize and deliver this critical information. My design efforts focused on streamlining workflows for 911 telecommunicators, train dispatchers, and first responders, aiming to drastically reduce information transfer time, enhance responder safety, and improve incident outcomes.
Impact & Outcomes
This feature transformed a manual, days-long data relay (e.g., 72 hours for East Palestine) into an instant, digital process. This significantly:
- Reduced Information Latency: Critical hazmat data delivered in minutes, not hours.
- Enhanced First Responder Safety: Provided immediate, accurate intelligence for safer incident approach.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: Streamlined workflows for dispatchers and emergency services.
- Strengthened Inter-agency Coordination: Enabled seamless data sharing for coordinated responses.
