What should crew members do immediately after an emergency application of brakes?

After an emergency application of brakes, crew members are required to provide flag protection in both directions. This action is crucial for ensuring the safety of the train, crew, and any potential road users or other trains in the area.

When brakes are applied in an emergency, it often indicates a significant problem that could pose risks not just to that train but also to trains approaching from other directions. By placing flag protection, crew members create a safe zone around the stopped train to warn other trains and personnel of the hazardous situation ahead, thus preventing additional accidents.

Options that involve monitoring for updates, calling for mechanical assistance, or contacting the Dispatcher for a system check prioritize communication and information gathering, which are essential in their own right, but they do not address the immediate safety needs following an emergency braking situation. Without flag protection, the risk of collision or injury remains high, making it the foremost priority in such scenarios.