When drivers in Orange, Virginia, have an accident, they rely on the community’s first responders to be there to help them to safety. And when they are driving a late-model vehicle with numerous airbags, advanced technology or electric/hybrid engines, the rescue can be more challenging.
The National Auto Body Council First Responder Emergency Education (F.R.E.E.) program helps prepare local first
Pro Collison Center at 12403 James Madison Highway, Orange, Virginia, recently hosted first responders from the Orange Fire Department and departments in surrounding areas at a special NABC F.R.E.E. education and guidance program to help ensure Orange-area drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident.
The NABC F.R.E.E. event was held as part of the Pro Collison Center Fundraiser Cruise-In, a family friendly event supporting the local community and military members. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) donated the vehicles and HURST Jaws of Life provided the tools and education.
The NABC F.R.E.E. program provides advanced education and guidance to help first responders practice cutting techniques on advanced vehicles, addressing high-strength steel and composite materials, multiple airbags, onboard technology and changing vehicle design. The vehicles for the program were donated by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and HURST Jaws of Life is providing the classroom education and extrication demonstration.
The growing popularity of high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicles and the many safety concerns surrounding these vehicles makes this program a necessity. Alternative fuel systems present different challenges when first responders arrive at the scene of an accident. Electric cars, hybrid cars and natural gas vehicles have fuel systems that pose dangers for first responders if need arises to “cut” the vehicle for rescue.
