When drivers in the San Gabriel Valley 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 responder teams to rescue accident victims from these late-model vehicles. The program provides education and live demonstrations on working with high-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles.
Seidner’s Collision Centers, at 1000 Evergreen St, Duarte, California 91010 will host first responders from the surrounding area at a special NABC F.R.E.E. education and guidance program on August 10 and 11 to help ensure Duarte area drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident.
WHO: NABC F.R.E.E. program, Seidner’s Collision Centers at 1000 Evergreen St Duarte California 91010 and local fire departments, along with Automobile Club of Southern Californiaand HURST Jaws of Life.
WHAT: 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 Automobile Club of Southern California, 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.
