More than 40 first responders from the Houston Fire Department and surrounding areas donned their rescue gear July 29 for a hands-on demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in Houston, all thanks to CARSTAR Ambassador Collision Center, Allstate Insurance, Genesis Rescue Systems and the National Auto Body Council® (NABC) First Responder Emergency Education (F.R.E.E.)™ program.
CARSTAR Ambassador Collision Center in Houston hosted the first responders for the education and guidance program, to help ensure Houston drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident.
Today’s vehicles are equipped with numerous airbags, advanced technology and innovative safety systems that keep drivers safer in case of an accident. But, these same safety advantages make it harder for first responders to rescue those drivers and passengers. Add to that the potential challenge presented by electric and hybrid engines, and first responders need a whole new arsenal of rescue tools and procedures.
The NABC 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. Since it was founded, it has provided education for more than 5,000 first responders.
Allstate Insurance provided the vehicles, and Genesis Rescue Systems supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration.
Source: NABC
Abby Andrews