More than 25 first responders from the Erie, PA, area took part in the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) F.R.E.E. vehicle extrication training on July 26, hosted by Perry Hi Way Hose Company in Erie, in partnership with the Erie Fire Department, Allstate Insurance and HURST Jaws of Life. The event included classroom instruction and live demonstrations with donated late model vehicles to sharpen rescue skills amid evolving safety system complexities.
The F.R.E.E. (First Responder Emergency Education) program is designed to help first responders tackle rescue challenges posed by modern vehicles — ultra high strength steel, multiple airbags, ADAS electronics, and hybrid/electric powertrains — that enhance occupant safety but complicate extrication procedures. The Erie session offered hands on practice using advanced rescue tools on realistic crash simulations, free of charge for participants.
“I now have a better understanding of how newer vehicles are constructed and how to cut, pry and move the newer metals for better patient extrication,” said one local first responder.
“Newer firefighters were shown how to extricate people in newer cars because of this class and the extensive knowledge we need to keep up on newer vehicle technology," said event host Kip Hayford.
Perry Hi-Way Hose Company and Allstate Insurance provided the vehicles, and HURST Jaws of Life supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration.
The NABC F.R.E.E. curriculum typically includes one hour of theory followed by three hours of hands on extrication exercises using four late model salvage cars donated via insurer channels. Classes are capped at around 40 first responders per event. Since inception, the program has trained more than 5,000 responders nationwide.
