More than 20 first responders from Port Washington, NY, and nearby communities recently participated in a hands-on extrication training session designed to help emergency crews adapt to the growing complexity of today’s vehicles.
The session, hosted as part of the National Auto Body Council (NABC) First Responder Emergency Education (F.R.E.E.) program, addressed the unique challenges posed by modern cars, many of which are equipped with advanced safety features, multiple airbags, high-strength steel components, and alternative powertrains such as electric or hybrid systems.
“These same safety advantages make it harder for first responders to rescue those drivers and passengers,” the NABC said in a news release, emphasizing the need for updated tools and procedures.
The training was made possible through a collaboration between USAA Insurance, Perfection Auto Services, the Port Washington Fire Department, Genesis Rescue Systems and the NABC. Genesis Rescue Systems provided both classroom instruction and live demonstrations using extrication tools on late-model vehicles, which were donated for the exercise by USAA and Perfection Auto Services.
One participant noted the practical value of the experience, saying, “We rarely get the chance to practice on late model cars. We certainly learned a lot using the extrication tools.”
The F.R.E.E. program has trained more than 6,000 first responders nationwide. It focuses on educating emergency personnel on how to navigate high-strength materials, advanced restraint systems, onboard vehicle technology, and the hazards of alternative fuel vehicles during a rescue scenario.
By ensuring local responders are trained on modern vehicles, the program aims to enhance public safety and reduce the time it takes to extricate crash victims from increasingly complex vehicles.
