Hosted by LaMettry’s Collision, the National Auto Body Council’s First Responder Emergency Extrication (FREETM) events were held Wednesday, September 9 at LaMettry’s Collision in Lakeville and Thursday, September 10 at EP Auto, Tire & Glass in Eden Prairie.
The firefighters appreciated the opportunity to perform hands-on extrication training. Said Aasa Just, firefighter for the Farmington Fire Department, “I benefited the most from being able to pull things apart first hand, and see where the air bags are and where good cut points are. The event was fun and very informative especially on how to work with and disengage hybrid systems.”
The late model vehicles used for the extrication practice session at LaMettry’s Collision in Lakeville and EP Auto Tire & Glass (part of the LaMettry’s Collision Family) in Eden Prairie were donated by State Farm Insurance. The program was provided at no cost to the participants and included dinner and classroom instruction on the latest technologies in vehicle design and materials by a representative of Holmatro Rescue Equipment, as well as an air bag deployment demo, instruction on hybrid and electric vehicle systems, an extrication demo, and small group hands-on extrication training.
“First responders require the most current vehicle information to be effective,” said Darrell Amberson, President of Operations at LaMettry’s Collision. “As collision repairers, we too must understand current vehicle technologies and materials, including new substrates and electronics. We are pleased to be able to play a role in training first responders who play such a critical role to the public. We share their desire to be the best we can be thus providing maximum value to our shared communities.”
The LaMettry’s events are part of a cross-country series of FREE campaigns in September through the National Auto Body Council (NABC).
About the National Auto Body Council
For 20 years, the National Auto Body Council (NABC) and its members have been instrumental in helping to shape a positive image for today’s collision industry professionals. NABC members are recognized and acknowledged as responsible businesses that give back to the communities they serve.
For more information, contact the National Auto Body Council at 1-888-667-7433 or at www.NationalAutoBodyCouncil.org. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalAutoBodyCouncil. The NABC’s Twitter feed is @AutoBodyCouncil.
About LaMettry’s CollisionLaMettry’s Collision has been family owned and operated since 1976. Today, LaMettry’s has eight auto body repair shops in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metro, providing the very finest auto body repair in the Twin Cities area. www.lamettrys.com
