More than ten first responders from the Niagara Falls Fire Department and surrounding areas participated in a hands-on demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication on May 4, according to a news release.
The training was aimed at preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in Niagara Falls.
The event was hosted by Auto Collision & Glass in Niagara Falls, in collaboration with GEICO Insurance, Genesis Rescue Systems, and the National Auto Body Council F.R.E.E. program. The goal was to ensure that Niagara Falls 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. However, these same safety advantages make it harder for first responders to rescue those drivers and passengers. The potential challenge presented by electric and hybrid powertrains necessitates a whole new arsenal of rescue tools and procedures for first responders.
One Niagara Falls first responder said, “This was a great opportunity. Staging later model cars to duplicate real-life situations is valuable.”
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. Since its inception, it has provided education for more than 5,500 first responders.
Joe Lavey, manager of Auto Collision & Glass, commented, “We look forward to providing first responders the opportunity to cut newer cars each year.”
GEICO Insurance provided the vehicles for the demonstration, and Genesis Rescue Systems supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration.
