More than 30 first responders from New Salisbury, Indiana, and surrounding areas participated in a hands-on demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication as part of the National Auto Body Council First Responder Emergency Education (F.R.E.E.) program, according to a news release.
The training was hosted by Martin’s Body Shop on June 26.
The program, which aims to ensure that New Salisbury drivers receive the best possible response in the event of an accident, was made possible through the support of Martin’s Body Shop, Allstate Insurance, and HURST Jaws of Life.
The first responders could not get over how great this was,” Doug Martin, CEO of Martin’s Body Shop, said. “We very much enjoyed facilitating this for our community.”
The training addressed the challenges posed by modern vehicles, which are equipped with numerous airbags, advanced technology, and innovative safety systems. These features, while enhancing driver safety, can complicate rescue efforts following an accident. The potential challenges presented by electric and hybrid engines further underscore the need for updated rescue tools and procedures.
“This was an excellent and much needed training,” Lonnie Leake, chief of the Ramsey Volunteer Fire Department, said. “Thank you for helping keep our first responders trained to better protect our communities.”
The F.R.E.E. 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, the program has educated more than 5,500 first responders.
Allstate Insurance provided the vehicles for the training, while HURST Jaws of Life supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration.
