Hybrid Cars and Emergency First Responders

As hybrid cars are becoming more and more common, the public safety agencies such as the emergency first responders and fire fighters need to be trained on dealing with crashes involving hybrid cars. What’s different about hybrid car crashes? Hybrid cars have a high voltage battery pack and wires carrying electricity - while using “jaws of life” to rescue a trapped passenger an electrical wire could be cut accidently. This could potentially give a serious jolt or even burn injuries to the first responders.

Turning the ignition off is a simple basic step that cuts off electricity in the car. Just knowing where the battery pack or the fuse box is located can help. Knowing the color code of the wires can help identify dangers. Another thing to keep in mind is that hybrid cars lack engine noise and so it is hard to tell if the car is running or turned off. A damaged battery pack could be leaking.

Common sense coupled with a bit of safety training can go a long ways. Fire departments across the nation are providing formal training on handling hybrid car crashes.