Evansville first responders learn new rescue skills through NABC F.R.E.E. program

Feb. 15, 2019
More than 50 first responders from Evansville, Newburgh, Henderson, IN and surrounding cities fire departments gathered Saturday, February 9th for a demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication.
More than 50 first responders from Evansville, Newburgh, Henderson, IN and surrounding cities fire departments gathered Saturday, February 9th for a demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in the region, all thanks to the National Auto Body Council F.R.E.E.™ program and Lefler Collision & Glass Repair Centers.
In crashes where minutes can spell the difference between life and death, first responders to the accident scene need up-to-date information so they can act quickly and safely! Knowing specifically where and how to efficiently cut, pry and extricate can make the difference in saving precious minutes and lives as well as the safety of the first responders. Keeping first responders up to date on the latest new technology in vehicles is a challenge for every local fire department. The NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.™) helps first responders stay abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design. High-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles are all covered in the program. The growing popularity of high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicles and the many safety concerns surrounding these vehicles makes this program a necessity.  Alternative fuel systems present different challenges when first responders arrive at the scene of an accident.  Electric cars, hybrid cars and natural gas vehicles have fuel systems that pose dangers for first responders if need arises to cut or pry the vehicle for rescue. Lefler Collision & Glass at 704 N. Wabash Ave., Evansville, IN, hosted first responders from Evansville, Newburgh and Henderson at a special NABC F.R.E.E.™ instruction program on Saturday, February 9thto help ensure area drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident. “Saturday was a great day with our Hometown Heroes, said Jimmy Lefler, CEO, Lefler Collision & Glass Repair Centers. It was great to see so many different fire departments come together for training with the latest extrication equipment. The new model crashed cars with the latest multi-location airbags and safety equipment provided a realistic experience that older salvage yard cars can't provide.” State Farm Insurance provided the vehicles, and Genesis Rescue Systems supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration. Other partners included P & L Rescue Services.ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL The National Auto Body Council is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council has gifted more than 2,000 vehicles, provided extrication opportunities for over 1,000 First Responders and contributed to thousands of distracted driving pledges in communities through NABC Recycled Rides™, First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the Distracted Driving Initiative. The National Auto Body Council is changing the paradigm of how the collision industry works and is viewed. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.

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