Omaha fire fighters cut up vehicles at CARSTAR

Jan. 1, 2020
Two Omaha auto body repair shops hosted training on the latest in technology to area first responders.
Alternative fuel systems present different challenges when first responders arrive at the scene of an accident. Electric cars, hybrid cars, natural gas vehicles…. all these fuel systems pose dangers for first responders if need arises to “cut” the vehicle for rescue.   
Keeping fire fighters abreast on the latest new technology in vehicles is a challenge for the every local fire department. Two Omaha auto body repair shops hosted training on the latest in technology to area first responders. Don & Ron’s CARSTAR and Silver Hammer CARSTAR hosted this training April 10 & 11. The First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.) keeps first responders abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design. High strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems and safety around alternative fuel vehicles are all covered in the training. The growing popularity of high-voltage hybrid and electric vehicles and the many safety concerns surrounding these vehicles makes this training a necessity for first responders. More than 80 firefighters from the Omaha metro area attended this training. “First responders need to know about these new alternative fuel vehicles on the road, “ says Bob Keith, CARSTAR senior director of training and education. “We taught the fire fighters how to be safe when working around those vehicles and how to disable the systems if needed.”  Keith said the training included displaying electric, hybrid and natural gas vehicles.

Natural Gas Vehicles that burn compressed natural gas (CNG) are becoming more common on the roads says Keith. The first responders are anxious for an opportunity to look at these vehicles with alternative fuels. Metropolitan Utilities District displayed a CNG vehicle at the two events. Huber Chevrolet displayed a Chevy Volt.  Baxter Ford provided a hybrid car.
 
Also featured during this training was how to deal with the multiple airbag and restraint systems appearing in vehicles.
 
The true strength of this program is the opportunity to practice “cutting” late model vehicles.  Salvage cars were donated so first responders had a chance to practice “cutting” vehicles in a controlled and safe environment.  Salvage vehicles were donated by Farmers Insurance, Farm Bureau Insurance , LKQ  and the City of Omaha Police Impound for fire fighters to practice “cutting” techniques.
 
The F.R.E.E. program is a partnership between the National Auto Body Council and Holmatro Rescue Equipment.  Keith said, “Our training and experience in repairing vehicles also translates into knowledge of how to “cut” these vehicles in an emergency scenario.  Holmatro knows the tools and techniques for extrication.  CARSTAR body shops know the vehicles.”
 
JoAnn Tyler from Holmatro Rescue Equipment was the instructor at the events.  The program displayed key products used to increase the speed at which occupants can be removed safely from damaged vehicles.  Holmatro is an international rescue equipment manufacturer.
 
Keith said CARSTAR Auto Body Repair Shops are committed to helping our community become a safer, better place to live. Hosting the F.R.E.E. events is a way for the CARSTAR body shops to further serve the Omaha area.

Over 600 first responders have been trained at the  CARSTAR  locations in Omaha and Lincoln since 2010.  
 
The First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.) program is a project of the National Auto Body Council.
 
About F.R.E.E.  The First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.) program is a community awareness project whereby members of the National Auto Body Council repair and donate total loss vehicles for first responder organizations in need throughout the United States.  F.R.E.E. promotes efficient motor vehicle rescue procedures for emergency personnel at the scene of an accident and is provided to participants free of charge.
 
About CARSTAR
CARSTAR is the largest group of branded auto body shops in North America.  There are three locally owned CARSTAR Body Shops in the Omaha metro area and one in Lincoln. www.nebraskacarstar.com.
 
About NABC
NABC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the image of the collision industry.  Call 1-888-667-7433. www.autobodycouncil.org.
NABC ~ Changing the image of our industry, one consumer at a time.

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