NABC program provides hands-on demonstrations of latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication as vehicle tech evolves
Stilwell, Kan.—Nearly 40 first responders from Kansas City fire departments gathered on Oct. 27 at CARSTAR Metcalf for a hands-on demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication.
It was made possible by National Auto Body Council (NABC) F.R.E.E. program, vehicle donor Farmers Insurance and equipment and education provider Hurst Jaws of Life. It is the sixth NABC F.R.E.E. event that CARSTAR Metcalf has held over the past several years.
The NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.) helps first responders stay abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design, including high-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems and onboard technology. Alternative fuel systems found in electric and hybrid vehicles present new challenges for first responders on the accident scene.
“I love being able to work with our first responders here in Kansas City to help get them the training they need to rescue drivers from today’s vehicles,” said Steve Hahn, owner of CARSTAR Metcalf in Stilwell, Kan. “Many thanks to Farmers Insurance for providing the vehicles, and to Hurst Jaws of Life for providing the instructors and expert education. Our goal at CARSTAR is to always help keep drivers safer on the road, and this is one way we can contribute to that.”
Farmers Insurance donated four vehicles, and Hurst Jaws of Life supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration. Other partners included Allied Towing, which transported the vehicles, and Enterprise Rent-a-Car, which provided the food.
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