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Hybrids Raise Victim Extrication Questions
Updated: 08-24-2005 12:27:29 PM
HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.Com News
A prominent publication has stirred up concern within the fire service and the general public by alleging a lack of willingness in the fire/rescue community to respond to victims of hybrid vehicle crashes.
The September issue of Car and Driver Magazine features a column by automotive writer Brock Yates, which states that "...a number of fire and EMS crews have announced that they will refuse to rescue victims trapped in such vehicles, openly fearing electrocution or fatal acid burns."
Neither Car and Driver Magazine nor Brock Yates responded to Firehouse.com's request to identify which fire departments made these alleged announcements, and fire service leaders questioned the veracity of the statement.
"I don't know why anyone would question the willingness of the fire service to handle any sort of emergency, and I don't believe, unless you can prove otherwise, there is any credible evidence to suggest that is actually happening," said International Association of Fire Fighters spokesman Jeff Zack.
"How is this different than responding to downed power lines or a chemical fire of some sort? This just doesn't appear credible on its face or in its substance," he said. "Firefighters have never shrunk in the face of adversity and I don't think they're doing it in this case."
The National Volunteer Fire Council agreed. "We're quite aware of the concern regarding hybrid vehicles, but I have not heard of any department saying, 'We're going to stop rescuing people in these vehicles,'" said spokesman Craig Sharman.
However, when asked about the fire/rescue service's current state of preparedness to respond to hybrid vehicles, no one can give a definitive answer because there is no formal distribution of hybrid vehicle response information. The burden is on individual agencies to seek out the information, but experts say it is common knowledge in the fire/rescue community that hybrid vehicle manufacturers provide emergency response guide books for free online and through local dealerships.
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Updated: 08-24-2005 12:27:29 PM
HEATHER CASPI
Firehouse.Com News
A prominent publication has stirred up concern within the fire service and the general public by alleging a lack of willingness in the fire/rescue community to respond to victims of hybrid vehicle crashes.
The September issue of Car and Driver Magazine features a column by automotive writer Brock Yates, which states that "...a number of fire and EMS crews have announced that they will refuse to rescue victims trapped in such vehicles, openly fearing electrocution or fatal acid burns."
Neither Car and Driver Magazine nor Brock Yates responded to Firehouse.com's request to identify which fire departments made these alleged announcements, and fire service leaders questioned the veracity of the statement.
"I don't know why anyone would question the willingness of the fire service to handle any sort of emergency, and I don't believe, unless you can prove otherwise, there is any credible evidence to suggest that is actually happening," said International Association of Fire Fighters spokesman Jeff Zack.
"How is this different than responding to downed power lines or a chemical fire of some sort? This just doesn't appear credible on its face or in its substance," he said. "Firefighters have never shrunk in the face of adversity and I don't think they're doing it in this case."
The National Volunteer Fire Council agreed. "We're quite aware of the concern regarding hybrid vehicles, but I have not heard of any department saying, 'We're going to stop rescuing people in these vehicles,'" said spokesman Craig Sharman.
However, when asked about the fire/rescue service's current state of preparedness to respond to hybrid vehicles, no one can give a definitive answer because there is no formal distribution of hybrid vehicle response information. The burden is on individual agencies to seek out the information, but experts say it is common knowledge in the fire/rescue community that hybrid vehicle manufacturers provide emergency response guide books for free online and through local dealerships.
Rest Here: CLICKY!
News Video on article
