First respondersFirst responders learn how to deal with electric cars
With the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, first responders are now faced with a new type of vehicle that they know little about, which could be potentially dangerous in the event of a fatal crash; to help emergency responders learn about the new technology on the road today, Tesla, a manufacturer of electric vehicles, recently held a training seminar at one of its locations in California
New vehicle type means additional training for first responders // Source: opb.org
With the growing number of electric vehicles on the road, first responders are now faced with a new type of vehicle that they know little about, which could be potentially dangerous in the event of a fatal crash.
“They are built differently than they were built before, which is challenging us with equipment we have, types of training we have,” said Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman of the Menlo Park fire department.
To help emergency responders learn about the new technology on the road today, Tesla, a manufacturer of electric vehicles, recently held a training seminar at one of its locations in California. Company representatives explained the various safety features that electric vehicles have that help prevent dangerous explosions after a car crash.
“The battery packs, which most people think might present a danger, are encased with aluminum and other materials that disables any potential it could be hazardous,” said Camille Ricketts, Tesla spokesperson.
In addition like traditional gas-powered vehicles, hybrids and electric vehicles also have an automatic failsafe switch that cuts off power after a crash.
The educational seminar at Tesla was sponsored by the Department of Energy, and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is working to spread awareness and knowledge to first responders across the country.
“We teach them how to disable the vehicle take power down and safely get occupants out of the vehicle,” said William Davis of NAFTC.
Other lessons include the fact that the industry standard for high voltage cables is orange.
NAFTC has made its safety training manual for first responders available as a free app for iPhones and iPads. The app is not yet available for Android devices, but the organization plans to make one available next year.
The app includes a list of alternative fuel manufactures, specific vehicles, as well as color coded diagrams which highlight where first responders will find the battery, high voltage cables, and air bags.
“What this helps them do is add to their toolbox of skills,” NAFTC spokesperson Michael Smyth said.
