June 1, 2018—Rescue equipment manufacturers have joined the National Auto Body Council's First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.) program.
The rescue equipment manufacturers, Hurst Jaws of Life and Genesis Rescue Systems, will provide instructors for NABC member-hosted extrication events nationwide.
NABC’s F.R.E.E. program provides first responders with hands-on practice specifically on late model vehicles equipped with today’s new car technology, including lighter weight, high strength steels, sophisticated electronics and multiple airbag systems.
With the resources of Hurst Jaws of life and Genesis Rescue Systems, two of the largest manufacturers of rescue equipment in the U.S., NABC can now offer more opportunities for NABC members to host F.R.E.E. events and provide extrication practice opportunities to hundreds more first responders nationwide.
To support the increased demand for F.R.E.E. events, State Farm has committed to providing the majority of the salvage vehicles for the program with additional support from Allstate. Each event typically requires 3-4 vehicles for approximately 40 participating first responders to practice their cutting and extricating skills.
NABC’s F.R.E.E. program is offered to first responders at no charge as a community service and hosted at NABC repair shop facilities. The typical F.R.E.E. event consists of one-hour class instruction by rescue equipment experts, followed by three hours of hands-on extricating practice using the latest equipment on late-model vehicles staged to simulate crash scenes.
