Industry supporters came together to deliver state of the art emergency extrication training to more than 125 emergency service personnel in Las Vegas the week of June 1.
911 Collision Centers, Kent Automotive and Hertz Local Edition hosted the event with Progressive Insurance, Nationwide Insurance and Green Leaf Recyclers providing vehicles.
With advancements in vehicle design, multiple air bags and passenger restraint systems, first responders to an accident need additional training. They are seeing more hybrids at the scene of accidents and need familiarity with high voltage vehicles.
“Learning about the wiring and voltage on hybrids provided invaluable experience to our team,” said City of Henderson Battalion Chief Jeff Lytle.
Chuck Sulkala, executive director of the National Auto Body Council (NABC), was present to see the events over the two-day period.
“This program was fantastic, from Toby Chess talking about the new metals, to observing the various airbags being deployed, to seeing the First Responders ‘suit up.’ It was really great to see them in action. It was an awesome display that was appreciated by everyone,” he said.
“We rarely, if ever, get the opportunity to practice cutting apart late model vehicles. Our team members, especially the younger ones, need as much practice as possible. This training will definitely save time and save lives,” Lytle added.
Patrick O’Neill, 911 Collision Centers co-founder and operations manager, said, “This training will help save lives right here in our own neighborhoods. We are committed to hosting these classes in the communities we serve and challenge other repairers to get involved and host a class in their community.”
For more information, visit www.911Collision.com or call (520) 791-9119.