Hosted by LaMettry’s Collision, the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) First Responder Emergency Extrication (FREE) events were held Sept. 9th at LaMettry’s Collision in Lakeville, Minn., and Sept. 10th at EP Auto, Tire & Glass in Eden Prairie, Minn.
“I benefited the most from being able to pull things apart first hand, and see where the airbags are and where good cut points are,” said Aasa Just, firefighter for the Farmington Fire Department. “The event was fun and very informative especially on how to work with and disengage hybrid systems.”
The late-model vehicles used for the extrication practice session at LaMettry’s Collision and EP Auto Tire & Glass (part of the LaMettry’s Collision Family) were donated by State Farm Insurance. The program was provided at no cost to the participants. It included dinner and classroom instruction on the latest technologies in vehicle design and materials by a representative of Holmatro Rescue Equipment, as well as an airbag deployment demo, instruction on hybrid and electric vehicle systems, an extrication demo, and small-group hands-on extrication training.
“First responders require the most current vehicle information to be effective,” said Darrell Amberson, president of operations at LaMettry’s Collision. “As collision repairers, we too must understand current vehicle technologies and materials, including new substrates and electronics. We are pleased to be able to play a role in training first responders who play such a critical role to the public. We share their desire to be the best we can be thus providing maximum value to our shared communities.”
The LaMettry’s events are part of a cross-country series of FREE campaigns in September through the NABC.
