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Hybrid cars are good for the environment, but can be bad for the people trying to cut... (more...)
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Hybrid cars and SUV's have become very attractive vehicle options for consumers. They have better gas mileage and are better for the environment. However, they do have some special features that make responding to vehicle fires and accidents downright dangerous for emergency responders.
It pays to be knowledgeable about how hybrid cars are different, what to look for, and how to respond effectively. If you are a fire fighter, police officer, towing operator, or paramedic, the following information could save your life.
General Information about Hybrids
The following websites do a great job of keeping track of new models, environmental issues, gas mileage, and political issues surrounding hybrid vehicles.
- HybridCars.com
- One of the best sites for researching hybrid vehicles.
- GreenHybrid.com
- Interactive resource for hybrid cars including forums, articles, and real MPG database.
- Wikipedia
- The hybrid car listing from Wikipedia.
- Hybrid Hype? Fact and Fiction Surrounding Hybrids
- Informative article from About.com, aimed at the safety and user concerns of the Toyota Prius.
Toyota Prius
Response information for the Toyota Prius.
The Toyota Prius was the first hybrid vehicle available to the mass market and is currently more popular than all the hybrid vehicles combined. It's distinct style and shape makes it very recognizeable for emergency responders.Emergency Response Guide
The following PDF documents provide details on how to identify this vehicle as a hybrid, warnings on the high voltage, specific disabling procedures and warnings, extrication how-to, and roadside assistance details.
- Prius 1st Generation
- Prius 2nd Generation
Dismantling Procedures
Should you need to dismantle a Toyota Prius, please read and use the guide distributed by Toyota:
- Toyota Prius Dismantling Procedures
Toyota Prius Homepage
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Response information for the Toyota Camry Hybrid
The Toyota Camry is one of the most popular vehicles on the road, but having similar body build as ordinary Camrys makes the hybrid version difficult to spot. It is expected that soon, 15% of Camrys on the road will be hybrids.Emergency Response Guide
The following PDF documents provide details on how to identify this vehicle as a hybrid, warnings on the high voltage, specific disabling procedures and warnings, extrication how-to, and roadside assistance details.
- Toyota Camry
Toyota Camry Hybrid Homepage
Ford Escape Hybrid
Response information for the Ford Escape Hybrid
The Ford Escape Hybrid instantly became popular since it was the first hybrid SUV to hit the market, debuting in 2004. Also the first American-made hybrid, this is the cheapest of the SUV hybrids. Like the Camry it is modeled after an existing vehicle, and thus harder to identify than hybrid-only models.Emergency Response Guide
The following PDF document outlines the safety features and precautions to take with a Ford Escape Hybrid.
- Ford Escape Hybrid
Ford Escape Hybrid Homepage
Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Response information for the Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Another hybrid based on one of Ford's SUV's, the Mariner Hybrid features special hybrid decals on three points of the vehicle.Emergency Response Guide
The ERG distributed is the same for that of the Ford Escape Hybrid.
- Mercury Mariner Hybrid
Mercury Mariner Hybrid Homepage
Books on Hybrid Cars
Plug-in Hybrids: The Cars that will Recharge America
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 05/17/2008)
The Electric Car: Development and Future of Battery, Hybrid and Fuel-Cell Cars (Iee Power & Energy Series, 38)
Amazon Price: $45.00 (as of 05/17/2008)
COMMON SENSE NOT REQUIRED: Idiots Designing Cars + Hybrid Vehicles: My Career with Chrysler
Amazon Price: $13.05 (as of 05/17/2008)
General Extrication Information
Ask local dealerships to give you a tour of their latest hybrid models. Information you gather from these will differ greatly from what you will hear in the media about the safety of these vehicles to responders and passengers in a collision or fire/explosion situation. Dealerships and repair specialists can be valuable in teaching you information about identifing and disengaging each of the different hybrid vehicles.
- Extrication.com
- Offers warnings about manufacturer distributed ERGs and general extrication safety advice.
- Firehouse.com's University of Extrication
- A great multi-page resource from Firehouse.com on extrication how-to's and safety precautions.
- Hybrids and First Responders
- Article suggests that responder safety concerns may be exaggerated.
- Hybrid Cars Pose Danger to EMT's
- Silence of engine in hybrids leaves responders unsure of whether or not vehicle is running.
Vehicle Extrication Video
Nanuet Fire Dept Extrication At Overturned Auto
Nanuet Fire Dept performs extrication on an overturned auto on Route 59
Fun Hybrid Merchandise from CafePress.com
The Hybrid Cars Blog
Learn about new news with Hybrids
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byEMT's/Paramedics - You are our heroes!
Police Officers - You are our heroes!
Firefighters - You are our heroes!
So...are Hybrids a Hazard or Not?
Some people say that hybrid vehicles, in emergency situations, don't pose a risk at all (or a very slim one) to emergency responders. Find out what they have to say and decide for yourself.
- Car Talk Bulletin Boards
- Includes some stats (not sure where from) about cause of death in MVAs.
- nbc4.com - DC, MD, VA
- In an area where hybrid MVAs are common, find out what responders have to say about responding to crashes. Includes great video clips and a slide show!
- All USA Cars Info
- Hazards exist - are the color coded wires enough ?
Hybrid Cars Journal Blog
The Hybrid Cars Journal blog doesn't focus on the emergency response side of hybrid vehicles but nonetheless does a great job of posting resources and new news.
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