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Hybrid Car Hazards for Emergency Responders

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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

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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.

Fun Hybrid Merchandise from CafePress.com

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The Hybrid Cars Blog

Learn about new news with Hybrids

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EMT's/Paramedics - You are our heroes!

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Police Officers - You are our heroes!

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Firefighters - You are our heroes!

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Photos of Hybrid Vehicles

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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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Thanks for staying safe!

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KimberlyDawnWells

Not only am I your Community Organizer on Squidoo, I'm an EMT and former firefighter. Hybrid cars can cause some unique hazards for first responders,... more »

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