Emergency Responder Guide Lines

Responders have confused ERGs with commercially available small pocket emergency field (quick reference) guides that can be slip into a pocket for a quick reference. The ERGs are intended to provide an invaluable resource about a particular model (hybrid) vehicle. Or at least the Toyota-Lexus ERGs that Extrication.Com has helped develop

While an ERG can be used by any emergency responder as a rescue resource tool on site, that was not their intent to solely be used on scene. They were developed to be utilize prior to an incident, and if required on scene. The intended target audience has been the company officer, training officer or extrication instructor who may be presenting a company awareness program for hybrid safety.

It should not the position of a car manufacturer to use the ERGs as a tool to make agency policy or provide the emergency services with pocket field guides. Field guides are summaries reduced from accepted standards based on a model Standard Operating Policy (SOP) or Standard Operating Guide (SOG) either by an agency or subject matter expert with a particular expertise in the emergency services.

How is a manufacturer to know what information should be omitted from the ERG for pocket field guide intended for the emergency services? This is something that should be developed within emergency services or by a subject matter expert. When no accepted standards has been established, such as a standard governing hybrid vehicle rescue, the manufacturer's ERGs can be utilized by the agency having authority to develop their own SOPs and/or SOGs.

The ERGs provide presenters with as much information as possible so they will be able to provide sound answers to questions asked by their audience. While, ERGs can be used in the field, this was not the original intent. It is suggested the user have a familiarity with the ERG format prior to an incident so relevant information located if needed.

Each department is unique in the way and manner they respond and perform vehicle rescue. In reality would you want an auto manufacturer to set department policy for you? The ERGs can make recommendations such as which method of fire attack will work best with NiMH batteries battery fires, but how responders actually perform these tasks should be left to the local agency and the incident commander on scene.

Whenever I receive a comment by responders stating there is "TOO" much information in some ERGs; my response is where do the ERG developers leave off? If there was too little information there would be a greater mass of educators expressing the need to be more informative and the industry is holding back information. And, where would they go for the information. Its far better to have more than less information.

Personally I can not side with anyone stating they are receiving too much information. You can never have too much information when it comes to responder safety. Its your responsibility to read through a response guide to filter what is important to you and what is simply useful information.

ERGs In Review
ERGs provide valuable information about a vehicle for the program developers, instructors or company officers responsible for providing training so they can properly present information during training and answer any question you may have without them saying "I'll have to get back to you because I don't know the answer" or the information isn't readily available.

ERGs provide the necessary information for individuals responsible for making policy within an agency to develop their own generic vehicle rescue SOPs/SOGs. It is a misconception that ERGs were specifically meant for the responder to roll up to a crash and start reading about a particular vehicle for the first time.

ERGs are intended to be read prior to an incident and used as a resource tool should the responder need to reference back to the manufacturer's recommendations. Providing ERGs with note tabs would be a suggestion for quick referencing in the field. No two manufacturer's hybrid systems are alike, and often hybrid system between model lines within a make are unique. Hence the need for individual ERGs for each hybrid model and make.

As emergency responders we are perceived as being professionals, reading a book cover to cover at an incident is not the professional way. Your department can easily convert any of the ERGs available through the webpage links into a lesson plan. With a little initiative researching departments should be able to come up with photos of the vehicles and quickly develop a PowerPoint or similar slide show program. Agencies or their company officers can easily make their own emergency field guide to assist them based on a departments SOPs/SOGs and/or manufacturers recommendations.

Generic Rescue Task Common to All Vehicles
There are three basic tasks associated with all motor vehicles and departments should consider including them when updating or developing SOPs/SOGs for vehicle rescue:

Responder Safety: Shut Down/OFF the Ignition System
A primary objective for the emergency responder at a hybrid incident will be to shut the vehicle OFF, this provides the following:

NOTE: It should be noted that the hybrid system will have high voltage capacitors that can store a high voltage current for up to 10 minutes, even after the vehicle is shut down/off. Always consider a high voltage cable to be live/hot. Always use the vehicles power to your advantage prior to disabling, such as, but not limited to: Powering down windows, open locks/latches, move electric seats.

Relating the Past with the Present
In my programs I relate to innovative vehicles with the past. 100 years ago a vehicle carrying a 12V lead acid battery and a gallon jug of gasoline on a horse drawn wagon. In comparison, by today's standards this would be considered a hazard. Similarly the wagon's operator also experienced hazards for that mode of transportation. If the operator stood in front of the horse he could get kicked; if he stuck out his hand to the horse's mouth he could get bit; if he stood behind the horse he could get kicked and if he didn't watch where he stepped he could be contaminated by spent fuel in the form of, well I think we all can figure that out without great detail. Today we have evolved from very simple vehicles of the past to complex innovative vehicles of the future.

The emergency responder has trained how to deal with hazards related to the conventional vehicle. Why is this possible? Because information is readily available, agencies are providing proper training and responders gain knowledge from previous experience. We relate to hazards associated with gasoline and other fuels, no one refuses to go to a vehicle crash because there is a gasoline spill. So why should handling a hybrid vehicle with both gasoline and high voltage be any different. It should also be noted there are conventional vehicles with high voltage potential, its not unique to hybrids. Hybrid information is readily available for departments, Extrication.Com provides links to current hybrid ERGs for all the manufacturers offering downloads. All ERGs are downloadable as a free service to any emergency responder.

Low Voltage vs. High Voltage
There are conventional vehicles that have already converted to the 42V DC electrical system. The onboard computers systems are taxing the 12V systems, which can no longer keep up. The industry as a whole will soon switching from the 12V electrical system to the 42V. While the Society of Automotive Engineers considers this to be low voltage, its near the threshold for high voltage.

Any voltage 48 Volts DC or higher shall be considered high voltage. Does this mean 42 V DC is not hazardous, no. Think what would happen if you were to disconnect a 12V DC battery and started with the positive side first and touched your tool to the negative body ground! The arc caused by the electrical short can severe a mechanic's wrench or screw driver. When the voltage approaches the high voltage threshold, the risk of electrocution increases rapidly. That is not to say that below this threshold an individual can not suffer a lethal current.

High Voltage Color Coding
All high voltage cables are color coded bright orange, as recommended by the automotive electrical standards developed by Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

There are NO color code standards for voltages below the threshold of high voltage. GM on their own has identified intermediate voltage (above low voltage and below high voltage) with bright blue colored cables for their hybrid systems. This was done to identify the higher electrical potential for responders. By SAE standards, the BLUE intermediate voltage cables are NOT high voltage as rumored by some presenters. However, there is a higher potential for burns, shock and electrocution than with a low voltage current.

It does need to be pointed out that NO hybrid high voltage cables are located in any of the normal extrication cut/push zones. Rumors of high voltage cables in the pillars, roof rails or rocker channels are just that, rumors and unfounded.

Risk Management
The emergency service is risk oriented, during an emergency we operate within an acceptable level of risk. Responding to and operating within the HOT Zone of a hybrid crash is an acceptable degree of risk. It is unwise and foolish to go into a burning building with out the proper training, PPE or the tools to perform the task expected of you. Conversely, agencies also have the responsibility to educate their members to all hazards associated with vehicle rescue.

Hybrid vehicles have been around since 1999 in North America and are quite common in most townships in the US and Canada. Departments have the responsibility to provide the proper training and responders have a responsibility to train to the accepted skills level for their job. There is enough information readily available for training officers to develop an in house hybrid vehicle rescue training program. Toyota-Lexus as a free hybrid safety training program with a link located on this web page.

Patient care should not be compromised because a vehicle maybe a hybrid. If you have been trending production and sales, more and more vehicles are being made available as hybrids. This is especially true with the drastic rise in fossil fuel costs. Toyota has made a commitment to the consumer via a recent statement from their CEO that in the near future every Toyota model line will be offered as a hybrid. Expect to see a dwindling sales and production in conventional vehicles as more and more hybrids are introduced. The fossil fuel vehicle in some of the reader's life time's be be come as extinct as the dinosaur.

Hybrid Myths
Question: Will I be electrocuted if I touch a hybrid vehicle in a crash?
Answer: Other than if an external power source such as a down power line, no and this is no different than safety provided for a conventional vehicle rescue. The hybrid high voltage system is isolated from the body chassis.

Question: Will I be electrocuted if I touch a hybrid vehicle submersed in water?
Answer: No, while there maybe some electrical leakage, it will not be detectable simply by touching the body or frame of the vehicle.

Question: Is it necessary to call for a HAZMAT response if the high voltage battery pack is ruptured during a crash?
Answer: No, there is not enough electrolyte in the individual modules or in the entire battery pack. Leakage will be very minimal if at all, and usually will be contained with in the modules even if the casing was breached during a catastrophic crash. The electrolyte is considered a gel, having the consistency of a machine oil and is absorbed within a fiber material between the metal plates. Spills can be cleaned up with a suitable absorbent for a strong base, diluted with water and neutralized with vinegar.

Question: At a recent Toyota hybrid crash we saw a clear fluid leak and grayish vapor coming from the trunk, was this from the high voltage NiMH battery pack?
Answer: No, beside the HV battery pack, there are 12V conventional automotive batteries. In a severe rear end or offset crash the 12V battery maybe subject to impact. The reaction seen was similar to that of a conventional vehicle when the 12V automotive battery is ruptured during a crash.

Question: At a crash, is there a chance that the high voltage system will electrify the vehicle's body chassis?
Answer: No, there are several automatic sensory devices that will stop the high voltage flow. The SRS ECU upon activation of the airbags, will also send a signal to the hybrid system computer, the computer will then open the high voltage relays to the HV high voltage battery pack; preventing the high voltage flow from the battery pack. In essence, there are checks and balances to prevent this situation.

What Can I do?
Start by educating yourself to hybrid technology, now is the time not at 0300 in the morning. Fuel cell vehicles are knocking at the door and will be available to the consumer within the next decade. This web page provides links to the current manufacturer's hybrid ERGs, take the opportunity to download this information for your agency.

NEW for 2008 "40-hour Vehicle Extrication: New Technology Train the Trainer"
Extrication.Com will be presenting a new program for 2008; "40-hour Vehicle Extrication New Technology Train the Trainer" Trainers will learn about hybrids from the Extrication.Com consultant who has co-written the leading hybrid manufacturer's ERGs since 2001, not from someone who has read the ERG. You will also learn about other alternative fuel vehicles, SRS, ROPS/RPS, crash theory, and new alternative extrication techniques.

The attendees will be required to do research and work together to develop a class New Technology PowerPoint presentation that they can take back to their own departments. At the end of this program, the trainers will become the Subject Matter Expert (SME), not the instructor trainer. This program is designed to allow the attendees to become program developers for their own department, enabling their presentation the ability to expand and not become out dated as with most "canned" extrication training programs.

If your department would like to be a host agency please contact Ron Shaw for more information.

Through www.gmstc.com, the GM Service Technical College provides reference materials on all the latest GM hybrid vehicle technology for the first responder community. After logging onto www.gmstc.com, please click on the "GM First Responders" link on the right-hand side of the page.

Note: The following GM emergency responder links are available as free downloads in Adobe PDF format.

Please note, while Extrication.Com tries to maintain an accurate and up to date listing for current manufacturer’s links, there may be additional links that have not been posted by our webmaster. For this reason, you should always consider utilizing the manufacture’s technical responder home page for the most recent information.

Mailing Address:
GM STC Communications Manager
1919 Technology Drive
Troy, MI 48083

Toyota Technical Information System provides reference materials on the latest Toyota Lexus hybrid vehicle technology for the first responder community. After logging onto the TIS home page, choose the from the available emergency responder downloads.

Note: The Toyota-Lexus Hybrid Safety Presentation ZIP File includes the following:

Toyota Motor Sales, USA Provided a free HYBRID SAFETY PRESENTATION on CD!
Introduced at the FDIC and Firehouse Expo 2007

Toyota/Lexus developed a hybrid vehicle safety training aid for emergency service trainers. The CD is available to all agencies.

The Toyota-Lexus emergency responder training program was introduced at both FDIC/Firehouse Expo in 2007 by Jim Gatzke, project manager, Doug Sato and Ron Shaw "Hybrid Safety Presentation" the program developers, along with hybrid engineers from Toyota Motor Company of Japan. The ERG/training program developers and engineers were there to answer questions or concerns from any responder present, and provide attendees with a complementary Toyota-Lexus training disk.

Included in the hybrid safety training program are instructor notes and student handouts, as well as the latest Toyota/Lexus emergency response guides (ERGs).

The purpose of developing a hybrid safety program is to educate responders to safely operate at the scene of a Toyota/Lexus hybrid crash. The program is designed to be used by emergency service trainers enabling them to present their members with information so they may have a familiarity with Toyota/Lexus hybrid vehicles and vehicle rescue. The classroom presentation was designed to be delivered in a (60) minute training session.

This marks the first time that an auto manufacturer has developed a generic safety program to be used and delivered by the emergency services.

"First Generation Prius Hybrid Emergency Response Guide"
Issue: Original November 2001(Latest Revision: 1/15/02) for models prior to model year 2004.
Available Online: Free 1st Generation Prius ERG PDF download
Hard Copy: $.50/copy plus shipping/handling Toyota Publications Dept. 800.622.2033

First and Second Generation Prius Photos Courtesy of Extrication.Com and Toyota

"Second Generation Prius Hybrid Emergency Response Guide"
Publisher: Toyota Motor Sales of U.S.
Issue: February 2004; beginning with model year 2004 Prius
Available Online: Free 2nd Generation Prius ERG PDF download
Currently not available as a hard copy.

The Ford Technical Resource site provides reference material on the latest Ford hybrid vehicle technology for the first responder community. Use the following directions to locate the latest Ford hybrid ERGs/emergency responder information:

Mazda Tribute

Subject: Mazda Tribute Hybrid ERG
Title: "Tribute Hybrid Emergency Response Guide"
Publisher: Ford Motor Company
Issue: Version: 9999-95-ERG-08HEV (3)
Available Online: Free Mazda Hybrid ERG PDF download
Currently not available as a hard copy
Photos courtesy of Mazda

Mazda Tribute

The Mazda Tribute is latest hybrid SUV to be introduced to the North American consumer market. The Tribute has similar features to that of the other Ford family models Escape and Mariner.

2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid Vehicle

The Honda technical resource site provides reference material on the latest Honda hybrid vehicle technology for the first responder community.

Responder note: Honda printed emergency responder guidelines are available through the local dealerships.