In 1993, The Clinton Administration created Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles (PNGV). This initiative works hand-in-hand with the American Automotive industry to develop a "clean car" that could operate up to 80 miles per gallon. The industry came out with three prototypes - all of which were hybrids. However, it wasn't until early 2000 that Toyota released the Prius - the first hybrid four-door sedan available in the United States.
Over the last ten years the hybrid car phenomenon has grown; more and more hybrids are hitting the highways. While fire and rescue personnel have grown accustomed to the ever changing automotive industry and the new technology concerning each new model, this article will touch on a few basics about hybrids, including: location and construction of battery compartments, "powering-down" the vehicle, extrication procedures, and much more.
There are many myths out there related to hybrids, which can give way to some uneasy feelings when dealing with these vehicles. However, they are not that much different than your average automobile. Ryan Chapman, Bomb Technician, Fire Investigator, and Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute (MFRI) Instructor, explained some of the myths related to Hybrid vehicles. For example: you cannot be electrocuted by touching a hybrid vehicle unless the vehicle is in contact with external high voltage lines – even if it is in water. Chapman stated that the power system is isolated from the body and chassis of the vehicle.
One of the most important facts that Chapman wanted to stress is the "look before you cut," procedure. Manufacturers do not put wires and cables containing hazardous voltage where emergency services personnel are going to have to cut for extrication purposes; but after market modifications made by the owner are done in the quickest and most cost effective ways, it is truly advisable that on-scene personnel adopt a vital "look before you cut" procedure with these hybrids. Prior to cutting, it is imperative to remove interior covering from posts and floor and look for the Supplement Restraint System (SRS) and high voltage cabling.
Another important fact to keep in mind when dealing with hybrids is to "power-down" the vehicle by removing the key from the ignition and the key fob from vehicle itself. Chapman suggested a minimum of 30 feet away - after moving seat, lowering windows, etc. It must be noted that the vehicle may remain active and "energized" for up to ten minutes.
According to hybridcars.com: the color orange is used to designate high voltage cables and the location of fuses that will isolate the electrical system, all of which are marked. By removing the ignition key and disconnecting a vehicle's 12-volt battery, this disables the hybrids high-voltage controller. The changing technology and the ever growing popularity of these "clean cars" makes it vital that emergency services personnel know what they are looking at when arriving on scene where a hybrid vehicle is involved. The United States has become the global market leader with 1.6 million hybrids registered by December 2009 - of which 814,173 are the Toyota Prius. While Maryland is not the leading market, (California has that title) it is still necessary to know how to handle a scene involving hybrids.
Hybrid Manufacturers have created a several different methods with the hopes of educating emergency responders on the interworking of Hybrids. One resource available is called, "Emergency Responder Guides" (ERG's). While these guides do come in small pocket versions for quick reference and can be used in the field; they were not intended for that purpose alone. ERG's target company officers or training officers primarily for training purposes. For more information on Emergency Response Guides, visit http://www.extrication.com/ERG.htm.
There is no substitute for continuing education. The world is constantly changing with newer, faster, and more advanced technology coming out every day. It's imperative to know what you - as emergency services personnel - will be dealing with in the field. MFRI offers courses that will cover the basics of these new technologies in vehicles such as a "Site Operations" class which is the equivalent of the first half of Rescue Technician, followed by "Vehicle Machinery Rescue". While these classes do not go into specifics about each and every make and model of vehicles (this is where ERG's may come in handy) they do, however, cover the basics of what to look for in all vehicles hybrid or not; keeping yourself and others safe on-scene.
