Extrication in Hybrid cars

[BARNY750]

We had a lengthy discussion on this topic at our last meeting. Currently we do not do extrication, we call for mutual aid from surrounding depts. but we are first on scene and would like to know.

What is the best practice for extrication on the new hybrid cars? Ive heard alot of horror stories about these cars.

If there is already a topic on this, let me know.
Thanks

[basslerga]

check out the emergency responce guides for each of these vehicles on the Manufactures web site. they provide detailed guidelines for dealing with hybred emergencys

[fireguy919]

Most emergency response guides can be found on this web site as well.

http://www.limerickfirerescue.org/training/

Scroll to the bottom of the page. There is a lot of good information here. Good luck and be safe

[WTFD10]

One of the most important (and easiest) things to remember is that all high voltage wiring in these cars is bright orange.

Definitely check out the emergency response guides that the other brothers posted as well.

[BARNY750]

Thanks everyone. That is exactly what I was looking for.

[MEck51]

Although all the high voltage lines are orange I have not heard of a federal standard requiring as such, any body got any more info on that. Also from what I recently learned cutting the main battery - 12volt leads it will also kill the high voltage lines via some safety setup. Also important to remember take the keys out of the car and at least 20 feet away, due to the proximity keys that are so popular now especialy with the hybreds.

[fftrainer]

and don't forget 'golf cart mode'

Just because it's quiet doesn't guaranty its off. Disconnect the power source to be safe

[fireguy919]

Not only cutting the power on the 12 volt battery supply and removing the keys. If possible remove the breaker or disconnect main power supply as well. Some of these vehicle’s can generate 550 plus volts. Just like was stated just because you do not hear it does not mean it’s not alive. I work at a ford dealer I know the Escape Hybrid when the ignition is turned on the gas motor does not start till needed. You can always look at the dash should be a gauge on most of these vehicle’s to indicate if it is using electric power or not.

[Fire304]

Originally posted by fireguy919
If possible remove the breaker or disconnect main power supply

I know at least one manufacturer (Honda I think) specificly disrecommends pulling the main breaker, as there could be major arcing which might injure the person pulling the fuse and could serve as an ignition source.

[MEck51]

I believe ford states that when their tech.s are working on the car to remove the breaker on hybrids they are to wear linesmen gloves. Arcing is also a concern. Do not pull or do anything with the breakers. Cut the 12volt battery leads and it should also shut down the other electric system.

[fireguy919]

with the Ford Escape you do not have to remove the breaker to turn it off. It comes up a little and turns. Most of what I seen in the emr guides they show you how to disconnect the power units and where the breakers are for them. I do not think I would do it unless it had to be done. I printed the guides off in put them in our mini pumper that carries our jaws if we need a quick referance.

[MEck51]

Your print outs are a good idea. I think Holmatro, can't realy remember but it is one of the tool makers, has a book that tells you where stuff is in just about every car. It gives you airbags locations, pre-tensioners, hy-brid stuff just about anything you should know before you cut. The only down side is you have to keep up on it at least yearly and it will get expensive.

[fftrainer]

For those who don't know... Holmatro now also makes the book on cd if any of you have on board laptops. We have it in the officers seat and it's much nicer to let the computer do the searching then thumbing through pages.

Yes there is an annual cost to keep current, but it minor compared to getting injured by setting off an unknown safety device.

[harley4227]

I have a 2-hour PowerPoint presentation on CD that covers Hybrids and Alternative fuels vehicles that I give to any person or department free of charge. I DID NOT copywrite it, so feel free to use any or all of it you would like. Email me an address and I will forward it to you. No strings attached! There are a couple hundred photos so I can not email it. It deals with procedures at the "Scene Of The Accident" while working around these vehicles.

[MetalMedic]

And the fun part is.. there is no standard way of determaning you have a hybrid vehicle until you open tbings up and look for things like the orange wire harnesses. Disconecting the 12-V batteries is a good idea, but the auto manufactuers are making that more difficult by moving the 12-V battery to locations other than under the hood.

[fireguy919]

Originally posted by MetalMedic
And the fun part is.. there is no standard way of determaning you have a hybrid vehicle until you open tbings up and look for things like the orange wire harnesses. Disconecting the 12-V batteries is a good idea, but the auto manufactuers are making that more difficult by moving the 12-V battery to locations other than under the hood.

They should all be labeled Hybrid unless the owner removes the label on the back.

[Fire304]

Originally posted by fireguy919


They should all be labeled Hybrid unless the owner removes the label on the back.

Or they were involved in a rear-end crash!

[fdsq10]

Harley4227, I would like a copy of your ppp on hybrid veh. If you would please send it to hhill@vbgov.com. Thanks.

[MetalMedic]

Originally posted by Fire304


Or they were involved in a rear-end crash!

Exactly what we had with a Honda hybrid that had the back bumper tore off of it in a rear end crash. Fortunately there was no injury or extrication, but it was an interesting feeling when the rather elderly driver came up to us as the wrecker was hooking the car up to tell us that the dealer told him to alert a wrecker operator that the car was a hybrid if it were involved in a crash. We searched all over the car looking for a label and found none. I then recognized the radio antenna location as a tell-tale indicator of a hybrid. We then opened the hood and had a quick refresher on how to recognized one from under the hood. We then gathered up the bumber and found the ONLY exterior label on the car to indicate that it was a hybrid.

I think I have been in this business too long... I can't keep up any more!!!

[harley4227]

I then recognized the radio antenna location as a tell-tale indicator of a hybrid.

Maybe I am missing something. As far as I know there is no difference in the type or location of the radio antenna on a gas powered or gas/electric hybrid. Is there something that slipped by me? From all the vehicles I have seen the only difference in the radio antenna's on the Honda is weather or not the car has satellite radio.