CARSTAR Russom’s, Allstate and Genesis Rescue Systems Hosted a First Responder Education Event in Cape Girardeau, MO Demonstrating How to Extricate People from Today’s Advanced Vehicles on June 6
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (June 8, 2026) – On Saturday, June 6, first responders representing rescue units from southeast Missouri put on their gear for a hands-on learning experience showing them how to rescue accident victims from late-model vehicles – life-saving skills that are critical when minutes matter most.
The first responders from these units gathered at a special NABC F.R.E.E.™ education and guidance program at CARSTAR Russom’s Cape Girardeau, to help ensure drivers in the region get the best prepared response in case of an accident. The vehicles were donated by Allstate for the demonstrations, while Genesis Rescue Systems provided the tools used by the instructors to teach the first responders.
“It is great to be a part of providing these men and women an opportunity to have access to tools and training that they can use in their commitment to serve our community,” said LaDona Russom of CARSTAR Russom’s Collision. “We truly appreciate the partnership we have with NABC to coordinate with Genesis, Copart and Allstate, who make this all happen.”
Today’s vehicles are equipped with numerous airbags, advanced technology and innovative safety systems that keep drivers safer in case of an accident. But these same safety advantages make it harder for first responders to rescue those drivers and passengers. Add to that the potential challenge presented by electric and hybrid engines, and first responders need a whole new arsenal of rescue tools and procedures.
The National Auto Body Council® First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) program helps prepare local first responder teams to rescue accident victims from these late-model vehicles. The program provides education and live demonstrations on working with high-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, onboard technology and safety around alternative fuel vehicles. Since it was founded, it has provided education for more than 7,000 first responders.
About the National Auto Body Council®:
The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,750 vehicles valued at more than $67 million and provided extrication opportunities for some 7,000 First Responders in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™).
The NABC Changing and Saving Lives Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is committed to the goal of driving change for veterans, military members, first responders and families in need, while harnessing the power of the collective membership of the collision repair industry to positively impact communities where we live and work. As demand for NABC® programs like NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC F.R.E.E.™ grows, so do the needs for resources to manage these important programs. Being able to pursue grants, gifts and donations allows NABC to expand these programs to serve those in need and help communities where we live and work.
The Changing and Saving Lives Foundation Keys for Change program also helps drive funding for key programs. The easy, efficient donation process allows vehicle owners to turn their unwanted vehicles into life-changing support. All vehicle donations fund critical programs that provide support and assistance for families in need, military members, veterans and first responders. For more information, visit http://www.nationalautobodycouncil.org/ .