Media note: Additional pictures from the event can be found HERE.
Avon, OH (July 19, 2025) – A dozen first responders from the Avon Fire Department and surrounding areas donned their rescue gear for a hands-on demonstration of the latest techniques in emergency vehicle extrication, preparing them to provide the best response for car accident victims in the Cleveland area, , all thanks to Crash Champions, Avon Fire Department, Nationwide Insurance, Genesis Rescue Systems and the National Auto Body Council® F.R.E.E.™ program.
The Avon Fire Department in Avon, OH, and first responders from surrounding areas gathered at a special NABC F.R.E.E.™ education and guidance program on July 19 to help ensure Cleveland-area drivers get the best prepared response in case of an accident.
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.
“I am new to fire rescue and had a chance to use extrication tools for the first time. I can’t thank you enough,” (need an attribution here)”
The National Auto Body Council® First Responder Emergency Education (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 6,000 first responders.
“We look forward to giving back to the first responders in our community. The smaller class size gives first responders the much needed ‘tool time’. We can’t help thinking this event may save lives in the future.” (needs attribution)
Crash Champions and Nationwide Insurance provided the vehicles and Genesis Rescue Systems supplied the classroom education and extrication demonstration.
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 3,500 vehicles valued at $51 million and provided extrication opportunities for some 6,000 First Responders in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides®, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC® Community Impact program.
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 allow NABC® to expand these programs to serve those in need and help communities where we live and work. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.
Media Contact:
George Avery
g.avery@nationalautobodycouncil.org
(309) 317-9369