Perry Hi-Way Hose Company, Allstate Insurance and HURST Jaws of Life Hosted First Responders for Emergency Extrication Education Event to Demonstrate How to Extricate People from Today’s Advanced Vehicles
Media note: Additional pictures from the event can be found HERE
Erie, PA – July 31, 2025 – More than 25 first responders from the Erie, PA, 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 Erie, all thanks to Perry Hi-Way Hose Company, Erie Fire Department, Allstate Insurance, HURST Jaws of Life and the National Auto Body Council® F.R.E.E.™ program.
The Erie Fire Department in Erie, PA, and first responders from surrounding areas gathered at a special NABC F.R.E.E.™ education and guidance program on July 26 to help ensure drivers in their area 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.
One local First Responder said “I now have a better understanding of how newer vehicles are constructed and how to cut, pry and move the newer metals for better patient extrication”
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.
“Newer firefighters were shown how to extricate people in newer cars because of this class and the extensive knowledge we need to keep up on newer vehicle technology,” said event host Kip Hayford.
Perry Hi-Way Hose Company and Allstate Insurance provided the vehicles and HURST Jaws of Life 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.