NABC F.R.E.E.™ Program, Gerber Collison & Glass, Nissan North America and Genesis Rescue Systems Provided Education and Guidance for Nashville Fire Departments and Surrounding Areas on Extricating People from Today’s Advanced Vehicles
NASHVILLE, TN – More than 30 first responders from Nashville Fire Departments and surrounding areas gathered June 25, 2022, 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 Nashville and surrounding areas, all thanks to the National Auto Body Council® F.R.E.E.™ program, Gerber Collison & Glass, Nissan North America and Genesis Rescue Systems.
When drivers in Nashville and surrounding areas have an accident, they rely on the community’s first responders to be there to help them to safety. And when they are driving a late-model vehicle with numerous airbags, advanced technology or electric/hybrid engines, the rescue can be more challenging.
“As a Nashville resident, this NABC F.R.E.E.™ event was extra special,” said Kyle Mederios, chair of the NABC F.R.E.E.™ committee. “Being able to witness firsthand the scenarios first responders are presented with and the quick, precise thinking they must perform gave me an even greater respect for them. As a result of this event and our great partnerships with Geber Collision & Glass, Nissan North America, and Genesis Rescue Systems, we’re already working to host another event soon.”
The NABC® First Responder Emergency Extrication program (F.R.E.E.™) helps first responders stay abreast of the rapid changes in vehicle design, including high-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems and onboard technology. Alternative fuel systems found in electric and hybrid vehicles present new challenges for first responders on the accident scene.
Gerber Collision & Glass at 999 Polk Ave. in Nashville hosted the first responders from Nashville Fire Departments and surrounding areas at the special NABC F.R.E.E.™ instruction program to help ensure Nashville drivers have the best prepared response in case of an accident. Nissan North America provided the vehicles, and Genesis Rescue System 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 nearly 3,000 vehicles, provided extrication opportunities for nearly 5,000 First Responders and is helping educate students and adult drivers in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides®, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC® Drive Out Distraction program. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC® membership dollars. The National Auto Body Council® is changing the paradigm of how the collision industry works and is viewed. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.
