Russom’s CARSTAR Collision, Travelers and Hurst Jaws of Life® Hosted First Responder Education Event in Dyersburg, TN Demonstrating How to Extricate People from Today’s Advanced Vehicles on July 11
MEDIA NOTE: Photos and Video from the NABC F.R.E.E.™ presentation are available HERE
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (July 16, 2026) – First responders from nine fire departments across the Mid-South donned their gear at Russom’s CARSTAR Collision in Dyersburg, TN, on Saturday, July 11 for a hands-on learning experience teaching them how to rescue accident victims from late-model vehicles – life-saving skills that are critical when minutes matter most, all thanks to Russom’s CARSTAR Collision, Travelers Insurance and the National Auto Body Council® F.R.E.E.™ program. Hurst Jaws of Life® provided the tools used in the demonstrations.
The first responders from these units gathered at a special NABC F.R.E.E.™ education and guidance program recently to help ensure drivers in the region 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.
“We had a great turn out, it far exceeded our expectations,” said LaDona Russom, of CARSTAR Russom’s Collision. “Our instructor Chris Reed did an amazing job, and everybody stated that they gained lots of information from the event. We so much appreciate the efforts of NABC, Travelers, Hurst, MES, Copart and Russom Towing that worked together to allow us the opportunity to provide this service to our first responders! Again, thanks to everyone and we welcome the opportunity to do this again next year!”
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.
Those in the community can support this life-saving NABC F.R.E.E. training in two ways – donate to the program directly or donate their unwanted or non-running vehicle through the Changing and Saving Lives Keys for Change program. They will receive a tax donation for their contribution, and proceeds will help train additional first responders across the country – and in their community.
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.