Bedford, PA — March 24th — Under the direction of instructor John Hawksworth, members of Bedford Fire Department No. 1, Company 31 took part in a vehicle rescue update with an emphasis on hybrid vehicle response. High-voltage battery systems, safe extrication techniques, and modifications to vehicle architecture were all covered in the course.

Responders need to be aware of new risks, such as battery location and power shutdown techniques, as hybrid and electric vehicles proliferate on the road. The National Fire Protection Association's guidelines encourage continuous training to handle these changing threats. In situations involving newer cars, crews talked about patient access, stabilization, and scene size-up. This kind of regular updating keeps the department's reaction area safe and prepared for motor vehicle accidents.