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April 28, 2009
Marquette General Trauma Center in cooperation with local GM dealers to offer Hybrid Vehicle Safety Presentation to Emergency Responders
On Wednesday, May 27, 2009, hundreds of emergency responders from throughout Alger, Baraga, Delta, Dickinson and Marquette counties anticipate a vital safety update to help them respond to emergency situations involving three new models of General Motors (GM) hybrid vehicles.
This safety presentation is a joint project between the Marquette General Trauma Center and local GM dealers including Fox Motors of Negaunee, Frei Chevrolet, and Public Service Garage of Marquette. Within the past six months, Dr. James Surrell, Medical Director of Marquette General Digestive Health Clinic, gave the initial hybrid safety presentation for emergency responders at Newberry Motors, followed by a second program in Petoskey. The presentation by Dr. Surrell and dealership personnel will emphasize the importance of proper recognition of a hybrid vehicle, along with very important safety considerations for rescuers.
Fire Fighters, Police Officers, EMTs, Public Safety Officers and Rescue Specialists from throughout the central Upper Peninsula are being offered training to familiarize them with the specific safety features of the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Tahoe and the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid models. While the majority of components that make up these two-mode or Hybrid vehicles are common to traditional GM vehicles, there are some differences that may affect how a rescue procedure is performed.
These emergency response personnel will learn how these Hybrid vehicles operate, the location of the hybrid badge or other identifiers, as well as other unique components. They will further learn how to safely disable these high voltage systems along with information about safely using the "Jaws of Life".
"This hybrid safety presentation is being welcomed by Police, Fire and other Public Safety professionals", as noted by Dennis Karuzas, Director of the Marquette General School of Emergency Medical Technology, and coordinator of this important public safety project. Motor vehicle rescue operations already represent potentially dangerous situations for both the accident victim occupants and rescuers. Our rescuers must also know the special considerations of the high voltage electrical systems found in hybrid vehicles. Karuzas added, "This hybrid safety presentation will help our dedicated emergency responders adhere to the critical scene safety protocols to protect both victim and rescuer alike."
The presentation will be offered at the NMU University Center on Wednesday May 27, 2009 from 6 – 8 PM. It will be offered free of charge as a needed public service thanks to the generosity of the local GM dealers, and the Marquette General Trauma Center and School of Emergency Medical Technology.
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