Volvo Revolutionizes Emergency Rescue Procedures with XC40 Recharge EV!
Volvo Car USA has donated an all-electric 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge SUV to the Boston Fire Department in Massachusetts to enhance the safety knowledge of first responders regarding post-crash safety measures related to battery electric vehicles (BEV). The aim is to save more lives in emergencies involving BEVs.
When first responders arrive at an accident site, their topmost priority is to extract the occupants from the vehicle safely. While traditional vehicles have well-established procedures and techniques for this purpose, all-electric vehicles pose new and unique challenges. With the increasing number of BEVs on the road, first responders must adapt their extrication methods to account for the large primary battery and high voltage wiring present in such vehicles. These components can affect where first responders should cut into the vehicle to access its occupants. Furthermore, BEVs such as the Volvo XC40 Recharge incorporate ultra-high-strength steel into their design, necessitating first responders to use more specialized extraction techniques.
Volvo's XC40 Recharge model comes equipped with a range of safety features that are meant to safeguard both the driver and passengers, as well as emergency responders. Some of these features include a safety cage for the battery, modules that are independently sealed and cooled to prevent leaks and damage, highly visible high voltage wiring to avoid any accidental contact, and a conveniently located switch that can be used to deactivate all high voltage power. During a recent event held at Boston Volvo Cars in Allston, Massachusetts, Eric Miller, the Vice President of the Northeast Region for Volvo Car USA, presented the XC40 Recharge to Boston FD Commissioner John (Jack) Dempsey and other representatives from the department.
Miller stated that as the use of all-electric vehicles continues to increase on our roads, it is crucial to equip first responders with the necessary tools to carry out emergency procedures effectively and ensure everyone's safety. He expressed Volvo Cars' pride in providing the Boston Fire Department with an 2023 Volvo XC40 Recharge to help them develop these vital procedures. Dempsey, the Fire Commissioner of Boston Fire Department, expressed his gratitude to Vice President Eric Miller and Volvo for their generous contribution. He recognized that auto extrication poses multiple hazards to firefighters and victims of vehicle accidents, and that electric vehicles are a part of the future. He added that this contribution would help them prepare for unfortunate incidents where these skills could save lives.
