The National Auto Body Council (NABC) will debut its latest community service project, the First Responders Emergency Extrication (FREE), a training course at 11 a.m. Nov. 6 on the Mandalay Bay trade show floor at NACE.

A rapid onslaught of advancements in vehicle design, including high-strength steels, passenger restraint systems, multiple air bags and the growing popularity of high‐voltage hybrid vehicles make FREE more important than ever. First responders, such as firemen, require the most current vehicle information to be effective at the scene and save lives. FREE helps them keep up to date.

The 90‐minute course incorporates classroom and hands‐on instruction, including demonstrations in vehicle-cutting techniques. Vehicle donations for the NACE debut are being provided by CSAA Insurance and Hertz, which will provide a hybrid. Las Vegas First Responders will participate in the event.

“It’s wonderful to have the entire industry working together to deliver this program,” says Toby Chess, FREE’s lead instructor. “The collision repair industry possesses the know‐how to save more lives, and this is a good opportunity to put that expertise to use.”

Chess and his sponsor, Kent Automotive, a noted supplier of vehicle repair products, have donated their time and resources in the past to deliver information to first responders. They would like to see their vision grow.

“There is a pressing need in every community for this kind of training,” Chess says. “We see the inaugural event in Las Vegas as only the beginning.”

Shops across the country will soon be able to deliver FREE in their individual communities, as NABC is putting together a package to make it easy.

“We’re working with Holmatro Rescue Equipment to create a turnkey program template that quickly can be put into place,” says 2010 FREE Chairman Michael Quinn of 911 Collision Centers. “Holmatro has 40 years of experience helping rescue and emergency services personnel around the world with their technology, which makes their participation really exciting.”

“The FREE program and Recycled Rides assist shops in creating positive community awareness about collision repairers,” says Chuck Sulkala, NABC executive director. “They exemplify the mission of NABC and it is an honor to be associated with the individuals, industries and companies helping to make our goals a reality.”

NABC is a non‐profit organization dedicated to enhancing the image of the collision industry. Contact NABC at (888) 667‐7433 or go to www.autobodycouncil.org for more information.