As motor vehicle designs evolve, including the addition of lithium-ion batteries, for example, firefighters and first responders must also adapt. They need information about the vehicle’s fuel and energy usage and guidance on extricating occupants following an accident.
Emergency Response Guides (ERGs) can help responders by using standardized labels, colors, symbols, and graphics to make emergency information more complete, accurate, and accessible during training and response.
ISO 17840
ISO 17840 is an international standard that ensures first and second responders have fast and easy access to the information they need to perform their lifesaving duties in case of an automobile fire or accident.
The ISO 17840 standard includes a template layout of ERGs to provide necessary and useful information about a vehicle involved in an accident.
in-depth information
The goal is to shorten the "golden hour" and quickly identify the energy source and hidden hazards on any vehicle
The guide can be communicated in paper or electronic format. The goal is to shorten the "golden hour" and quickly identify the energy source and hidden hazards on any vehicle.
The standard supports the team to rescue as many occupants as quickly and safely as possible. ERGs also provide in-depth information about fire, submersion, and leakage of fluids.
New vehicle hazards
Changing hazards of newer vehicles include propane- and LPG-powered vehicles that can explode more powerfully if tanks are heated, and fuel bottles that can become projectiles.
Also, electric and hybrid vehicles have high-voltage batteries and electrical wiring that can electrocute first and second responders and victims if not properly disarmed. Furthermore, hydrogen and other fuel cells produce toxic and flammable gases that behave differently than gasoline or other traditional fuels.
ERG template
The ERG template follows in principle a flowchart for the main actions of first and second responders arriving at an accident scene. The template provides relevant information for a vehicle involved in a traffic accident (including immobilization, disabling of hazards, access to occupants, shut-off procedures, and handling of stored propulsion energy).
Standardized colors and pictograms make it easier for first and second responders and vehicle manufacturers to understand each other. Information on the ERG is linked to the “rescue sheet” (ISO7840 parts 1 and 2) to inform training and development of rescue procedures. The headings/content of the rescue sheet and the ERG are aligned.
knowledge and preparation
Public safety organizations can download free examples of ISO 17840 templates for creating rescue sheets
International Technical Committee for the Prevention and Extinction of Fire (CTIF), the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), and the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) created the ISO 17840 standard.
With more alternative fuels and propulsion systems entering the market, more knowledge and preparation are necessary in order to approach an accident scene safely. Public safety organizations, educational organizations, and first and second responders can download free examples of ISO 17840 pictograms, templates for creating rescue sheets for any vehicle, and other information to create ERGs for training purposes and as guides for local rescue procedures.
recommendations of ISO 17840
Among the vehicle manufacturers who have complied with the recommendations of ISO 17840 are Honda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, and Volkswagen. In addition, another dozen or so manufacturers are progressing on the road to compliance, including BMW, Ford, General Motors, KIA, Nissan, Subaru, Tesla, and Toyota.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) maintains a collection of emergency response guides, and most manufacturers have posted their updated ERGs on their websites.