New vehicle technology presents ever-changing challenges for today’s rescuers. The focus is on how vehicles have changed and will continue to change and how these changes present fire and rescue challenges and dangers for responders. Metallurgy, design, construction, new 2017 glass standards, and safety system changes are addressed. Challenges with hybrids, combustible metals, and lithium ion battery-powered vehicle fires are also discussed. Reevaluation of traditional methods, tactics, and equipment is a recurrent theme throughout the program. Changes, advances, and limitations in current fire and rescue technology are covered. This program is based on the first-hand, ongoing relationship between the instructor and automotive engineers from automakers such as Ford, Volvo, and Mercedes Benz. Visual aids and vehicle photos are based on donated tough new vehicles used to prepare this program.
