First Responder

BMW is equipping its i3 electric hatchback for use by police, fire, and ambulance services around the world. There's even one transporting cash around Warsaw in place of an armored truck.

We all know that crashes can happen in a Tesla Model S. What not all of us know is how to approach a smashed vehicle in such a situation. That's where a new video, Emergency Response To Electric Vehicles, with Brock Archer and Ron Moore from Boron Extrication comes in.

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Chevy Volt First Responder Training – Click above to watch video after the jump

Firefighter cuts up a Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

Firefighter cutting open crash-tested Volt – Click above for high-res image gallery

Work vehicles at Chicago Auto Show – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW X6 xDrive50i Ambulance – Click above for a high-res image gallery

Crash safety ratings are a big selling point – who's going to buy a car with just two stars? In pursuit of salable collision performance, automakers have turned to stronger metals and better construction, and consumers can reap the benefit by choosing from a panoply of highly rated vehicles. A problem arises, however, if that safety design is ever called upon to perform. Lots of vehicles now sport high strength steel in critical areas like roof pillars, and while it certainly helps protect

If you're the first responder to a traffic accident involving a hybrid, does the fact that there are batteries on-board make it more dangerous? Missouri seems to think so and will be putting nearly 1,800 first responders through essential training during the next two months so that they will know how to deal with this potentially dangerous situation. High-voltage hybrid vehicle battery systems won't be the only technology covered by the training though, issues around undeployed airbags will also

In a smart little initiative, GM is targeting fire/rescue personnel by offering a special First Responder package on the HUMMER H3. Here's the deal: firefighters and rescue workers associated with fire departments who buy or lease an H3 between October 1 and December 31, 2006 will receive the First Responder package for free.