Updated Automotive Guide to Help Rescue Workers Avoid Injury
SAN DIEGO--July 9, 2002--A Portion of Book's Proceeds Will Go To National Fallen Firefighters
Foundation Scholarship Fund
As part of continuing efforts to make vehicle rescues safer for emergency workers, Mitchell International and Holmatro Inc., makers of Hydraulic Rescue Tools for vehicle occupant extrication, will issue the second edition of "The Rescuer's Guide to Vehicle Safety Systems."
The guide, available this week, contains information updated through 2002 on air bags and other vehicle safety systems including new information on roll-over protection systems.
The co-branded book brings together Mitchell's database of information on vehicle restraint systems and Holmatro's expertise in the rescue industry to provide rescue workers with a step-by-step approach to avoiding the many hazards posed by undeployed vehicle safety systems at the scene of a vehicle crash.
"Rescue workers have enough to think about in a critical vehicle crash situation without having to worry about their own safety," said Deborah Arnold, Mitchell's data licensing product manager. "The Rescuer's Guide provides a valuable tool for emergency workers to avoid potential hazards. We are pleased to work with Holmatro on this worthwhile effort."
Depending on the severity and nature of the collision, some air bags, seat belt pretensioners and roll-over protection systems, which are designed to deploy automatically, may not deploy at the time of the vehicle crash. These components remain active and can deploy during rescue efforts. With the help of the guide, rescue workers are able to accurately identify the locations of air bags, seat belt pretensioners and roll-over protection system components and avoid the deployment zones; thus keeping themselves and vehicle occupants safe from further harm. The roll-over protection systems, a newer concern for rescue workers, have been in use since 1990, and are found on selected models of higher-end vehicles, such as Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and BMW. In addition, the guide helps rescuers identify the vehicle's make, model and year, as well as the locations of batteries, gas struts and impact absorbers.
William Swayne, Holmatro's president, said they are excited about co-producing a second edition because it gives rescue workers the most up-to-date information available, including information on the roll-over protection systems. Unlike a visible steel roll bar, the roll-over protection system is covered in plastic or leather and blends into the vehicle upholstery and interior trim until deployment -- making them difficult to spot. Providing rescue workers information on roll-over protection system locations can help prevent additional injury during accidental deployment.
"Such information is key to helping rescue workers avoid injury to themselves and those they are assisting," Swayne said. "We are happy to combine forces with Mitchell to co-produce this very important guide."
Mitchell and Holmatro will contribute a portion of the proceeds from the book's sale to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Scholarship Fund, a non-profit organization that provides programs to assist the survivors of fallen fire heroes.
About Holmatro Inc.
Holmatro is a leading supplier of hydraulic and pneumatic rescue equipment worldwide. The company serves the needs of fire, rescue and emergency services personnel from its offices and manufacturing facilities in the United States and The Netherlands. Holmatro has a 30-year history of innovation and leads the industry in making rescue equipment lighter, more powerful and more effective. The company is also at the forefront of rescue training and education providing crucial programs to rescue professionals around the world. For more information, call 800/654-0203 or visit Holmatro's Web site at www.holmatro-usa.com.
About Mitchell International
Mitchell International, founded in 1946 and headquartered in San Diego, is The Source for information software and e-business solutions for the insurance and collision repair industries. Providing services that enhance productivity, profitability and customer satisfaction, Mitchell facilitates several million electronic transactions between more than 16,000 business partners each month. Mitchell's own parts and labor database, a critical connectivity point between shops and insurers, is trusted for its accuracy and respected as the industry standard. For more information on Mitchell International, call Chris Andrews, Director of Marketing, at 858/578-6550 ext. 8321. Visit our Web sites at www.mitchell.com and www.emitchell.com.