The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), based at West Virginia University, has created an app that provides relevant and potentially life-saving information to first responders on electric and other alternative-fueled vehicles.
The app is designed to help responders identify specifics about electric drive and alternative-fueled vehicles to responders, who may not be as familiar with the vehicles.
“Electric drive and alternative-fueled vehicles are an important part of the future of transportation because they reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign oil and keep our air cleaner,” said Al Ebron, NAFTC executive director. “Because more consumers are choosing electric drive or alternative-fueled vehicles, first responders must understand the differences between these and conventional, gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric drive and alternative-fueled vehicles are as safe as conventional vehicles, but they are different. The first responder safety training provides first responders with important information to enhance their understanding of those differences.”
The smartphone app – known in the iPhone App Store as “QRG,” which stands for quick reference guide – contains information on hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery, and fuel cell electric vehicles as well as vehicles powered by biodiesel, ethanol, natural gas, propane, and hydrogen.
Ebron said the QRG app, which is free, provides detailed, vehicle-specific information including identification mechanisms, disconnect procedures and other special concerns.
A hard copy version of the QRG also is available as a durable flipbook for emergency personnel to use at the scene of an accident. It details various makes and models of electric drive and alternative fuel vehicles, alerting first responders to such items as high-voltage cables and cut zones. This version of the QRG is available for a nominal cost.
The app can be used on both the iPhone and the iPad and will be available for Android devices soon.
