The new EV rescue sheet website every firefighter needs to know about
Iain Hoey
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Access to rescue sheets for US responders
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new website giving responders direct access to emergency response guides and rescue sheets for electric vehicles.
The IAFF explained that this is intended to support fire fighters and emergency responders in safely addressing incidents involving battery-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.
According to the association, the new portal includes files transferred from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which will discontinue its previous online platform.
The IAFF stated that the database now serves as the main resource for model-specific emergency documents covering a wide range of vehicle manufacturers and models.
It added that members can now find both current and historical documentation to help with incident response and training.
Content of emergency response guides
The IAFF reported that emergency response guides contain detailed information on hazards related to EVs, including fire, fluid leaks, submersion and towing.
It explained that the documents provide responders with procedures for immobilising vehicles, disabling high-voltage systems and safely handling batteries.
The IAFF said that each guide is vehicle-specific and covers structural reinforcements, recommended cut zones and restraint systems.
It added that guides also include details on stabilisation points, disabling methods and energy sources such as lithium-ion batteries.
According to the association, these documents are designed to reduce risks of shock, fire or injury when working at crash scenes or during recovery operations.
Role of rescue sheets in incidents
The IAFF outlined that rescue sheets are condensed versions of the emergency response guides.
It said these sheets are intended to be used directly at the scene of a collision or emergency.
The association explained that the sheets provide rapid access to information about vehicle construction, cut points and high-voltage component locations.
It added that responders can quickly reference diagrams that highlight critical systems such as airbags, batteries and fuel tanks.
According to the IAFF, this information helps responders make immediate decisions about extrication and hazard management.
Example: Alfa Romeo Tonale rescue sheet
One example of the materials available on the NHTSA portal is the Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 rescue sheet.
The document states that the vehicle is powered by lithium-ion batteries and requires responders to follow strict high-voltage disablement procedures.
It warns that a lack of engine noise does not mean the vehicle is off, as it may still be capable of movement.
Responders are instructed to cut specific low-voltage cables to disable high-voltage power and to avoid orange connectors.
The sheet also identifies stabilisation points, hazards such as high-strength steel zones, and procedures for towing and storage.
Warnings within the sheet advise that gases released from damaged lithium-ion batteries include hydrogen and hydrogen fluoride, both presenting risks to health and safety.
Transfer from NFPA to NHTSA
The IAFF stated that the NFPA has now transferred its database of EV emergency files to NHTSA.
It reported that NHTSA’s portal includes over 480 results covering multiple manufacturers and EV types.
The association said that this transfer means NHTSA will now serve as the single national source for these documents.
According to the IAFF, this centralisation is intended to simplify access for responders and standardise the location of critical information.
The IAFF added that fire fighters and emergency responders should now refer exclusively to the NHTSA platform when seeking EV response information.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This development is directly relevant to fire and safety professionals because it centralises critical EV incident documentation in one federal resource.
It allows responders to quickly access both emergency response guides and rescue sheets that provide essential information for safe extrication and hazard control.
The move ensures consistent access to manufacturer-submitted data covering battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.
For training, planning and live operations, fire and rescue teams in the United States can now rely on a single portal for accurate and vehicle-specific EV response instructions.
NHTSA launches EV rescue sheet and guide website: Summary
The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched a new website.
The website provides emergency responders with access to electric vehicle emergency response guides and rescue sheets.
The database includes files transferred from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The NFPA has discontinued its previous portal for these documents.
The NHTSA platform now serves as the central national resource.
Emergency response guides provide detailed instructions on hazards, immobilisation and high-voltage disablement.
Rescue sheets give condensed information for use at crash scenes.
One example is the Alfa Romeo Tonale Plug-In Hybrid Q4 rescue sheet.
The sheet identifies lithium-ion battery hazards and step-by-step disablement methods.
It also warns about risks from gases released during battery damage.
The database contains over 480 results covering many vehicle makes and models.
Fire fighters and responders can now access both historical and current documentation.
The platform supports safer response to incidents involving battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell vehicles.
This centralisation gives US responders a single location for vehicle-specific emergency information.