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Hybrids' power challenges rescue workers

Emergency workers are visiting car dealers and studying trade journals to familiarize themselves with the new technology.

The growing popularity of hybrid vehicles is creating concern among rescuers who may have to cut into high-voltage areas to save people trapped after accidents.

Emergency workers in the Tampa Bay area say they have not had any rescue problems yet, but they are studying hybrid circuitry in trade journals and plan to visit car dealers in order to understand the new technology.

"I kind of relate the hybrids to the learning curve fire and EMS had to go through with air bags a decade ago," said Tampa Fire Department spokesman Capt. Bill Wade.

Hybrids draw power from two sources, typically a gasoline or diesel engine and an electric motor. The battery powering the electric motor carries as much as 500 volts, more than 40 times the strength of a standard battery.

Manufacturers have put in place a list of safety checks that the car's computer must go through for the electrical system to run. They've published guides showing where the electric components are on their models; on the Toyota Prius and other hybrids, the high-power cables are colored bright orange to catch the eye of a rescue worker or a mechanic.

But there are concerns over what happens if something goes wrong and the battery, ignition and other cutoff points are inaccessible.

St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue Lt. Todd Livingston said members of his rescue team will visit car dealers to familiarize themselves with hybrid technology.

Livingston said a key issue in firefighters staying safe and rescuing people is making sure the car is turned off, which may not always be possible. The battery in most hybrid cars can be disconnected at a switch on the dashboard, he said.

Another issue, Livingston said, is high-voltage cables. Most of the material is in the rear seat in the middle of the car and can be avoided to reach victims.

"It's protected in the vehicle and protected from the crash as much as it can be," Livingston said.

Chris Peterson, a service training instructor for Toyota, said the Prius' electric system should shut down if anything goes wrong.

- The Associated Press contributed to this report.