Tuck’s Collision hosts extrication class for area First Responders

On Tuesday Tuck’s Collision in Pulaski hosted an extrication training event for area first responders. The training was sponsored by the National Auto Body Council (NABC) which took the lead in sponsoring the onsite training class to lessen the amount of time it takes to extract an occupant from their vehicle in an accident.

Called the First Responders Emergency Extraction (FREE) program, the course was created after much research by NABC, including multiple interviews with first responder personnel for whom the class is intended.

It was the third year Tuck’s has hosted the training event, which is growing each year in number of First Responders attending.

This year, 10 departments and 52 First Responders participated, according to Stacy Tuck, including personnel from fire departments in Pulaski, Dublin, Newbern, Pearisburg, Popular Hill, Newport, Ivanhoe, Snowville, Fairlawn and REMSI.

“First responders such as firemen require the most current vehicle information to be effective and save lives at the scene of an accident,” stated Tuck. “The course we delivered helps keep these individuals up to date, which is more important than ever given the rapid onslaught of advancements in vehicle design.”

“This was a tremendous program that will help us save lives,” stated Fire Chief Todd Jones with Popular Hill Fire Department.

“At Tuck’s Collision, we are committed to helping our community become a safer, better place to live,” added Tuck. “The feedback we received at the event was extremely positive. We look forward to hosting another event next year as a way to further serve our locality.”

The First Responders Emergency Extrication (FREE) program is a community awareness project whereby members of the NABC repair and donate total loss vehicles for first responder organizations in need throughout the United States. FREE promotes efficient motor vehicle rescue procedures for emergency personnel at the scene of an accident and is provided to participants free of charge.

NABC is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the image of the collision industry. Our ongoing and continued success is a direct result of the efforts and support of our sponsoring companies and membership.

“We at Tuck’s Collision would like to say thank you to ALL our First Responders for all you do,” said Tuck. “For those in attendance Tuesday evening we hope this training seminar was beneficial to you. We would also like to thank National Auto Body Council and Genesis Rescue Equipment for graciously educating the First Responders with their guidance and instruction and to State Farm for donating the vehicles necessary to make this training possible.”

Tuck also offered thanks to the businesses and the volunteers who had a hand in making this F.R.E.E. (first responder extrication event) a success, including Al’s on First, DCT Towing, Due South BBQ, Duncan Suzuki, Food City, Little Debbie and Shelor Toyota.

“We are sincerely grateful. Without you all, this training would not have been possible.”

Tuck also thanked the Virginia State Police for attending with their Distracted Driving Simulators to bring awareness of how the littlest distraction can cause an accident.