BOMBA personnel learn to deal with Mercedes-Benz EV accidents

Over 10,600 new electric vehicles were registered in Malaysia (JPJ data) in the first 6 months of this year, joining the 13,301 units last year. With the increasing number of EVs on our roads, the rescue services need to have an understanding of such vehicles and the necessary actions when dealing with an EV that has been in an accident.

While vehicles with combustion engines have only the danger of fire, EVs have an additional danger of electrocution as they have high-voltage battery packs. The manufacturers do their best to ensure that the battery packs and other electrical systems are protected from damage but there is always the possibility of leakage, especially in a severe accident.

For this reason, some of the companies selling EVs have provided information and training to the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA) so its personnel will not be injured when carrying out their work.

Comprehensive EV emergency training programme
Recently, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia conducted a comprehensive EV emergency training programme for BOMBA personnel at its Training Academy in Puchong, Selangor. Known as ‘The Electrification Drive: Fire and Rescue Team Orientation Programme’, the event provided essential information about the technology within EVs and outlined the industry’s best practices for managing EVs in various challenging scenarios.

More than 40 BOMBA personnel participated and besides being briefed on theoretical aspects, they also had hands-on practical experience with different EV incident scenarios. They were shown how to identify EV models, high voltage vehicle and battery handling, battery scanner usage, fire blanket application, and emergency protocols.

Vehicle information available immediately
They also learnt about the Mercedes-Benz Rescue Assist App which enables rescue personnel to access critical vehicle information quickly. By learning how to locate and scan QR codes on the vehicles, rescue teams can obtain vehicle-specific data promptly, even in scenarios where the codes are inaccessible. This quick access to information can be crucial in time-sensitive emergency situations.

“With the increase in electric mobility, there is a compelling need to understand and harness both the potentials and challenges of EV driving. It is crucial for emergency responders to be trained on the safety procedures for handling high-voltage vehicles and batteries, and to use battery scanners to evaluate battery conditions,” said BOMBA’s PgKB I Mohd Tilmizi bin Mustapa.

“Moreover, recognising various EV models and their specific components, including cutting techniques for rescue operations, is essential. This specialised training reduces risks during incidents and enhances both the efficiency and safety of our teams, allowing them to manage situations effectively while minimising hazards to themselves and the public,” he added.

Mercedes-Benz demonstrates crash safety of its EVs