Responding to Hybrid Vehicle Incidents

What is a hybrid electric vehicle?

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV's) typically combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle.

Industry estimates place 5.2 million hybrid vehicles on the road by 2011 with over 50 models available to consumers by 2012.

What is a hybrid electric vehicle?
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV's) typically combine the internal combustion engine of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle.
Industry estimates place 5.2 million hybrid vehicles on the road by 2011 with over 50 models available to consumers by 2012.

General Information

During the scene survey, responders should look for the presence of a hybrid vehicle. Most hybrid vehicles look similar to their standard model counterparts.

ALWAYS ASSUME THE VEHICLE HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEM IS POWERED UP !!!

Orange cables are used to indicate high-voltage wiring (greater than 60v DC).

Yellow or Blue cables indicate intermediate-voltage wiring (greater than 30v DC and less than 60v DC).

High-voltage NiMH batteries are not considered a spill hazard as they are a dry cell battery. However if damaged they can produce caustic fumes.

Immobilize the vehicle as soon as possible to prevent unexpected movement.

General Information
During the scene survey, responders should look for the presence of a hybrid vehicle. Most hybrid vehicles look similar to their standard model counterparts.
ALWAYS ASSUME THE VEHICLE HIGH-VOLTAGE SYSTEM IS POWERED UP !!!
Orange cables are used to indicate high-voltage wiring (greater than 60v DC).
Yellow or Blue cables indicate intermediate-voltage wiring (greater than 30v DC and less than 60v DC).
High-voltage NiMH batteries are not considered a spill hazard as they are a dry cell battery. However if damaged they can produce caustic fumes.
Immobilize the vehicle as soon as possible to prevent unexpected movement.

Standard Disabling Techniques Option #1

Chock the wheels to prevent movement, you may not know at this time if the power is shut off.

Place the vehicle in park if possible. Lower any windows, unlock doors, trunk and move seats that may assist with a rescue operation. Preform this procedure carefully if all airbags are not deployed.

Remove the ignition key and place it on the dashboard. If the vehicle is equipped with a "Smart Key", remove the "key" and place it in the front seat of the fire truck. This key has to be a minimum of 16 feet away from the vehicle.

Disconnect the 12v battery. Cut the negative 12v battery cable. Actually cut a small section out of the cable to make sure the ends do not inadvertently touch.

Standard Disabling Techniques Option #1
Chock the wheels to prevent movement, you may not know at this time if the power is shut off.
Place the vehicle in park if possible. Lower any windows, unlock doors, trunk and move seats that may assist with a rescue operation. Preform this procedure carefully if all airbags are not deployed.
Remove the ignition key and place it on the dashboard. If the vehicle is equipped with a "Smart Key", remove the "key" and place it in the front seat of the fire truck. This key has to be a minimum of 16 feet away from the vehicle.
Disconnect the 12v battery. Cut the negative 12v battery cable. Actually cut a small section out of the cable to make sure the ends do not inadvertently touch.

Standard Disabling Techniques Option #2 (if ignition key is not accessible)

Chock the wheels to prevent movement, you may not know at this time if the power is shut off.

Place the vehicle in park if possible. Lower any windows, unlock doors, trunk and move seats that may assist with a rescue operation. Preform this procedure carefully if all airbags are not deployed.

Disconnect the 12v battery. Cut the negative 12v battery cable. Actually cut a small section out of the cable to make sure the ends do not inadvertently touch.

Remove the high-voltage fuse in the engine compartment fuse box.

Due to the difficulty in trying to remember which fuse controls the high-voltage system in each hybrid make and model, just pull all the fuses in the engine compartment fuse block to ensure that the proper one is removed.

Standard Disabling Techniques Option #2 (if ignition key is not accessible)
Chock the wheels to prevent movement, you may not know at this time if the power is shut off.
Place the vehicle in park if possible. Lower any windows, unlock doors, trunk and move seats that may assist with a rescue operation. Preform this procedure carefully if all airbags are not deployed.
Disconnect the 12v battery. Cut the negative 12v battery cable. Actually cut a small section out of the cable to make sure the ends do not inadvertently touch.
Remove the high-voltage fuse in the engine compartment fuse box.
Due to the difficulty in trying to remember which fuse controls the high-voltage system in each hybrid make and model, just pull all the fuses in the engine compartment fuse block to ensure that the proper one is removed.

Hybrid Vehicle Fires

Response to a vehicle fire involving a hybrid vehicle should proceed almost exactly as a normal response.

Use an offensive attack if the NiMH batteries are not involved.

Use a defensive attack if the NiMH batteries are involved.

Remember your SCBA, the NiMH batteries if damaged can produce caustic fumes.

Expect the unexpected and Never trust approaching traffic

Responding to Hybrid Vehicle Incidents

Quick Reference Guide