Comprehensive training programs are crucial in ensuring that first responders in communities across the country have the knowledge they need to handle situations deftly and save lives. The more practical experience these programs are able to provide, the better, and Subaru of America has recently taken steps to improve the standard of education that these training courses are able to offer. The automaker recently donated dozens of vehicles to the North American Vehicle Rescue Association (NAVRA) for their three-day rescue workshop session and competition.
“Our mission is to reduce the number of motor-vehicle-related injuries and deaths by enhancing the skills and knowledge of expertly trained emergency professionals, and partners like Subaru are essential to this progress,” said John-Paul Shirley, Chester Bureau of Fire Battalion Chief. “We normally only have the opportunity to train on older vehicles from junkyards, and it’s important that we are familiar with newer vehicles with strong construction to help us better adapt lifesaving procedures and skills when dealing with accidents and emergency scenarios.”
NAVRA runs education and training programs for a wide variety of first responders, including firefighters, paramedics, nurses, physicians, manufacturers, and more. Their two-day workshop on skills and tactics also features a mini rescue challenge to encourage participants to exercise their skills, get involved, and learn crucial skills to rescue patients in vehicle accidents.
Subaru’s donation of vehicles was made up of pre-production cars that no longer served any purpose. Had the workshop not given them a second life, they would have been crushed and discarded. Instead, first-responders-in-training from throughout the Northeast were able to practice on them, using lifesaving tools including saws, cutters, spreaders, pneumatic chisels and more to rescue living “victims” in live rescue scenarios.
This event allowed 40 trainees from six different fire departments to gain valuable real-world experience in rescue tactics. Additionally, members of the public were able to stop by and view the training, seeing the guardians of their community in action.
“We are so excited to be a part of this amazing event with NAVRA in Chester. This event marked the 145th vehicle that Subaru has donated to emergency rescue organizations across the country over the last few years to help with their training events,” said Shira Haaz, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Subaru of America, Inc. “Not only are we helping to provide training that will allow first responders to improve lifesaving rescues across the region, but this donation also helps Subaru find new life for cars that can’t be sold and would otherwise go unused.”
With donations like these, Subaru continues its commitment to making its communities better and safer places to live. If you’re interested in hearing about other philanthropic efforts made by Subaru, continue reading our blog here at Haldeman Subaru!
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