First Responder Emergency
Extrication
Program Guide
2015
As a member of the National Auto Body Council,
we pledge to give back to our community with
our time and resources.
www.nationalautobodycouncil.org
revised 8/25/15
Our Vision:
Automotive collision repairers are admired professionals.
Our Mission:
To develop, implement, and promote community-based initiatives
that exemplify the professionalism and integrity of the collision repair
industry.
www.nationalautobodycouncil.org
Disclaimer: Any reference to legal or accounting matters made in this booklet is there to provide notice for
areas where the reader should consult with an attorney or CPA. THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL IS
NOT PROVIDING OR ATTEMPTING TO PROVIDE LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, OR TAX ADVICE.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What about the First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.) Program captured
the National Auto Body Council’s interest?
TM
After experiencing the success of our national vehicle gifting project, Recycled Rides , the
National Auto Body Council (NABC) turned toward looking for the next community service
project to further its mission.
There are over 1.2 million firefighters in the United States located in some 42,000 fire
stations. The collision repair industry is well positioned to help first responders with access
to the latest vehicle construction and design information through vehicle manufacturers and
training organizations such as I-CAR.
A rapid onslaught of advancements in vehicle design, including high strength steels,
passenger restraint systems, multiple air bags and the growing popularity of high-voltage
hybrid and electric vehicles make a class like F.R.E.E. more important than ever. First
responders, such as firefighters, constantly require the most current vehicle information to
be effective at the scene and save lives. The F.R.E.E. program helps them keep up to date.
The main appeal of the F.R.E.E. program is our industry has access to late model vehicles
that can be used for practice sessions on the most up to date extrication techniques.
What is the NABC F.R.E.E. program?
F.R.E.E. is a community-based initiative hosted by a member of the NABC to provide a
venue for technical information and extrication practice opportunities on late model vehicles
for local first responders’ agencies across the country.
This program is not training or certification. It is a partnership between the NABC member,
Holmatro Rescue Equipment and the vehicle donor to provide information and practice
opportunities that may not be otherwise easily available to first responders.
The program is broken up into two segments, beginning with a classroom presentation that
incorporates new vehicle designs and various air bag technology information presented by
instructors from Holmatro Rescue Equipment. The attendees then move to a work area and
get hands-on experience utilizing the latest equipment and cutting techniques on latemodel vehicles simulating crash scene extrications. The program typically lasts four hours.
Why Holmatro Rescue Equipment?
The NABC acknowledges Holmatro as a global leader in the innovation and manufacture of
hydraulic rescue equipment used by fire and rescue departments in vehicle extrication. The
NABC has partnered with Holmatro to provide the overview of extrication techniques as it
relates to the advancements in vehicle safety. More information on Holmatro can be found
at www.holmatro-usa.com. References to Holmatro equipment throughout the presentation
is based on the instructors’ familiarity with the equipment. First responders may use their
own department or agency’s equipment as well.
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Why Do I Need Holmatro for My F.R.E.E. Event?
Holmatro representatives are experts in extrication, are onsite during the event to provide
information, and provide the necessary equipment for the event.
Who does this program benefit?
This program benefits PRIMARILY, among others:
 Fire fighters / EMT’s
 Police officers
 Tow truck operators
Why Participate?
1. Supporting first responders in your community is the “right” thing to do.
This is an opportunity for your auto body repair shop and your employees to give a little
something back to YOUR community. It gives your business a chance to make a positive
impact in your community. This is also a great way to promote your business to the public
and to insurance claims departments and agents.
2. Do well. Give back. Feel good!
Previous participants have reported that attendees give very positive feedback and are
thankful for being delivered this vital information. You will feel great satisfaction knowing
you helped your community.
3. An inexpensive advertising/marketing opportunity.
This event can attract positive attention to your facility through building local media
relationships. Press release templates are part of the package you receive.
What does the NABC provide?
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This program guide including guidance, assistance, and administrative tools
Sample press release plus two templates to help promote the project
A customizable event flyer
A sample cover sheet to send along with the event flyer
An attendee tracking sheet
A sample event day agenda
Participant Certificate template
NABC F.R.E.E. Logo Sign Templates for donated vehicles
F.R.E.E. Participant Survey
Sponsor “Thank You” Certificate Template
A full color F.R.E.E. banner with your company’s logo is available to purchase
directly from Collision Services at (800) 367-6575. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing
and shipping.
What are the safety/liability issues?
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Keeping all attendees safe is paramount in delivering a successful F.R.E.E. event. Only
trained first responders with proper safety equipment should be near the vehicles during
the vehicle cutting process or air bag deployments. Deployment of air bags may or may not
be part of your F.R.E.E. event. At NO time should any air bags be deployed that are
not bolted into the vehicle as the manufacturer intended. Unsecured air bags can
become projectiles.
Depending on the size of your event, there could be several teams cutting on the vehicles
simultaneously. You may want to assign an individual the task of keeping those not familiar
with the equipment at a safe distance. Use of safety cones and/or tape is suggested. Keep
all flammables at a safe distance away from the activities, and, of course, keep fire
extinguishers on hand.
How much time does it take to plan an event?
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The initial project may take up to six months to successfully plan. Your shop will
need 60-90 days to plan and hold your event.
F.R.E.E. Event Applications are required to be submitted to the NABC three to six
months in advance of your event.
The first time you conduct a F.R.E.E. event it may take more time due to the learning
curve.
You’ll learn how to search for a vehicle, collect vendor donations and more.
You’ll find that the actual event is the easiest and fastest step of the process!
Within this manual you will find an event flow chart with guidelines to use in planning your
event. We also have included an event day checklist. You should work with these
checklists a day or two before the event to ensure you are properly prepared. You may also
want to talk with an NABC member who has successfully hosted a F.R.E.E. event.
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STEP I: ENERGIZE YOUR EMPLOYEES
Involve and inspire your staff in participating.
1. Shop Talk
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Present the idea to your employees.
Let them have some input. It’s their program, too! Everyone can learn from this
project.
Include your team (managers/owners) throughout the entire process!
2. Delegate Responsibilities
You should elect and/or delegate other persons within your organization to help manage
project responsibilities. Determine who will be in charge of:
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Working with the NABC and the Holmatro instructor
Collaborating with Holmatro to contacting fire departments and distributing event
flyers
Handling participant registrations via phone, email, etc.
Contacting the Media (Newspaper, TV Stations, etc.)
Catering and organizing the F.R.E.E. Events for the day
Ensuring the facility is clean and presentable for event day. You may want to consider steam cleaning and/or painting the area where First Responders will be
working. Remember this is about image enhancement of your body shop.
Assisting the instructor in staging vehicles
Cleaning up afterwards and removing/returning vehicles
If you try to do all or most of the tasks alone, it may turn out to be an overwhelming
experience.
STEP II: PROGRAM NEEDS
How many attendees should I plan on?
Holmatro suggests limiting your event to between 30 - 50 attendees. This is primarily a
safety issue and will be determined through conversations with the instructor. Experience
has shown that there will be more than enough interest in your community. Some facilities
may want to schedule several F.R.E.E. events in the same week while resources are
deployed in their community. You may want to work with other repair facilities or vendors in
your community to host a F.R.E.E. event or host multiple events yourself.
What time of day should the event be held?
Many shops have scheduled mid-week events with success. Early evening seems to work
best and is least disruptive to productivity. We have found the event can best be managed
on a weekday evening starting at 5:00 pm and ending close to 9:00 pm. This keeps lost
production in the repair facility to a minimum. Plan on losing production in the area you
designate for 2-3 hours prior to the event. Some shops have also successfully held events
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on Saturdays. It is important to work with the instructor on this since their schedule will
need to be considered as well.
Choose the quarter of the year.
First you need to fill out a F.R.E.E. Event Application. Choose the quarter of the year you
desire for your event. Fax or mail to the administrative office of NABC. A representative of
NABC or Holmatro will contact you to set up a date. Holmatro and NABC ask that you plan
to engage them at least three to six months in advance to schedule and plan your event.
Also it will take this period of time to secure the vehicle donations.
DO NOT ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT UNTIL YOU HAVE A CONFIRMED DATE WITH
YOUR HOLMATRO INSTRUCTOR.
Should we serve food?
Many facilities have had food delivered/catered or have barbecued chicken, hamburgers,
hot dogs, etc. Some have solicited sponsorships from vendors, community groups, fraternal
organizations and local dealerships in support of our public servants! The more that others
are involved, the more they understand the good work you do within the community as well.
Be sure to have plenty of water and other beverages on hand for the first responders as the
hosts of this community event.
How many vehicles for cutting will I need?
With 40 attendees you will need at least 3 to 4 vehicles for “cutting” for an event. See Step
III below for criteria on ideal vehicles for your event. Typically, plan to have 10 people or
less for each vehicle. This provides both the space and opportunity for First Responders to
participate.
What will it cost to participate?
Beyond your NABC membership and time you put into the project, there can be some
expenses. Many can be offset by donations or sponsorship from salvage yards, insurance
companies, tow companies, agents, fraternal groups, local business and restaurants. There
are no tax deductions for this project available through NABC.
Expenses can include:
 Printing costs for flyers, etc.
 Transport of vehicles to and from salvage facility (ask tow companies)
 Chairs and tables for event (rent or borrow)
 Food
 Soft Drinks/Water/Gatorade/Ice
 Customized NABC F.R.E.E. banner
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STEP III: SELECTING THE VEHICLES
Vehicle Procurement for First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.)
The success of this program hinges on the ability for First Responders to practice
extrication techniques on LATE model vehicles. Vehicles for this project may be acquired
from multiple sources.
Who do I approach about donating vehicles for “cutting?”
F.R.E.E. vehicles can be total losses that have severe damage.
Sources to approach are:
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Insurance Donations Contact insurance claims departments or their salvage
monitors for vehicle donations. Start with the companies you have great
relationships with. Use the “Participant Notification to Insurers” document that we
have provided to inform local insurers of the program and request a vehicle
donation.
Salvage Yards. Contact local salvage yards and insurer pools of total loss. The
local salvage yards are sometimes easier to get vehicles from.
Impound Lots. These can also be a source of vehicles. Many are owned or
controlled by local police, city or county departments. Ask the training department of
your fire departments if they would be willing to help you use secure an impound
vehicle. Many times the request would need to come from the fire department or
police department…NOT the repair facility.
Tow Companies. Often they have abandoned vehicles that they may be willing to
donate to have “cut.”
Rental Car Companies. They often have totaled vehicles and may be willing to
donate one to your F.R.E.E. Event.
Your Own Repair Facility. Could be a source for salvage candidates. Customer
cars that may have been “totaled” before being towed out of the facility. Contact the
insurance company to see if they would be willing to “donate” it to the cause. Or
possibly, your shop could purchase it to be used in your event.
Please note that securing the vehicles is challenging the very first time. When you solicit
your donations…they may not have heard of the F.R.E.E. program. Take the time to
explain the program in detail and direct them to the NABC website. The NABC has posted
a video on YouTube that gives a good overview that may be helpful for you to show
prospective donors and fire department training officers.
Use the “Participation Notification to Insurers” document we have provided to inform local
contacts of the program and request a vehicle donation.
This is one of reasons that you need to plan your event six months ahead. The earlier you
start planning and soliciting for donations and sponsorship…the better!
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Tell donors that you will promote their company to the first responders.
Offer to put their company name on the F.R.E.E. flyer and their name on the
“cutting” vehicle the night at the event.
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If they supply you with a company banner you will proudly display it at the F.R.E.E.
event. (Don’t forget to return the banners AFTER the event!)
These small things go a long way in getting sponsors on board!
F.R.E.E. vehicles can be obvious total losses that have severe damage. The repair facility
would be responsible for transporting the vehicles to and from the salvage yard. Many
shops have had success getting their towing partners to donate these tows.
Explain to the donor that they will retain ownership of the vehicle. Some companies may
want to donate the vehicle to a nonprofit for a tax deduction after the event. 800CharityCars in Florida has a relationship with the NABC and they can assist with this
option. The vehicles will be completely destroyed during the F.R.E.E. exercise. The motor
and drive train may be salvageable. The repair facility should keep in mind that you need
one car to cut for roughly 10-12 attendees. So 3-4 vehicles for cutting are ideal to secure
for each event with 40 attendees as recommended. The goal is to have at least ONE or
TWO late model vehicles with high strength steel at the event that each firefighter can have
an opportunity to cut and touch the technology.
Ideal F.R.E.E. “Cut” Vehicle Candidates
Most desirable are late model vehicles with HSS or UHSS and low Actual Cash Value
(ACV). Examples include:
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Passenger cars, mini vans, light trucks and SUVs
0-10 years old preferred
No limits on damage or mileage limits
Totaled salvaged vehicles
Vehicle drivable or “able to roll” (preferred)
One vehicle with undeployed side curtain bags (preferred)
One vehicle with undeployed front airbags (preferred)
Storm damaged, flood and burned cars are also great candidates
Engines can be removed prior to event
Body Shell plus Doors is Required
NOTE: Some departments prefer a more damaged vehicle that proves somewhat of a
challenge to access. Plus this keeps the ACV value low to the insurance industry. A low
ACV helps ensure donations.
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Here are some examples of vehicles that are ideal for F.R.E.E. cutting:
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Malibu
Dodge Avenger
Ford Escape
Ford Fusion
Honda Accord
Hyundai Elantra
Jeep Liberty
Jeep Patriot
Nissan Maxima
Toyota Corolla
2008 and up
2008 and up
2006 and up
2008 and up
2006 and up
2008 and up
2010 and up
2008 and up
2007 and up
2009 and up
2009 and up
Chevrolet Impala
Chrysler Sebring
Dodge Caliber
Ford Focus
Ford Fiesta
Honda Civic
Hyundai Sonata
Jeep Compass
Nissan Altima
Toyota Camry
2010 and up
2006 and up
2006 and up
2010 and up
2010 and up
2006 and up
2006 and up
2006 and up
2007 and up
2007 and up
If a donor is interested in writing their donation off as a tax deduction…that option is
available. The NABC has partnered with 800-CharityCars for this purpose. Contact 1-800CHARITY for details on donating a car to this non-profit to be used in the F.R.E.E. program.
Vehicles Needed for “Show and Tell”
HYBRID - You should borrow a hybrid car for “show and tell” purposes. New or used,
make and model does not matter for the hybrid used. This vehicle will NOT be “cut” or
damaged. Approach your dealerships that you purchase parts from OR your rental car
partners. Tell them you will promote them as a sponsor. Ask them to supply a banner and
hang up at their event. Put their name on the vehicle during the F.R.E.E. event. This is a
big part of the program as it physically addresses the newer hybrid vehicles on the road!
(OPTIONAL)
E.V. (Electric Vehicles) – The new electric vehicles that are hitting the streets hold a lot of
interest from the firefighters and the general public. Try to secure the new Chevy Volt, the
Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius Electric, Honda Fit or the Ford Fusion Energi (Note…this list is
every changing) Check with your local car dealers to display them at your event.
If you can’t find an electric vehicle at a local car dealer, check with the local electric
companies. Many of the electric companies have electric cars for marketing purposes and
may be happy to display their electric vehicle at your first responder event. Tell them you
will promote them as a sponsor. Ask them to supply a banner and hang up at their event.
Put their name on the vehicle. This is a big part of the program as it physically addresses
the newer electric vehicles on the road.
Natural Gas Vehicles (CNG fuel) Firefighters may be interested in these and ask for
them…but mainly they want them because of fire suppression problems. Since this is an
EXTRICATION class. Having a CNG vehicle really serves no purpose for an extrication
class and the program recommends that you do not include these vehicles.
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Towing of F.R.E.E. vehicles
The repair facility is responsible for transporting the vehicles to and from the salvage yard.
The vehicles may be completely destroyed during the F.R.E.E. exercises. Of course your
shop can pay for the tows but getting donations won’t be hard if you get tow companies
involved in this community service activity as well.
Contact your tow companies about donating tows. Offer to put the tow company name on
your flyers and in the press releases. Also offer to hang their banners at the event.
Another option is to ask the salvage yards or insurance companies if they would include
donating the tows. They often have their own tow relationships and their tow companies
will often help out.
Need Long Distance Towing? Ask your salvage yard what tow companies they use and
if they would help you arrange a donated tow. Contact your state or regional towing
association and explain the F.R.E.E. event. See if they would solicit drivers to drop off and
pick up the vehicles for your event. Many times they have empty tow trucks going one way
and with plenty of notice…they may be happy to become involved.
STEP IV: PROMOTING YOUR F.R.E.E. EVENT
How do I promote the event to first responders?
Spreading the word throughout the local fire departments can be challenging as well. You
need to make contact with the training department(s) of your local fire departments and
recruit their help. Work hard to find an “advocate” in the fire training department who will
help you advertise within the local fire community. Additional help and support may be
found through the Holmatro instructor.
You may want to show them the video on the F.R.E.E. program on the NABC F.R.E.E.
webpage. Explain that the F.R.E.E. program sponsored by the National Auto Body Council
is not just an opportunity to “cut.” The difference is that the F.R.E.E. program emphasizes
firefighter safety at the scene the new technology and how it impacts the first responders in
the field…the high strength steel, multiple airbags, and alternative fuel vehicles. In
addition, the vehicles we get donated for our F.R.E.E. events are likely much newer than
what is traditionally offered to them!
Let them know there will be a “hybrid” on display and any other “show and tell” vehicles you
have secured.
Ask the training officers if they would help you “spread the word” to the training officers in
the OTHER departments. They will often be willing to send an email out with your flier if
you ask. Experience has shown us when a body shop tries emailing directly the fire
departments, your emails will often get caught in their spam filters as an “outsider” and
never opened.
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Work with MANY fire departments….don’t just rely on ONE department for your
attendance. It is not a good idea to depend on one fire department for many reasons. If
one department wants to fill the entire event…we recommend that you limit it to 20 from
one department and explain to them that you want to make sure the entire community
benefits.
Don’t forget the Volunteer Fire Departments. Volunteer firefighters are often the most
anxious for this sort of training and the least able to afford other sources of training.
Holmatro may be able to help with Fire Department Training Department contacts. Ask the
Holmatro Trainer for contact info on the local dealer of Holmatro in your market. Contact
the local Holmatro dealer and ask if they will help you “advertise” and promote the F.R.E.E.
event thru their fire department connections. Your Holmatro trainer can give you contact
information for the local Holmatro dealer.
Mutual Aid Associations - Fire Chief Organizations. Many areas have these
organizations that meet on a regular basis. Ask if they would let you attend an upcoming
meeting and talk about your event and hand out flyers. They often are willing to help you
email the info to their members. This can be an invaluable resource.
Some shops post info on their shop Facebook page for their F.R.E.E. event and “liked” the
local departments in your area to help spread the word.
NABC has an event flyer you may customize for use in advertising your event.
Collect email addresses of the first responders at your events. This will help you can build
a contact email list for future F.R.E.E. events.
Participation Certificates. You may provide a certificate of participation for the event.
Many first responders need continuing education hours and are thankful to receive it.
However, the NABC steers clear of stating this is any official training or certification. If you
have any questions on the participation certificates….talk to your Holmatro instructor about
this option.
Sponsor Recognition: You can recognize your sponsors as the event starts either
verbally or with certificates. At the start of the classroom session is a great time to
introduce the donors to the firefighters. This is a great way to say thank you to those who
have donated.
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How do I get media coverage?
Locally the NABC recommends a multi-stage approach to publicizing the event through the
local media. We have provided three press releases for you to distribute. One customized
by the NABC for your “Market Notification” from the NABC and the other two for you to
customize and distribute.
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One month prior to your event send out the “Market Notification” release to print
media. This is MOST important for monthly or quarterly publications
The day of the event send the next press release
Stress the local angle… (Saving Lives and Safety) you will have many firefighters
from local area fire departments/towns attending!
The day after the event send the post event release and one or two great photos to
the newspapers that did not come to the event.
Check on state, local or union fire publications. They are anxious for content and
would be happy to run something for you.
Send a “Media Alert” saying you will have firefighters “cutting” up cars and airbags
that will be deployed. Make sure you tell them to come at the time of these
activities. If they show up for the classroom portion, there is limited footage for them
to take.
The day prior to and the morning of the event, we recommend you phone the various
media outlets.
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TV stations-(Assignment Desks or Tip Lines) Call Day of Event!
Radio station Newsrooms (producers)
Newspapers (city desk)
Don’t forget the newspapers for every small town that has sent first responders to
the training. They want to cover THEIR fire crews! Many times if you provide an
article (press release) after the fact and some good photos they may publish what
you send.
Keep in mind that you need to be proactive with the media. Don’t just send the press
release and cross your fingers.
A “slow” news day increases your odds of getting coverage. If you tell them you have
firefighters “cutting” up cars and airbags being deployed that is exciting to television news
crews. Emphasize that this event is a great photo opportunity. Don’t forget that you are
telling them you have something interesting to put on the news! Understand that coverage
may vary depending on what news is breaking at the time.
F.R.E.E. Media Coverage tips:
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Media Alert for Television and Newspaper: Put Highlights of the evening and times
Don’t just attach a press release to an email. Cut and paste the press release
content into the body of the email. Attachments rarely get opened and read by
newsrooms.
Also send info about the event via fax to the news room.
Write a short personal note with fax or email
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Call the desk yourself the morning of the event. News rooms often have a “story
meeting” mid day where they plan out the evening news.
If you call the news tip lines and a machine answers…use this script. It works!
“We will have first responders at (shop name) tonight at (Insert time) “cutting” up
cars and deploying airbags. It will be a great photo opportunity. Please send
someone to cover this!” Don’t forget to leave them your phone number, address
and the best time to arrive for “cutting” and airbag deployment photos.
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Make it clear what time the photo op will be. If “cutting” isn’t happening until 6:30 pm
tell that time to the photographers for them to arrive. If they arrive too early….they
will be disappointed. Sometimes they will just leave and not wait around. Be
mindful of what camera shots they are looking for!
Make it easy! Let them know that YOU are the media contact…and YOU will get
them people to interview (body shop/first responders/instructor)
If you have events multiple days in a row…don’t forget to call the stations EACH day
with media that did not come. Each day is a different news cycle and new
opportunity!
Have someone from the body shop prepared to talk on camera if the opportunity
arises. Have that person practice so they are prepared to be interviewed.
Check with the Holmatro Instructor to confirm they are willing to be interviewed as
well.
Whom Do I Invite?
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Sponsors (Insurance claims personnel/salvage yards/tow partners).
Note: If your sponsors attend the F.R.E.E. event they will be impressed and much
more willing to give you vehicles for future events.
Fire chief, police chief
Community public safety officer
Your employees and their families
Your local mayor and council members (or equivalent in your community.
Insurance Agents-Be careful with this. We have had agents show up and think this
is their marketing opportunity to sell insurance to the first responders. Make it clear
to them they are welcome to observe…but no networking or selling!
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STEP V: EVENT PREPARATION/CHECKLISTS
REMEMBER: You don’t get a second chance to make a great first impression!
F.R.E.E. pre-event planning:
□ Edit F.R.E.E. flyer and send to fire departments in the area via e-mail. Ask for the
training officer and request their e-mail addresses. Send them the flyer and cover
letter. Ask them to forward on and spread the word! Include your company logo.
□ Track all contact information and commitments on the attendee tracking sheet. In
cities with multiple departments you may ask, “Are there any other departments or
people that should be made aware of this program?” They will probably provide
contacts for other departments. Provide a reminder to all attendees one week before
the event and one day before the event (via e-mail).
□ Invite all sponsors who donated vehicles to be present at least for the beginning of
the event.
□ Make contact with the Holmatro Rescue Equipment Instructor to find out their
specific needs.
□ Save Instructor and Holmatro Rescue Equipment contact information. Post to bottom
of the attendee tracking sheet.
□ Contact NABC F.R.E.E. committee member for your region with any questions. We
are here to help you make your program a success.
□ Solicit at least one hybrid and an electric vehicle from a car dealer or rental car
company (for demonstration purposes only).
□ Solicit donations for food, drinks, etc.
□ Send flyers/press releases to local media along with the press announcement two
weeks out and day of the event.
□ Print “Thank You” certificates to the all the sponsors who donated to your event and
perhaps the instructor. You can present these at the event prior to the program
starting, after the introductions and welcome. A nice touch is to put certificate in an
inexpensive frame so they can display at their office.
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Items needed for event day:
□ Chairs and tables for the number of attendees you are anticipating attending. For
40 first responders will also need at least six 8 foot tables for eating and two tables
for food service. (Rent or borrow)
□ Dinner or snacks. Make it something that will be appreciated and enjoyed. This is an
opportunity for your business to show your appreciation to these men and women.
Have plenty available to drink. You will need plenty of bottled water, coffee,
Gatorade, ice and coolers so nobody gets dehydrated during the hands-on portion of
the program. For hot summer events…Gatorade and water are the most important!
□ Vehicles for extrication practice. It is recommended that you have at least 3 – 4
vehicles for 40 – 50 participants. Remember the key component is that the vehicles
be late model, have current SRS technology, preferably with undeployed frontal
airbags and at least one vehicle with undeployed side curtain airbags.
□ One hybrid vehicle for demonstration purposes (borrow from a car dealership or
rental car company).
□ Ensure there is plenty of parking outside for large emergency service vehicles (fire
trucks, etc.). You want as many as possible around your facility for picture taking.
□ You should clear your lot of employee and customer vehicles if possible. If parking
will be an issue, be sure to talk to the “neighboring” businesses about using their
parking.
□ Clear and clean the portion of the shop or area for cutting the vehicles apart. Make
sure it is well lit and clean! Remember this is about enhancing the image of your
shop!
□ Once the instructor arrives, he or she will assist with determining the preferred
location for vehicle cutting.
□ Invite sponsors, staff, technicians, family members and your friends to attend.
□ Delegate someone to take digital pictures of the event for press releases, your bulletin boards, website, shop Facebook page, NABC marketing efforts, etc.
□ Projector. Check with the Instructor to see if they will be providing the projector. If
not, you may need to provide one
□ Projection screen for the PowerPoint Presentation.
□ Microphone and amplifier. Check with the Instructor to see if this will be needed.
□ Small table to use as a projector stand.
□ Bungee cords for hanging shop banners, sponsor’s banners, NABC banner, etc.
□ F.R.E.E. Participant Survey
□ Participation Certificates
Leading up to and event day:
□ Send reminder to all attendees the day prior to the event.
□ Re-send press release to various media.
□ Contact the instructor regarding any new needs. Make sure you have his or her bio
for the introduction.
□ Print the event night agenda. Include the biography of the Instructor.
□ Check with the car dealership and/or rental car company regarding the “show and
tell” vehicles. Make necessary arrangements for pick up, drop off and return.
□ Remind sponsors to attend and what time to arrive.
□ Remind your staff to attend. Make sure they are wearing fresh company shirts with
logos.
□ Set up tables, chairs, power cords.
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□ Make sure food and drinks are organized. Make sure you have plenty of
water/Gatorade/soft drinks and ice.
□ Hang your customized NABC F.R.E.E. banner in a clearly visible place
□ Make sure the shop is cleaned, lighting is good; make sure there is room for the
emergency service vehicles (fire trucks) to park. It is possible that there will be a
couple of hook and ladder trucks on your property.
□ Create and print out “Donor Signs” for vehicles and tape to vehicle body panels
(windows are first things broken during the hands-on exercises.)
□ Print “Thank you” certificates for sponsors and possibly frame.
Who brings what?
Shops provide:
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Power strip (1)
Table for projector and the instructor’s computer
Projection screen
Chairs for attendees (make sure to have a few extra)
Tables for attendees to eat at and for food service
Tablecloth roll (optional)
Plates, plastic wear, napkins, etc.
Food service
Soft drinks, water, Gatorade
Coolers with Ice and sign on top for what drink is inside
Vehicles for cutting
F.R.E.E. Participant Survey (enough copies for each participant to complete)
The Holmatro representative will provide:
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Projector (if not, you will need to provide)
Computer for presentation
Holmatro Hydraulic Extrication Equipment
Trainer may ask for your help in securing some props from a salvage vendor.
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Additional thoughts on preparation:
1. Have the front office cleaned.
2. Clean the production area, especially where the program will be held:
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Sweep the floors
Empty the trash cans
Put all parts away
Remove offensive pictures/posters
Turn technicians’ radios off
Clean and fully stock the restrooms
Replace burned out light bulbs
3. Clear and clean up the grounds of the shop including:
□ Cutting the grass and removing weeds
□ Cleaning the parking lot
□ Empty ashtrays outside of the building
4. Make sure your employees know what to do and when to do it:
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Greet guests
Set up vehicles for cutting
Take pictures
Clean up afterwards
Make sure all employees are in clean uniforms
Employees should be gracious hosts/hostesses
Assign 1 or 2 to serve food and clean-up afterwards
STEP VI: POST EVENT ACTIVITIES
Congratulations! You have successfully become a member of an elite group of shops in the
nation! Now that the event is behind you, all that is left is a little follow-up. Schedule a follow
up meeting with your key people within two weeks and discuss the results. Please take
notes at this meeting so you can share your experiences with the National Auto Body
Council. NABC will take this information and, when applicable, use it to continually improve
the F.R.E.E. Program.
Post F.R.E.E. event day meeting:
Questions to ask:
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Was everything in order for the event?
Was the media present?
If not, what can be done to encourage better media coverage next time?
What would you change about the event or any other aspect of the program for next
time?
Follow up with contributors:
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Vendors and those that donated to the project:
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Send thank-you cards to everyone that contributed. A thank-you phone call or e-mail
is also acceptable.
Return sponsor banners if necessary.
E-mail some photos of the event, especially if a contributor couldn’t attend.
A note of thanks to the Instructor might be nice, as well.
Deliver “Thank You” certificates if necessary.
Make sure to return the “cut” vehicles in a timely manner.
Follow up with attendees:
You may want to contact certain people (i.e. Captains, Chief’s, etc.) once they have digested the information and ask them for feedback on the program so we can improve the
process. (Sample e-mail below)
(Insert attendee name) Thank you again so much for coming out to our shop last
night and learning more about emergency extrication! I hope that you walked away
with valuable information you can use in the future. This event was a huge success
and you were a big part of that! Please let me know if you would, what you enjoyed
about the program and how we can improve for future events. Your feedback is very
important.
Again, (insert your shop name), Holmatro and the National Auto Body Council want
to say thank you for your commitment to our community and the vital services you
provide. (Insert your name).
Follow up with NABC F.R.E.E. Committee:
Any information you can provide NABC will be used to improve the program and this
program guide. Please provide feedback so the industry-at-large can benefit from the
positive effects of the F.R.E.E. program.
We would like you to contact NABC and let us know how many attendees you had for the
event. Also, what were the costs you incurred for your event? Additionally, NABC would
appreciate receiving copies of all print and video media coverage of your event, as well as
copies of any letters of appreciation from attendees or others. They would also love to
receive some great pictures of your event.
This information enables NABC to evaluate the success of the program and the industry
image building effect of F.R.E.E. This information can also be used as a tool to illustrate
the effectiveness of this aspect of NABC’s industry image campaign to current and potential
members and corporate sponsors.
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Contacts:
If you have questions or are in need of assistance from the National Auto Body Council or
F.R.E.E. Committee contact:
National Auto Body Council
Administration Office
7044 S. 13th Street
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Phone: 888-66-PRIDE (888-667-7433)
Fax: 414-768-8001
E-mail: info@autobodycouncil.org
Collision Services
Phone: 800-367-6575
Collision Services is your source for customized F.R.E.E. banners.
Please contact them at least three weeks prior to your event to allow for shipping and
handling. The costs of the banner are the participating shops responsibility.
Disclaimer: Any reference to legal or accounting matters made in this booklet is there to provide notice for
areas where the reader should consult with an attorney or CPA. THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL IS
NOT PROVIDING NOR ATTEMPTING TO PROVIDE LEGAL, ACCOUNTING, OR TAX ADVICE.
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