University of Extrication: General Motors Responder Safety Initiative

Dec. 1, 2017

Ron Moore and the rescue team explain how General Motor's new QR Code system helps first responders.

Scanning the QR code emblem leads to GM’s website, which provides a collection of critical emergency response guides for GM hybrid, electric and alternative-fueled vehicles.

Topic: General Motors QR Code Program

Objective: Become familiar with GM’s QR code program and the Rescue Card information provided through the system.

Task: Given a GM vehicle with QR code labels present, the rescue team shall utilize a smartphone or tablet device to scan the QR code and display the Rescue Card responder information.

In April 2014, we looked at the emergency responder QR Code system implemented by Mercedes-Benz for its 2015 and newer model-year vehicles. Now, only two years later, a similar initiative has been implemented by General Motors (GM). Using QR codes and a free QR Code Reader app on smartphones or tablet devices, responders can quickly obtain important information for 2017 and newer GM hybrid, electric (EV), fuel-cell (FCV) and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles.

The QR code system of both Mercedes-Benz and GM use specially designed labels that contain a QR code emblem. While Mercedes-Benz decided to affix its QR code label to the inside of either the fuel-filler door or the small charging-port cover door on one side, with a second label located on the B-pillar on the opposite side of the vehicle, GM chose to put its QR code label on the B-pillar only.

After opening a free QR Code Reader app on their phone or tablet device, responders can scan the QR code on the GM vehicle. That action brings up a URL on the GM website leading to a listing of nine specific GM vehicles—Bolt, Volt and Spark EVs; Equinox FCV; Impala and Express /Savanna CNG vehicles; and the Malibu, Silverado and Tahoe hybrids.

Similar to having a preplan available for a target-hazard occupancy building, the QR code system adopted by GM leads to a special document called a Rescue Card. This document contains a collection of critically important responder information, including exact locations of airbag-stored gas inflators, ultra-high strength steels, high-voltage components and battery location. This knowledge can directly affect the safety of responders on scene and makes their rescue scene operations safer and more efficient.

SIDEBAR

How to Use the General Motors QR Code

Load a free QR Reader app onto a smartphone or tablet device
Scan the QR code emblem
Click on the URL in the pop-up window
Click on the links to review the Rescue Cards for the various GM vehicles

About the Author

Ron Moore

RON MOORE, who is a Firehouse contributing editor, recently retired as a division chief with the McKinney, TX, Fire Department and now serves with Prosper, TX, Fire Rescue. He self-published the Vehicle Rescue 1-2-3 training manual and serves as the forum moderator for the extrication section of Firehouse.com . Moore can be contacted directly at [email protected].