Rescue Assist App
The folks at Mercedes-Benz stepped up the game again. A couple years ago Mercedes-Benz added QR codes in two locations of the vehicles that can be scanned with a smart and useful information for rescuers was displayed on the screen. The Rescue Assist App developed by Mercedes-Benz provides emergency services at the scene of an accident quick access to the rescue cards for the various types of vehicle via a smartphone or tablet. What really stands out is the new update supplies three-dimensional views as well as augmented reality imagery.
The updated app is a repository of rescue cards for all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and vans, as well as for some models from Fuso, one of Daimler Trucks’ commercial vehicle brands. The digital rescue data sheets can often be an invaluable source of information, helping the emergency services to free passengers quickly and safety from vehicles that have been involved in accidents. The rescue cards show an overview of safety-critical components such as airbags, batteries and fuel lines. In the case of electric and hybrid vehicles they also show all high-voltage components. With the help of the three-dimensional views, rescue teams are able to work out even more quickly the best and safest place to apply cutters. The 3D-models can be freely rotated and scaled up or down within the app. Augmented reality images bring further benefits: all the components of the vehicle are rendered in precise, photorealistic detail in images that, to a wide extent, reflect what can be seen of the actual damaged vehicle – a great advantage for the rescue services at the scene of the accident.
A further advantage of the Mercedes-Benz Rescue Assist App is that it is not necessary to have online access. The app also functions offline, thus ensuring that no time is lost during a rescue. Every new Mercedes-Benz, smart and Fuso is fitted as standard with two QR codes, affixed in a clearly visible position on the B-pillars and inside the fuel filler flap. As soon as the QR code is scanned with the camera of the smartphone or tablet, the relevant rescue card will open up in the Rescue Assist App. Owners of older vehicles can arrange for the appropriate QR code to be retrofitted by their Mercedes-Benz Service Partner.
The Rescue Assist App includes details of all Mercedes-Benz passenger car models built since 1990, along with Mercedes-Benz vans since 1996 and all smart models built since 1998. On the commercial vehicle front, Fuso Canter 467 models from the year 2005 onwards and Canter 468 from 2013 are also included. The app, which is constantly being updated, is available in 24 languages for both iOS and Android devices. It can be downloaded free of charge.
Currently, the App is only available in the app store in Germany. I contacted the folks at Mercedes-Benz and they told me the app will be demoed at this year’s Commercial Vehicles IAA in Hannover. The IAA will start on September 22nd and hopefully the app will be available at the same time. However, introduction of the App within the U.S. might be a little later. We will keep you posted.
Training
2022 Ford Maverick: Vehicle-Specific Body Structure
The 2022 Ford Maverick loaned to the Hurst folks was the star of the extrication show at FDIC. The Maverick was no match for the Hurst tools and

Ford Maverick
The 2022 Ford Maverick loaned to the Hurst folks was the star of the extrication show at FDIC. The Maverick was no match for the Hurst tools and the man that makes these vehicles available, Dennis Lark, was pleased with the destruction. The Maverick is available as an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle and an FHEV (Full Hybrid Electric Vehicle). Below is an image from Ford’s 2022 Maverick Hybrid Emergency Response Guide.
If you notice, the Hybrid battery pack is on the passenger (RHS) of the vehicle. If you take a look at the image below, you can see the rocker on the RHS is reinforced to protect the battery pack. You can find more information about the different steels used in the rockers and floor pan here.
A-Pillar (Hurst Booth FDIC 2022)
B-Pillar (Hurst Booth FDIC 2022)
More Pictures
Training
Object on a Vehicle

An object on a Vehicle
A simple training scenario that only requires a vehicle (that you do not need to cut, yet) and an object to lift. Great objects include large tree sections, utility poles, and concrete pipes. These objects can be easily found in most cities, maybe even in your Department of Public Works yard.
Take a look at the scenario that Connecticut Custom Fire Training LLC. put together a month ago at one of their training classes.
Training
York County Vehicle Technician Class 2021

York County Vehicle Technician Class 2021
Pictures (by John E. Burruss)