# What are the safety precautions when assisting an injured person in an electric or hybrid vehicle accident? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/safety-precautions-assisting-injured-electric-hybrid-vehicle-accident Language: en Category: first_aid Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.923Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.923Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/safety-precautions-assisting-injured-electric-hybrid-vehicle-accident When dealing with an injured person in an electric or hybrid vehicle accident, the utmost priority must be given to the safety of responders and the injured. It is essential to assume that the high-voltage battery and associated components remain active and fully charged. Emergency services must be contacted immediately to ensure safe and professional handling of the situation, and any exposed electrical components or wires must not be touched. ## Assessing the Scene and Calling Emergency Services The first and most important step is to assess the scene to ensure your safety and the safety of others. You must look for signs of electrical hazards, such as smoke, sparks, a burning smell, or fluid leaks. In electric or hybrid vehicle accidents, batteries can be highly corrosive and should not be exposed to standing water, as this could lead to high-voltage electric shock hazards or fire [\[4\]](). After ensuring the scene is as safe as possible, call emergency services immediately (e.g., 911 in the United States) and provide clear information about the nature of the accident and the type of vehicle (electric or hybrid) so specialized response teams can arrive [\[4\]](). ## Avoiding Electrical Hazards Electric and hybrid vehicles differ from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles in their components and operating systems, particularly regarding high-voltage batteries [\[4\]](). Do not attempt to service the traction battery or any high-voltage electrical components without proper training and specialized equipment, as this could lead to serious injury or death [\[4\]](). If there is physical damage to the vehicle or the high-voltage battery, it may result in the immediate or delayed release of toxic and/or flammable gases or a fire [\[4\]](). Therefore, avoid touching any exposed wires or electrical components and stay as far away from the vehicle as possible until trained emergency crews arrive. ## Handling the Injured Once it is confirmed that the scene is free of electrical hazards, you can begin providing first aid to the injured. Handle the injured with extreme caution, keeping in mind the potential for internal injuries or fractures. If the injured person is inside the vehicle, do not attempt to remove them unless there is an imminent threat to their life, such as a fire. If possible, stabilize the person's head and neck and provide emotional support. Emergency response teams can use Emergency Response Guides (ERGs) provided by electric and hybrid vehicle manufacturers, which contain in-depth vehicle-specific information regarding fire, submersion, fluid leaks, and vehicle towing and storage, to assist first and second responders in handling these vehicles safely during emergencies [\[5\]](). ## Importance of Specialized Training Due to the complexities and unique risks associated with electric and hybrid vehicles, specialized training is critical for first responders. A qualified technician maintaining electric vehicles must have specialized training in the high-voltage systems of electric vehicles, possess appropriate personal protective equipment and testing or diagnostic equipment, and have sufficient understanding to work on or around the high-voltage systems in these vehicles [\[4\]](). Further information on general vehicle safety can be found at [Vehicle Safety: A Comprehensive Guide for Drivers and Passengers (Arabic)](). ## Medical references - [Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Battery, Charging & Safety | NHTSA]() - [Emergency Response Guides | NHTSA]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/safety-precautions-assisting-injured-electric-hybrid-vehicle-accident#answer