Mercedes-Benz Malaysia trains Bomba for EV emergency response

KUALA LUMPUR: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has taken the necessary step in supporting Malaysia's goal of becoming an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) hub by conducting an extensive EV emergency training program for the country's Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba). This training, held at their state-of-the-art Training Academy in Puchong, Selangor, aims to equip emergency responders with the necessary skills to handle EV-related incidents.

As electric vehicles gain popularity in Malaysia, the ability of emergency services to effectively manage EV emergencies becomes increasingly crucial. The Electrification Drive: Fire and Rescue Team Orientation program was developed to address this need, offering comprehensive information on EV technology and best practices for handling emergencies involving electric vehicles.

Amanda Zhang, CEO & President of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia, emphasized the importance of this initiative. " We are happy to be working closely with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia team over the years to establish and sustain a crucial support system, which creates a conducive ecosystem for EEV and drivers. This initiative underscores Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's commitment to public safety by equipping rescue teams with the necessary knowledge and tools to manage EV emergencies. This not only enhances the safety of both responders and vehicle occupants but also minimises response time and maximises operational efficiency," Zhang stated.

The training saw participation from over 40 Bomba personnel and covered both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in managing electric vehicle incidents. This included identifying different EV models, handling high-voltage vehicles and batteries, using battery scanners, applying fire blankets, following emergency protocols, and utilizing the Mercedes-Benz Rescue Assist App.

PgKB I Mohd Tilmizi bin Mustapa, a representative from Bomba, highlighted the necessity of such training. " With the increase in electric mobility, there is a compelling need to understand and harness both the potentials and challenges of EV driving. It is crucial for emergency responders to be trained on the safety procedures for handling high-voltage vehicles and batteries, and to use battery scanners to evaluate battery conditions. Moreover, recognising various EV models and their specific components, including cutting techniques for rescue operations, is essential. This specialised training reduces risks during incidents and enhances both the efficiency and safety of our teams, allowing them to manage situations effectively while minimising hazards to themselves and the public," he explained.

The hands-on training also included the use of the Mercedes-Benz Rescue Assist App, which provides quick access to critical vehicle information via QR codes. This feature is particularly valuable in time-sensitive situations where rapid information retrieval is essential.

Edmin Naidoo, Vice President of Customer Services at Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia, reinforced the company's commitment. "At Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, all our technical experts in authorised service centres are rigorously trained and qualified to handle the complex composition of EVs. This level of expertise sets us apart, ensuring that our customers receive the highest standard of safety and service. Extending this expertise to Bomba, aligns with our commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and service," Naidoo said.

By providing this training, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia aims to ensure that emergency responders are well-prepared to handle the challenges of EV incidents, contributing to Malaysia's public safety as the automotive landscape evolves.

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