Decade of Action in Germany

Publication date: 28 June 2011

The international initiative of vehicle related information for rescuers (on-board rescue sheet) has been strongly supported by the clubs. The implementation of the rescue sheets in European countries has already started and will be continued. ADAC is providing the international information platform (www.rescuesheet.info) and is currently running a European campaign on post-crash rescue sheet information to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety.

A “real world cutting demonstration" was held on 9 May, as well as a press conference which highlighted the international rescue sheet.

Too often, valuable time is lost in the process of rescuing crash victims entrapped in their vehicles, especially after severe road accidents. The increasingly complex safety design of vehicles presents rescuers with a serious challenge. In particular, removing car roofs is becoming more and more problematic. Faced with high-strength steel and body reinforcements, even the most powerful cutters reach their limits. Safety components, such as gas generators for curtain airbags, can be a safety risk for emergency response teams. A "rescue sheet" is a standardised A4 information sheet providing the location of cabin reinforcements, tanks, the battery, airbags, gas generators, control units, etc. - and indicating adequate cutting points.