BATH, N.Y. (WENY) -- Local first responders in Bath took on some unique training on Friday evening. The educational program was created to help rescue victims from late-model vehicles.  

The National Auto Body Council gave hands-on training on how to safely extract patients from damaged vehicles. First responders were taught about cutting late-model vehicles, learning how to navigate electric vehicles, advanced technology, air bags and other safety systems.  

HURST Jaws of Life National Service Manager Anthony Morabito traveled from Long Island, New York to teach four fire departments about the latest techniques to save patients’ lives.  

“Back in the 70s, all the metals were nice and soft, easy to cut...as you were cutting the metal just compressed and then cut,” he said. “With the new steels...they're so hard that they're not compressing and they're making it tougher for the extraction tools to get through the material.” 

Morabito taught first responders different ways to cut into late-model cars. People learned how to disconnect high-voltage batteries from a vehicle to make it safe to cut into. 

“There are different techniques you have to employ to...you know...actually extricate a patient out of a car,” he said. “Before you do that, there are steps you would do to make the car safe.”  

He gave a live demonstration on how to work with high-strength steel, airbags, advanced restraint systems, on board technology and how to practice safe techniques around alternative fuel vehicles. 

Coopers Plains Long Acres Fire Department Chief Todd Hall wanted his department to take the training program to be more prepared. A few years ago, his first responders had a difficult time trying to remove someone from a late-model Subaru car. 

“We had a very difficult -- because of the way the car was built...to get the patient out of the car,” he said. “But we got her out and she's still alive today.” 

Subaru vehicles have boron steel, a tougher, stronger steel put in place to protect the driver. While the steel rods help shield the driver, it also makes it difficult for first responders to cut through without the proper training.  

“In a rescue, it makes it more difficult for us to get the patient out of the vehicle,” he said. “We're learning how to work around those and get through that.” 

Morabito urges first responders to learn about cutting techniques often. Car models are constantly changing and that means there is always something new to learn.  

“You have to keep on continuing education, knowing the car and knowing around the systems of the car.” 

First responders can still get training at Goodrich Auto Works in Bath tomorrow morning. The program will take place again from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, please contact Deborah Robinson.