Rapid help after an accident

Apr 24, 2026Mobility Stories / Safety on the road / News & Campaigns

When it comes to extricating people from a vehicle following a traffic accident, quick and targeted assistance is crucial. To do this, emergency responders need reliable information about the vehicle’s structure as early as possible. The rescue card, which is ideally stored behind the driver’s side sun visor, gives emergency responders immediate access to this information. Although many fire departments can now also retrieve the appropriate rescue card through the dispatch center, this option is not available everywhere or at all times. An additional sticker on the windshield therefore makes it easier for emergency responders to quickly locate the rescue card right on the vehicle.

Opening modern vehicles can present special challenges for emergency responders. “Today’s cars increasingly feature high-strength materials, extensive airbag systems, and new technologies. The highly rigid passenger cell reliably protects the occupants. However, after severe collisions, it can make it difficult to quickly extricate injured people and lead to delays,” explains accident researcher Markus Egelhaaf of DEKRA.

It is crucial for emergency responders to quickly identify the points on the vehicle body where hydraulic rescue tools can be safely and effectively applied. Equally important is information on the location of batteries—including the 12-volt battery—energy storage systems, and safety-critical components. In addition, special precautions must be taken to ensure that no components of restraint systems are damaged while working on the vehicle. In the case of electric vehicles, the high-voltage system must also be reliably identified and deactivated.

What can drivers do? Print out a color copy of your vehicle’s emergency card! You can download emergency cards at www.dekra.de/de/rettungskarte or from the manufacturer. Check the model number and outline to make sure the printout matches your vehicle. Attach the rescue card behind the sun visor on the driver’s side. The “Rescue Card in Vehicle” sticker is also helpful. It should be affixed to the windshield on the driver’s side, in the top-left or bottom-left corner. Available free of charge at DEKRA locations or via the link above.