- You might have seen Waymo self-driving vehicles
driving on our streets and in our communities.
As a first responder,
this instructional video will tell you what you need to know
to respond safely to Waymo
in case of roadside emergencies or other incidents.
Hi, I'm Skip Carter.
I'm a retired law enforcement officer
with 30 years experience.
I'm pleased to be the host of this instructional video
along with Jason Devasi,
a rescue specialist and firefighter,
and Jeff West, Battalion Chief
with the Chandler Fire Department here in Arizona.
- Here at Chandler Fire, we are excited and proud
to partner with Waymo on this instructional video
so that we, as first responders, can better understand
how to interface with these vehicles
while they're seen out on the road.
- Now Jason will take you through, in detail,
some of the key lessons that are outlined
in the Waymo Emergency Response Guide.
- We'll see how Waymo is similar to,
as well as different from other vehicles.
One thing that is unique
is that Waymo is fully self-driving,
which means it can handle
all the functions of driving on the road
without the aid of a human driver.
- Waymo began as Google's self-driving car project in 2009
with the goal of making our roads safer for everyone.
Now, after millions of self-driving miles on public roads,
Waymo continues to develop and improve
for a future where transportation is safer,
easier, and more accessible for all.
- So let's dive in and get to know Waymo.
When we first arrive on scene,
we must identify the type of vehicle that we're working on.
This particular model of vehicle
is a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid electric vehicle.
Things you need to know as you approach this vehicle
are the additional sensors overtop of the D-post.
You also have large Waymo logos on both sides of the vehicle
easily identifying it.
A large profile of a roof
with your additional sensors and cameras
should make it easy to identify.
We have additional sensors here in the front fender
and on the front bumper,
also cues to let you know that this is something different.
First responders: it's really important,
just like any vehicle that we approach,
that we do this on a 45-degree angle
so we get a best view
of the type of vehicle that we're working on.
It's also very important, that with all vehicles,
that we chock and block the vehicle
to ensure that that vehicle does not move.
For this example,
I'm going to have the Chandler Fire Department come in
and demonstrate this best practice
for us all to refresh our memory with.
Another consideration is there may or may not be a driver
in the front seat.
This is a change for us.
Also realize that there may be additional occupants
in the second and third row.
These are all things for you to consider
when moving forward with your extrication procedures.
To identify a Waymo fully self-driving vehicle,
look for the following features.
The vehicle model is a white Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan.
The vehicle has Waymo logos on both sides.
You'll also notice sensors above the D-pillar,
on the roof,
and on the sides and front bumper of the vehicle.
Once you've confirmed that this is a Waymo vehicle,
you can follow standard safety procedures as you approach the vehicle.
Remember that, because this is a fully self-driving vehicle,
there may or may not be a Waymo-trained driver in the front seat,
or a Waymo employee in the other seats.
Lastly, be sure to check for additional passengers in
the second and third row seats.
- Now that we've looked at how to identify Waymo
and assess the surrounding environment,
let's take a look at how to make sure
the vehicle won't self-drive.
- The vehicle will not self-drive
if the airbags are deployed or if a door is open.
Therefore, one of the first things you want to do
is open a door.
Make sure that at least one of the door remains open
until power has been disconnected
or the vehicle has been shifted into manual mode.
Let's go over how to ensure the Waymo vehicle won't self-drive.
Here are a few tips.
Check to see if any airbag is deployed or any door is open.
To ensure the vehicle is not in self-driving mode,
leave the door open until power is disconnected
or the car is switched out of self-driving mode
and into manual mode.
To put the car in manual mode,
you must call Waymo.
Let's talk about how to do that now.
There are two ways to contact Waymo.
First, is the toll-free hotline for first responders.
You can also contact Waymo with the help button
above the rear seats,
utilizing the car's microphone and speaker.
We'll contact Waymo, and let's see what this looks like.
- Hi, this is Haley with Waymo Rider Support.
How can I help you?
- This is Jason.
I'm a first responder.
I need this vehicle put into manual mode.
- Okay, Jason, can you access the steering wheel?
- Yes, I have access to the steering wheel.
- Okay, I have authorized the vehicle
so that you can switch it into manual mode.
To do so, you're going to need to press two of the buttons
on the steering wheel.
Do you see the cluster of buttons
on the right side of the steering wheel?
- Yes, I do.
- Next, to engage manual mode,
press the center button in that cluster
followed by the right button in that cluster.
- Okay, I did that.
- Now let's confirm that the car is in manual.
Place your foot on the brake and try to switch gears.
If you can, the car is in manual mode.
- Okay, that worked.
It's in manual.
Thank you.
- You're welcome.
I've also dispatched a mobile team from Waymo
who will be on the scene to assist you.
- While in the front seat,
behind the sun visor is the vehicle's registration,
insurance, and also the toll-free hotline
for first responders.
- We realize some of these procedures may be new to you.
It's important to understand that this is new technology,
and as first responders, we need to adapt our procedures
to ensure our own safety
as well as that of passengers and the public.
Let's recap how to put the Waymo vehicle in manual mode.
This is necessary before you can operate the vehicle,
including turning the vehicle on or off,
shifting gears, applying or releasing the parking brake,
and driving the vehicle, such as to reposition it.
Remember that you must contact Waymo
to shift the vehicle into manual mode.
You should also contact Waymo to unlock any doors if needed.
There are two ways to contact Waymo:
by calling our 24/7 hotline at 1-877-503-0840,
or you can press the help button
on the ceiling above the second row seats.
In addition to helping you put the vehicle in a manual mode,
Waymo will dispatch a mobile team to assist you.
Remember that the Waymo vehicle's registration
insurance information, and copies of the required state permits
are located behind the sun visors,
along with the toll-free number to contact Waymo.
- Now let's take a look at something
that's not unique to Waymo,
which is how to disable electric power on a hybrid vehicle
in the case of an emergency.
- First responders, like all hybrid vehicles,
the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
has both high and low voltage power.
Before we consider doing a disconnect,
there's a few extrication considerations.
One, "Can I unlock any doors, lower any windows,
move some seats, open the rear lift gate,
and also apply or disengage the parking brake?"
Once again, like all Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids,
there is a cut-loop cable under the front hood.
I'm going to have Chandler Firefighter come in
and demonstrate how to remove that cover,
accessing the cut loop cable,
and making a double cut
to ensure that the wire does not reattach.
This should always be your first choice for disabling power.
However, if you're unable to access this area
due to impact or collision,
you have a secondary in the rear trunk.
We're going to show you how to do that next.
The front cut loop is always your first choice
for disconnecting high and low voltage power.
But if the hood is blocked,
power can be disconnected at the batteries,
which are located in the trunk.
There are two separate 12-volt batteries.
One is the same as all Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids.
It's located on the driver side.
The other is located on the passenger side.
It is isolated from the rest of the 12-volt system
and provides redundant power
for Waymo's self-driving systems.
This battery does not provide power to the airbags.
Both batteries are disconnected
by cutting the negative leads.
The cut locations are clearly identified
with bright yellow cut loop tapes.
When disabling power via the trunk,
you should also remove the high voltage service disconnect
to ensure high and low voltage power are fully disabled.
- The service disconnect
is located beneath this access cover
between the first and second row seats.
After unbolting this access cover,
the disconnect can be removed.
Okay, let's review
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid,
like other hybrid vehicles,
have both high and low voltage power.
The hood is always your first choice for disconnecting power.
Remove the battery cover and cut the cable
where you see the yellow cut loop tags.
Remember to make a double cut to ensure the wire does not reattach.
If you can't get to the hood, you can disconnect power via the trunk
There are two 12-volt batteries in the trunk.
One is just like other Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles.
That one's on the driver's side.
The other 12-volt battery is on the passenger side.
This battery supplies backup power
to the Waymo vehicle's self-driving systems.
It doesn't provide power to the airbags.
Make double cuts to cut the negative leads on both batteries.
Yellow cut loop tags indicate where to cut
When disconnecting power via the trunk,
don't forget to also disconnect power via the service disconnect
under the access cover between the first and second row seats.
- Now that we've looked at how to disable power
to the vehicle in an emergency,
let's take a look at
some important extrication considerations.
- When it relates to cut zones,
there's only one difference between this
and other Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids,
and it's back here in the D-pillar location
on the driver side.
Through this area, we are routing coolant lines
up to the rooftop sensors.
Should you need to do a roof removal,
expect some coolant leaks in this area and deal with them.
Let's review how to respond in extrication scenarios
Remember to use standard protective equipment
just as you always would.
When it comes to extrication cuts zones,
note that there is only one significant difference
between the Waymo vehicle
and other Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids.
It's along the D-pillar, on the driver's side.
There are lines that carry coolant
to the Waymo vehicle's rooftop sensors.
If you're doing a roof removal,
expect some coolant leaks when cutting in this location.
Next, let's talk about firefighting tactics
as it relates to a hybrid vehicle.
Let's talk about firefighting.
We have Jeff West with Chandler Fire
to describe best practices.
- Thanks, Jason.
We want to take this chance to remind all first responders
that these are going to be similar
to all other hybrid and electrical vehicles.
We're going to use lots of water to cool the battery pack.
We're going to monitor heat changes
with our thermal imaging camera.
And if the high voltage battery is damaged,
we want to make sure
we're going to store that away from all other combustibles.
First responders,
remember that the Waymo vehicle
is similar to all other hybrid and electric vehicles
when it comes to firefighting.
Cool the battery pack with copious amounts of water
use thermal imaging to monitor any changes.
As with all hybrid and electric vehicles,
if the battery pack has been damaged,
keep the vehicle away from anything combustible.
- In this video, we've looked at how to identify Waymo
and how to change the vehicle
from self-driving to manual mode.
- We have also learned how to contact Waymo Rider Support
from inside the vehicle, how to turn it off,
and how to disable electric power in case of emergency.
- We've discussed how to handle the vehicle
after an incident.
As always, remember to take necessary safety precautions
just as you would with any vehicle.
Remember to refer to Waymo Emergency Response Guide
for more details about working with Waymo vehicles.
- We're seeing more and more self-driving cars
on the road today.
Self-driving cars hold the potential
to make our roads safer.
We hope that you've learned something today
that will help you confidently interact with these vehicles
as you do your jobs.
Thank you for taking the time
to learn how to work with Waymo.
- Thank you, Jason.
And thank you to the Chandler Fire Department
here in Arizona for hosting us today at their facility.
- Thank you, Skip.
- Stay safe out there and enjoy the ride.