Technical Bulletin

Rescue Sheet Guidelines
Version 2.0

9 December 2020
TB 030TitleVersionDocument Number
AuthorRescue Sheet Guidelines
2.0
TB030
C. Adalian, K. Vollmacher, M.
Gentilleau, S. Edmonds, M. van
Ratingen
December 2020
Rescue, Extrication & Safety Test andAssessment Protocol
2020 Protocol Update
Immediate

Date
Related Documents
StatusApplication Date

2

Preface
DISCLAIMER: Euro NCAP has taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information
published in this document is accurate and reflects the technical decisions taken by theorganisation. In the unlikely event that this protocol contains a typographical error or
any other inaccuracy, Euro NCAP reserves the right to make corrections and determine
the assessment and subsequent result of the affected requirement(s).
Copyright in ISO 17840 whether electronic or other format is owned by ISO.

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Contents
Preface............................................................................................................................ 3
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 5
General Recommendations ............................................................................................ 6
Colour Codes from ISO ............................................................................................. 6
Pictograms from ISO 17840 ...................................................................................... 6
Translations ................................................................................................................ 7
Front Page Layout and Content ..................................................................................... 7
Header - Part 1 ........................................................................................................... 7
Header - Part 2 ........................................................................................................... 8
Top and Side Views ................................................................................................... 9
Double Frame Rectangle ...................................................................................... 11
Gas Strut ............................................................................................................... 11
Reinforcements ..................................................................................................... 12
Fuel Tank .............................................................................................................. 12
Legend...................................................................................................................... 13
Footer ....................................................................................................................... 13
Additional Pages Layout and Content ......................................................................... 14
General ..................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 1 – Identification / Recognition.................................................................. 15
Chapter 2 – Immobilisation / Stabilisation / Lifiting ............................................... 16
Chapter 3 – Disable Direct Hazards / Safety Regulations ....................................... 17
Chapter 4 – Access to the Occupants ....................................................................... 18
Chapter 5 – Stored Energy / Liquids / Gases / Solids .............................................. 18
Chapter 6 – In Case of Fire ...................................................................................... 19
Chapter 7 – In Case of Submersion ......................................................................... 20
Chapter 8 – Towing / Transportation / Storage ....................................................... 21
Chapter 9 – Important Additional Information ........................................................ 21
Chapter 10 – Explanation of Pictograms Used ........................................................ 22

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Introduction
The purpose of this document 1 is to specify and illustrate how to design the content andlayout for a Rescue Sheet in accordance with ISO 17840 standard (Part 1:2015 andsubsequently updated in 2021, as well as Part 3 and Part 4). Following these
instructions, the rescue sheet will be compliant with present Euro NCAP requirements.
Examples included (labelled “EXAMPLE” in the text) can come from official rescue
sheets or they can be made up to illustrate a point. No rights can be derived from theseexamples.
The purpose of the Rescue Sheet format is to use as less text as possible in order tomake their understanding as easy as possible and overcome language barriers. The
rescue sheet (ISO 17840 Part 1) is “quick information” for the first responders on theaccident scene.
The ISO 17840 Part 3 Emergency Response Guide (ERG) gives “in-depth information”
by adding text in addition to the pictures or the pictograms from the Rescue Sheet. The
ERG contains crucial and in-depth information linked to the Rescue Sheet to inform,
train, and develop rescue procedures by first responders. The headings/contents of the
Rescue Sheet and the ERG information are aligned with each other, i.e. the ERG
information works as an extension to the Rescue Sheet.
Both ERG and the Rescue Sheet follow a flowchart of the main actions to take by firstand second responders, arriving at the accident scene or performing towing and otheractivities afterwards.

1

This Technical Bulletin is based on the information contained in the document Rescue Sheet - How tocreate it? Guidelines following requirements from ISO 17840 Part 1 and Euro NCAP, by
CTIF/IDIADA, Version 12 June 2020 and the updated Version of 15 September 2020.

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General Recommendations
It is recommended to use as little text as possible, and instead use the pictograms
defined in ISO 17840 – Part 1 and/or Part 3. This way, this the information isstraightforward for the first responders, and the effort to edit versions in all the different
languages will be less.
1) Always use pictograms coming from ISO 17840-Part 1 and/or Part 3. Seek expert
advice if you are uncertain about which pictogram to use.
2) Ensure the quality of the picture / drawings / photos / pictograms are following theGeneral Recommendations in ISO 3864-1. This is to make certain that the document
is readable and easy to understand.
3) Important information must be emphasized:••

Hazards/Danger: Red border RGB: 255/0/0, text in black capital letters or lower
case.
Recommendation: Green border RGB: 0/176/80, text in black capital letters or
lower case.
Hazards / Danger
Recommendation

Colour Codes from ISO
Pictograms are made with specific shape, pattern but also colour. The use of each colour
and its RGB code is defined by ISO 17840. To understand and classify the parts,
equipment, and dangers at first glance, it is important that the ISO colour codes arerespected.

Pictograms from ISO 17840
For ISO 17840 Part 1, 2 and 3 (used in the legend), it is possible to buy the full packageof pictograms (in vector and high-resolution bitmaps) from the SIS site:
https://www.sis.se/en/bcker/rescue-sheets-and-emergency-response-guides-forroad-vehicles/
The propulsion energy labels (diamond form) in ISO 17840 Part 4 are all made by a
combination of symbols that are defined in ISO 7000. Each symbol has a registration
number and ISO 17840 Part 4 defines which symbol(s) need to be used for each
propulsion energy.
All the ISO 7000 symbols can be found at www.iso.org/obp, click “graphical symbols”
and enter the number of the desired symbol. Symbols in vector format can be purchasedand downloaded directly.

6Translations
ISO 17840 Part 1, 2, 3 and 4 defines the format of the rescue sheet and the pictograms
to be used. The standard also specifies the name of the part represented by these
pictograms.
Even if the idea is to use as little text as possible, there is a need to translate the rescue
sheet in different languages. For this, the members of the Euro NCAP and ISO Rescue
working groups also provided recommended translation of the pictograms present in
the Legend, see Appendix.
A separate file “Annex to TB030 - Translation of pictograms and headers for
ISO_17840” can be downloaded from the Euro NCAP website. This file will be updated
regularly.

Front Page Layout and Content
The front page of the ISO Rescue sheet presents the main information and is organised
in several blocks/parts:
•
•
•
•
•

Header (Part 1), including brand and vehicle information, etc.
Header (Part 2), including perspective views of the vehicle (photos or virtual
representations).
Body, including top and side views of the vehicle (drawings) with pictograms
are used to locate relevant components and functions.
Legend, with standardized pictograms and text.
Footer.

In the next sections, more detailed comments are provided on each part.

Header - Part 1
Check the following:
1) Both brand name and model name are listed, even if the logo shows the brand infull letters.
2) Do not forget to check if the name of the model (or brand) is not different in one
specific country/market.
3) List all body types of the model covered by this rescue sheet. For example: 3 doors5 doors, 5 seaters vs 7 seaters, hatchback, sedan…
4) Use approved symbols for propulsion energy identification only, according to ISO
17840 - Part 4:
1. First energy source
2. Second energy source
3. Density towards air
4. Stored state
7

EXAMPLES

5) Use one of these pictograms, or leave blank:
(LHD)
(RHD)
6) Never put the 2 pictograms at the same time! Purpose of this pictogram is to informthat the RHD rescue sheet contains significant differences from the LHD version
and therefore 2 distinct Rescue Sheets are needed. In most of the vehicles this
distinction is not needed. Therefore, the pictogram should not be used if there is no
Rescue Sheet for the other hand of drive.

Header - Part 2
Ensure the quality of the (colour) image is minimum 300 dpi and the size of the picturesis large enough to be able to distinguish the details for a first responder trying to identify
the car to ensure this is the right Rescue Sheet.
Please check the following:
1) ISO standard asks for 2 pictures, not less, not more.
2) The image can be a photo of the real car, or a digital, virtual representation of the
car model.
EXAMPLE

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Top and Side Views

Please check the following:1) Use the pictograms as shown in the legend. If you need to use pictograms from Part3, do not forget to add a line in the legend to display them (see page 13).
2) Do not deform (stretch) existing symbols but when the volume is important draw
realistic adapted components keeping the colour code of the symbol/border strip(e.g., HV battery)
EXAMPLES
Do not stretch the pictogram

Show seating

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Draw realistic shape components (e.g. airbag)

Do not show unnecessary components
The HV voltage & battery type (in this order) must be indicated with an arrow
pointing towards the battery pictogram and a text box using the same colour code
as the pictogram. This requirement is also applicable for low voltage batteries(from 24V to 60V).

400V
Li-ion48V
Li-ion10

Double Frame Rectangle
To highlight specific items, you can combine the double frame rectangle with thereference to the chapter number together with its colour code.
A double frame rectangle can be displayed on the 2nd part of header or on the top orside view. It is recommended to do so for any new equipment the first responders
are not used to see in the accidents.
Use the double frame rectangle with the reference to the chapter number
together with its colour code:
3.
6.

6.

2.

Example below show the case for the far side airbag (also called centre airbag CeAB). This airbag is unknown to most European car models, however expected tobe more popular in the coming years because of Euro NCAP’s incentive. It willremain scarcely present in accidents for the coming years due to the low market
penetration of new models. Therefore, it is important to highlight this new system
for the next years and its location to first responders, as shown below.
EXAMPLE

Gas Strut
The Red colour code has been initially reserved for actively triggered equipment
only (e.g., via pyrotechnic) as shown in Table 1. However, gas struts havetraditionally been displayed in the Rescue Sheets with a red contoured pictogramand first responders are used to see this equipment displayed in this way.
Initially, before ISO 17840 creation, the red contour was used to distinguishedbetween a pre-loaded spring and a gas-strut. This distinction was considered crucial
11because in case of fire the gas strut can be a real danger compared to a pre-loaded
spring. For this reason, the ISO Working Group has decided to change the definitionof the red colour code, to keep the red contour for any gas strut in the ISO 17840
Part 1 new version (publication pending).
Check the following:
For pre-loaded spring

1) For non-triggered gas strut2) For triggered pre-loaded
spring3) For triggered gas strut

Reinforcements
The purpose of this information is to highlight structural reinforcements in thevehicle relevant to the rescue process, i.e., those structures that may be cut by the
first responders to extricate the occupant. It can be used to highlight thereinforcements that can be used as a support to opening tools such as spreaders.
Reinforced structures can be difficult to cut because they may use high-strength
steel or an accumulation of several layers of “standard steel”. For this reason, forinstance, cutting the D-Loop area in the B-Pillar should normally be avoided.
Other types of reinforcements, such as inside the doors, are not relevant so it is notneeded to present them.
Fuel Tank
A difference in the fuel type normally does not justify the creation of two distinct
Rescue Sheets. In other words, one unique Rescue Sheet can cover Diesel and
Gasoline variants. In such case, the fuel colour is to be used on the Top and Side
View diagrams is based on the worst-case fuel type.
For instance, in the case of Diesel and Gasoline variants, the worst-case is Gasoline
because it is flammable at any pressure. For this reason, the dark red colour must
be used in the top and side views. In any case, both diamonds (propulsion energy
labels) must be displayed on the title part, so the first responders will know that thisRescue Sheet applies to both cases.

12Legend
The FULL and EXACT legend of ISO 17840-Part 1:2015 must be displayed. Thisis a requirement from this version of the standard. Otherwise, the Rescue Sheet is
not compliant with ISO and therefore not compliant with Euro NCAP requirements.
If you need to use pictograms from Part 3, add a line in the legend to display them.

Legend of
ISO 17840Part 1:2015

Additional
pictogramsfrom Part 3

Highvoltagedisconnect(cutting
solution)

DisconnecthighvoltagedeviceFuel tankcontent
gasoline /ethanol

Note: Once the new version of the ISO standard will be published, the legend will
be a dynamic legend where only the pictograms used on this rescue sheet will haveto be displayed. (Older versions of ISO compliant rescue sheets already acceptedby Euro NCAP would not be required to be updated to meet the latest ISO standard
for the legend)

FooterCheck the following:1) The total number of pages of the Rescue Sheet must be listed in the footer.

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Additional Pages Layout and Content
Additional information is organised in Chapters. Page 2 list the relevant headers withcolours, as shown below. The RGB colours (the text colour and the background colour)
are imposed by ISO 17840 Part 3. The Rescue Sheet with additional information should
not exceed 4 pages (including the front page).
1. Identification / recognition

2. Immobilisation / stabilisation / lifting

3. Disable direct hazards / safety regulations

4. Access to the occupants

5. Stored energy / liquids / gases / solids

6. In case of fire

7. In case of submersion

8. Towing / transportation / storage

9. Important additional information

10. Explanation of pictograms used

If there is no specific information to give in one chapter, then the header of the chapter
does not need to be displayed. But the next chapter will keep the chapter number as
displayed above. There is no renumbering. However, if a hazard is applicable to several
chapters, the general principle is that it should be repeated under each chapter.
Euro NCAP expects that for BEV, HEV, PHEV, Hydrogen, Fuel Cell powered vehicles
almost all chapters will be completed. Even for a traditional ICE (Internal Combustion
Engines e.g. Diesel or Gasoline) vehicle, some information is relevant to be presented
in the Rescue Sheet, such as:• 48 Volt battery,• New type of airbags (such as Occupant to Occupant Side Airbag),• Other new active or passive safety technology/items,• Special constructions/materials that has been used,• New types of access to the vehicle,• New types of communication V2X, etc.
Remember that the ISO 17840 Emergency Response Guide is made to be used as adirect link with the ISO 17840 Rescue Sheet to give further in-depth information. The
combination of the two documents therefore can be very effective.
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General
It is recommended that each of the additional page contains a small header listing: thebrand / model / type and validity.

Chapter 1 – Identification / Recognition
When applicable, please start with the following warning (for Electric, Hybrid, Fuel
Cell vehicles):
LACK OF ENGINE NOISE DOES NOT MEAN VEHICLE IS OFF: SILENT MOVEMENT OR INSTANTRESTART CAPABILITY EXISTS UNTIL VEHICLE IS FULLY SHUT DOWN. WEAR APPROPRIATE PPE.

1) General safety remarks are needed to approach safely the vehicle and give thepossibility to identify/recognize safely the vehicle model.
2) All relevant information with applicable symbols/drawings/pictures/photos for thefull identification of the vehicle. Information concerning symbols, model name, etc.
on the vehicle, such as brand logo, model logo.
3) Information to identify the propulsion system:•
Information of what to identify under the hood,•
Information of what to identify on the dashboard,•Specific information to recognize this vehicle (e.g., hybrid, EV, FCEV, orother identification),•
Specific REESS or alternative propulsion fluid / energy source,•
Identification of the type of battery: chemistry family, voltage class,location in vehicle,•
Inclusion of applicable ISO 17840 pictograms.
EXAMPLE

Source: Lynk & Co

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Chapter 2 – Immobilisation / Stabilisation / Lifting
1) Show relevant information for immobilisation and/or stabilisation actions
on/around the vehicle• Provide images/illustrations of these elements,• Identify appropriate vehicle specific stabilisation-lifting points,• Identify prohibited vehicle specific stabilisation-lifting points.
2) It is recommended to separate the two main items, as follows:
A. IMMOBILISE THE VEHICLE. Generally, recommend to:• Block the wheels,• Set the parking brake,• Put the car in “P” for automatic gearbox,• Use pictures to show parking brake,• location and gear lever location.
B. LIFTING POINTS. Generally, a bottom view of the car to show the jackpoints and the High Voltage cables, if any
Use the titles above (A and B) to be consistent with other Rescue Sheets.
EXAMPLE
2. Immobilisation / stabilisation / lifting

Immobilise vehicle:
1. Block wheels and set parking brake;
2. Push the P (park) button to select the P (park) position;

Stabilisation-lifting points:

Source: LYNK&CO

Appropriate stabilisation-lifting points
Appropriate stabilisation points vehicle on side
High voltage battery

Source: TESLA

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Chapter 3 – Disable Direct Hazards / Safety Regulations
1) Use as little text as possible to avoid language difficulties. Extensive use of thepictograms from ISO 17840-Part 3 is recommended. These pictograms can be on
the left side of the page to symbolise the actions to take and where to do them.
2) It is important as well to define if the disabling process needs to be done with
PPE, or not. Extra care should be taken of the correct use of the following:
Disconnect High Voltage
Device (HVD)

Disconnect High Voltage
Device (HVD)

To identify HVD that
disconnect the high voltage
where appropriate PPE isneeded for the action

To identify the low
voltage device that
disconnect the highvoltage (No PPE required)

3) Generally, there are some main actions and then some different alternatives for thehazard disabling. Clearly identify MAIN and ALTERNATIVE disabling methods:•••

MAIN DISABLING METHODALTERNATIVE DISABLING METHOD(S)ACCESS

Use the text above to be consistent with other rescue sheets.
4) Recommended content for this Chapter includes:••••

How to eliminate immediate danger, which safety requirements are needed.
Including “preferred” procedure and “alternative” procedure(s) for disabling
direct hazards (e.g., disabling high voltage or shutting off gas pressure);
Procedure when EV / PHEV are connected on charging.
Illustrate “specific type” of disconnections, with necessary information.
EXAMPLES

Source: Toyota
Source: ŠKODA

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Chapter 4 – Access to the Occupants1) Identify glass types (All windows): Laminated and Tempered glass.
It is also possible to add information in this chapter in case the car as very specific or
distinct features, that are not present or located in the same place as most other cars,or that are not operated in the usual way. For this reason, in addition to 1),
information could be included, such as:2) Seat adjustment (electric/mechanical).
3) Steering column adjustment.
4) High strength steel in body.
5) Door latches/command.
EXAMPLE

Source: Lynk & Co

Chapter 5 – Stored Energy / Liquids / Gases / Solids

Focus on the following key points:
1) Primarily use pictograms here. A more detailed table will be available in the ERG
so it is not needed in the Rescue Sheet.
2) List of stored energy/ liquids/Gases/Solids with mention of the dangers with theuse of ISO 17840 pictograms:• Batteries with mention of voltage.
• Propulsion fuel tank with mention of content in litre.
• Propulsion gas tanks with mention of content in litre.
• Solar cells with mention of voltage.
• Carbon / Magnesium / Titanium used in vehicle.
• Dangers when broken/leaks/dust (e.g Carbon fibres).
• HV battery pack coolant.
• Specific air-conditioning coolant.
Do not mention braking fluids, motor oil, etc. if they do not present any specifichazard.
183) For specific materials mentioned above, the location must be displayed on thefront page with a double frame rectangle and the reference to this chapter (see also
Double Frame Rectangle, page 10).
EXAMPLE

Chapter 6 – In Case of Fire
1) Again, mainly use pictograms here.
2) Extinguish method: recommendations specific for this type/model (e.g.)••

How to put water into the HV battery (e.g., Fireman access, direction of jet ofwater for better efficiency, …);
Clear warning if it is not recommended to apply a certain methodology toextinguish fire (e.g., not to put the car into container with water).

3) Hazards specific for this type/model.
4) Hazards also after fire (e.g., Carbon Fibres, reignition).
5) Recommendations specific for this model e.g., venting direction of the CNG or of
the HV battery, if any.

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EXAMPLES
6. In case of fire

CNG Powered

Electric Powered

Use large amount of water

BATTERY RE-IGNITION!

6. In case of fire

Fuel Cell Powered

6. In case of fire

USE LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER ON
BATTERY PACKBATTERY RE-IGNITION

Chapter 7 – In Case of Submersion

1) In most cases, a reference to Chapter 3 will suffice.
2) Where specific functions exist in the vehicle, addition information can bepresented here, such as:••

What to do in case of immersion in water, the specific dangers.
Which procedure to follow concerning e.g. high voltage.
EXAMPLE

20

Chapter 8 – Towing / Transportation / Storage

This section is specially made for second responders like towing services, garage
technicians, etc. Focus on the following key points:
1) Present where to secure the towing hook tool in the car (front and rear) and if
relevant where the tool is located•••Towing/transportation method specific for this type/model or general.
Storage method specific for this type/model or general.
Hazards and recommendations specific for this type/model or general.
EXAMPLE
8. Towing / transportation / storage

STORE AT SAFE DISTANCE FROM OTHER VEHICLES!

BATTERY RE-IGNITION!

Source: Lynk & Co

Chapter 9 – Important Additional Information

Standard information that can be displayed here is:1) Contact information manufacturer.
2) Link to ERG (effective working link).
In addition, this chapter can be used to share more details about new to market
technology, such as the deployed state of a new airbag system (centre or roof airbag for
instance).
3) Attention can be drawn to the first responders using a double frame rectangle andthe reference to this chapter (or to Chapter 3) that will be displayed on the front
page (see also page 10).

21

Chapter 10 – Explanation of Pictograms Used

When there is enough space to fit this chapter inside the Rescue Sheet, it is goodpractice to insert a table with all the pictograms that are not yet presented in thelegend displayed in the 1st page.
Otherwise, if not possible, insert the link to the ISO 17840 ERG where they can bedisplayed and defined.
EXAMPLE

Please note: A separate file is available from the Euro NCAP website containing the
rescue sheet symbols, explanatory text for each symbol and also translations of this text
along with a file naming convention.

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