If you are the first person at the scene, it’s your job to check for hazards, secure the vehicle, and make sure it’s disabled before recovery starts. Following SAE J2990 standards, you should do a full assessment of the scene to look for things like battery damage, thermal runaway, or other risks. This assessment helps you explain the situation to emergency personnel when they arrive.

When first responders are on-site, keep the communication going. Share what you’ve found, listen to their updates, and work together to make a solid recovery plan. While first responders are experts in emergencies, as the tow operator, you provide key details about the vehicle, the specific risks it poses, and what equipment is needed to handle it safely.