ISO 17840-1:2022

Overview

ISO 17840-1:2022 - "Road vehicles - Information for first and second responders - Part 1: Rescue sheet for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles" defines the required contents and layout of a vehicle rescue sheet. The rescue sheet provides concise, vehicle-specific information to help rescue teams extricate occupants as quickly and as safely as possible. The standard applies to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles (per ISO 3833) and complements other parts of the ISO 17840 series.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Rescue sheet layout and content: specifies front page elements (header, top/side views, legend, footer) and optional additional pages for in‑depth details. Supports both paper and electronic versions.
• Pictograms and colour coding: defines graphical symbols and colour principles (e.g., yellow for low‑voltage systems, orange for high‑voltage, blue for occupant protection) to highlight components that affect rescue procedures.
• Components to be indicated: includes items that influence extrication such as airbags, stored gas inflators, seat belt pretensioners, high‑voltage systems and batteries, fuel/gas tanks, gas struts, reinforcement zones and roof cutting points.
• Normative structure: includes annexes with example front pages (one or two side views), headings for additional pages and guidance on rescue sheet identification.
• Scope limits: the standard does not cover vehicle/model identification via VIN, license plate, eCall or QR codes; it does not prescribe rescue procedures or training content.

Practical applications and users

Who benefits from ISO 17840-1:

• First and second responders (firefighters, EMS, rescue technicians): faster recognition of hazards and safe access points during vehicle extrication.
• Vehicle manufacturers: to produce standardized rescue sheets for their models and integrate pictograms and propulsion identification.
• Emergency system and software developers: to build electronic rescue‑sheet applications or databases that display compliant layouts and symbols.
• Standards bodies and vehicle fleet operators: to harmonize emergency information for mixed fleets.

Practical uses:

• Attach a printed rescue sheet in the glove box or make an electronic sheet available via an app for access at the accident scene.
• Highlight high‑voltage battery locations and disabling points to reduce electrocution risk during rescue.
• Mark roof cutting points and reinforcement zones to guide safe structural interventions.

Related standards

• ISO 17840-3:2019 - Emergency response guide template (pictogram set and in‑depth information structure).
• ISO 17840-4 - Propulsion energy identification (labels and identification of vehicle propulsion types).

Keywords: ISO 17840-1:2022, rescue sheet, first responders, vehicle extrication, pictograms, high‑voltage battery, passenger cars, light commercial vehicles.