I just wish my friend who'd wrecked his first Prius had been allowed to do what we wanted. The insurance company said no to the propsal of having a dozen geeks decend on the carcass with tools in hand. At least that was what he told us, but since the first time I met it I'd been wanting to talk it apart, so who knows. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> If they'd been cool with it, I would have been able to send you video of the hybrid autopsy.

As I pointed out, I can't think of a reason why there should be any issues from an electical point of view. Even if the training doesn't work for everyone in your agency, timeframe wise, it might be possible to have one of the techs from the local dealer's garage to a walk through on where the electrical systems are, in terms of "can you cut through the door post" and the like.

And I understand the concern about hybrids and electrics being sneaky at slow speeds. I've been suprised a few times. But if you listen, there is whine to the electic motors. It is very high pitched, if you can hear it, you will be able to remember it once you've heard it. I also forget that most people, unlike me, don't keep blocks in the trunk of the car. (Too many places that seem "flat" really aren't, and block the tires on the other end if I've got a flat.)

I would say it is like working a scene and discovering a firearm, or a powerline. Treat it as dangerous, and do what you feel you need to.