Nothing in your linked article says anything about EMS being afraid, anything about using the jaws of life, or any specific fear abour electrocution.
There is EMS training for working with Hybrids. There is a danger in a car fire because of the batteries, you have to be careful and use the right extinguishing chemicals.
One problem is the car can be “running” but the engine not moving. When manufacturers first came out with the electric motor cooling fans, EMS needed a warning because they could be reaching into the engine area and the fan blades could suddenly turn on.
Well, with the Prius, the car is running and the engine might fire up at any time — so they need to ensure the car really is off.
Rescuers refer to a crucial 15-minute period at the scene of an accident as a “golden window” in which it is critical to attend to those injured most seriously and get them on the way to emergency treatment. They worry about the possibility that in the course of a fast-paced rescue attempt, a hybrid might suddenly lurch ahead or that high-voltage wires might be cut