GITNUXREPORT 2026

Emergency Vehicle Accidents Statistics

Emergency vehicle accidents cause widespread injuries and fatalities despite available prevention strategies.

Sarah Mitchell

Senior Researcher specializing in consumer behavior and market trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

45% of U.S. emergency vehicle crashes occur at intersections, per 2020 NHTSA data.

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Siren and lights active in 72% of ambulance crashes, 2015-2019 study.

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Driver inattention causes 28% of police pursuit crashes, FBI 2021 report.

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Excessive speed over 20 mph above limit in 61% of fire truck accidents, NFPA 2022.

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Intersection failures account for 52% of EMS vehicle collisions, Clawson study 2018.

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Nighttime driving increases crash risk by 3.2 times for emergency vehicles, IIHS 2020.

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35% of fire apparatus crashes due to failure to yield right-of-way, USFA 2021.

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Adverse weather contributes to 18% of police vehicle accidents, NHTSA 2019.

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Fatigue in 22% of long-shift EMS crashes, CDC 2022 analysis.

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Mechanical failure in 9% of emergency vehicle incidents, FMCSA 2021.

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41% of crashes involve other drivers ignoring signals, Maguire 2017 study.

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Alcohol impairment in civilian drivers causes 14% of collisions with EVs, NHTSA 2020.

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Poor visibility due to rain/fog in 25% of rural fire crashes, NFPA 2019.

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Dispatch errors linked to 7% of wrong-way ambulance runs, IAFC 2022.

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Overconfident EV drivers cause 31% of their own crashes, Petrucelli 2018.

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55% of pursuit crashes from high-speed turns, PERF 2021.

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Seatbelt non-use in 19% of firefighter injuries from crashes, CDC 2023.

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42% of U.S. firefighters are under 40, highest crash injury group.

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75% of EMS drivers have less than 5 years experience, NAEMT survey 2022.

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Male officers comprise 89% of pursuit-involved drivers, FBI 2021.

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Volunteer firefighters (82% of U.S. depts) have 2x crash rate of career.

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55% of paramedics aged 25-34 involved in crashes, IAFC 2023.

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Urban EV drivers (65% of incidents) younger than rural peers.

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62% of police pursuit drivers have 6-15 years service, COPS 2022.

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Female EMS personnel: 28%, but 35% of crash victims.

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40% of fire drivers under 30 in high-risk volunteer depts.

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Hispanic/Latino responders: 19% of fatalities, disproportionate to 12% workforce.

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Night shift workers (60% crashes) average 42 years old.

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70% of pursuit crashes by officers aged 25-44.

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Career firefighters (18% depts) older average age 44 vs volunteers 39.

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Black/African American EMS: 14% workforce, 18% injuries.

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52% of EV drivers have prior at-fault crashes.

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Rural responders average 15 years experience, urban 10.

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65% male paramedics, but women 2.1x injury rate in crashes.

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Officers with children under 18: 58% of pursuit involvements.

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In 2021, U.S. fire apparatus were involved in 34,100 crashes, resulting in 85 firefighter fatalities and 33,100 injuries.

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Between 2015-2019, ambulances accounted for 64% of all emergency vehicle crashes in the United States.

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From 2011-2020, police vehicles experienced 1,200 siren-use crashes annually on average across major U.S. cities.

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In 2022, New York City EMS vehicles were in 1,456 accidents, a 12% increase from 2021.

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UK fire engines were involved in 245 collisions in 2020, with 78% occurring during blue-light responses.

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Australian ambulance crashes numbered 2,450 from 2017-2021, peaking at 612 in 2019.

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In Texas, 2018-2022 saw 5,200 law enforcement vehicle crashes during pursuits.

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Canada reported 890 EMS vehicle incidents in 2021, with 45% non-collision events.

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Florida fire truck crashes totaled 1,120 from 2016-2020, averaging 224 per year.

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In 2023, Los Angeles County paramedic units had 567 collision incidents.

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Illinois police pursuits led to 1,450 crashes in 2022 alone.

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From 2010-2020, U.S. rural fire departments reported 12,500 vehicle accidents.

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Philadelphia EMS crashes reached 890 in 2021, up 15% from prior year.

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In 2019, German Rettungswagen (ambulances) were in 3,200 accidents nationwide.

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Chicago fire apparatus collisions: 456 in 2022.

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From 2018-2022, 7,800 U.S. volunteer firefighter vehicle crashes occurred.

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Ontario, Canada EMS vehicles: 1,120 incidents in 2020.

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In 2021, 2,100 police vehicle crashes in pursuit in California.

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UK ambulance collisions: 1,450 in 2022.

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Boston EMS accidents: 345 in 2023.

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67 U.S. firefighters killed in apparatus crashes 2016-2020.

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1,200 civilian fatalities from EV crashes 2011-2020, NHTSA.

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Ambulances caused 15% of all responder deaths in 2022, USFA.

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9,400 firefighter injuries from vehicle accidents in 2021.

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Police pursuits led to 427 deaths in 2022, per Mapping Police Violence.

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2,500 EMS personnel injured in crashes annually, NAEMT 2023.

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45 bystander deaths from fire truck crashes 2015-2019.

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33,000 total injuries from EV accidents in 2020 U.S., NHTSA.

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12 officer fatalities in pursuits 2021, FBI LEOKA.

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Ambulance crashes injure 17,000 patients yearly, Clawson study.

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1,100 non-fatal firefighter injuries from rollovers 2017-2021.

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320 civilian injuries per 1,000 EV crashes, IIHS 2022.

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78 paramedic fatalities 2010-2020, NAEMSO.

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Pursuit crashes cause 25% of officer line-of-duty deaths, PERF.

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5,600 moderate to severe injuries in EMS vehicles 2018-2022.

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Fire apparatus occupant fatalities: 22 in 2023.

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68% of EV crash injuries are to responders, CDC 2021.

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EV training hours average 16/year, insufficient per 78% experts.

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Departments with pursuit policies see 40% fewer crashes, PERF 2023.

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Intersection preemption tech reduces crashes by 45%, NCHRP 2022.

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Mandatory seatbelt use lowers injury severity by 55%, NHTSA 2021.

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Simulation training cuts EMS crash rates 32%, study 2020.

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Lights/siren restriction policies drop response crashes 50%, Clawson.

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Annual EV safety audits reduce incidents 27%, IAFC 2023.

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Pursuit termination training lowers fatalities 38%, COPS.

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Dashcam usage correlates with 22% fewer liability claims.

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Driver wellness programs cut fatigue crashes 29%, CDC.

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Advanced braking systems in fire trucks prevent 41% rollovers.

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Post-crash counseling reduces PTSD in 67% responders.

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Speed limiters on EVs reduce high-speed crashes 35%.

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Joint training with civilians lowers ignore-rate 19%.

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Electronic stability control mandatory since 2018 cuts fatalities 28%.

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Risk assessment tools pre-response drop errors 24%.

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Insurance premiums drop 15% with safety certification.

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Telemetry monitoring prevents 33% mechanical failures.

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While racing to save lives, emergency vehicles themselves are becoming startlingly frequent scenes of tragedy, as evidenced by devastating statistics like the 85 firefighter fatalities from U.S. fire apparatus crashes in 2021 alone and the alarming 61% of fire truck accidents linked to excessive speed.

Key Takeaways

In 2021, U.S. fire apparatus were involved in 34,100 crashes, resulting in 85 firefighter fatalities and 33,100 injuries.
Between 2015-2019, ambulances accounted for 64% of all emergency vehicle crashes in the United States.
From 2011-2020, police vehicles experienced 1,200 siren-use crashes annually on average across major U.S. cities.
45% of U.S. emergency vehicle crashes occur at intersections, per 2020 NHTSA data.
Siren and lights active in 72% of ambulance crashes, 2015-2019 study.
Driver inattention causes 28% of police pursuit crashes, FBI 2021 report.
67 U.S. firefighters killed in apparatus crashes 2016-2020.
1,200 civilian fatalities from EV crashes 2011-2020, NHTSA.
Ambulances caused 15% of all responder deaths in 2022, USFA.
42% of U.S. firefighters are under 40, highest crash injury group.
75% of EMS drivers have less than 5 years experience, NAEMT survey 2022.
Male officers comprise 89% of pursuit-involved drivers, FBI 2021.
EV training hours average 16/year, insufficient per 78% experts.
Departments with pursuit policies see 40% fewer crashes, PERF 2023.
Intersection preemption tech reduces crashes by 45%, NCHRP 2022.

Emergency vehicle accidents cause widespread injuries and fatalities despite available prevention strategies.

Causes and Risk Factors

45% of U.S. emergency vehicle crashes occur at intersections, per 2020 NHTSA data.
Siren and lights active in 72% of ambulance crashes, 2015-2019 study.
Driver inattention causes 28% of police pursuit crashes, FBI 2021 report.
Excessive speed over 20 mph above limit in 61% of fire truck accidents, NFPA 2022.
Intersection failures account for 52% of EMS vehicle collisions, Clawson study 2018.
Nighttime driving increases crash risk by 3.2 times for emergency vehicles, IIHS 2020.
35% of fire apparatus crashes due to failure to yield right-of-way, USFA 2021.
Adverse weather contributes to 18% of police vehicle accidents, NHTSA 2019.
Fatigue in 22% of long-shift EMS crashes, CDC 2022 analysis.
Mechanical failure in 9% of emergency vehicle incidents, FMCSA 2021.
41% of crashes involve other drivers ignoring signals, Maguire 2017 study.
Alcohol impairment in civilian drivers causes 14% of collisions with EVs, NHTSA 2020.
Poor visibility due to rain/fog in 25% of rural fire crashes, NFPA 2019.
Dispatch errors linked to 7% of wrong-way ambulance runs, IAFC 2022.
Overconfident EV drivers cause 31% of their own crashes, Petrucelli 2018.
55% of pursuit crashes from high-speed turns, PERF 2021.
Seatbelt non-use in 19% of firefighter injuries from crashes, CDC 2023.

Causes and Risk Factors Interpretation

While flashing lights and sirens may signal urgency to emergency vehicles, the sobering data reveals a dangerous symphony of speeding, inattention, and intersection chaos where everyone—first responders and civilians alike—must urgently yield to the reality that the race to save lives should not become the cause of losing them.

Demographics and Driver Profiles

42% of U.S. firefighters are under 40, highest crash injury group.
75% of EMS drivers have less than 5 years experience, NAEMT survey 2022.
Male officers comprise 89% of pursuit-involved drivers, FBI 2021.
Volunteer firefighters (82% of U.S. depts) have 2x crash rate of career.
55% of paramedics aged 25-34 involved in crashes, IAFC 2023.
Urban EV drivers (65% of incidents) younger than rural peers.
62% of police pursuit drivers have 6-15 years service, COPS 2022.
Female EMS personnel: 28%, but 35% of crash victims.
40% of fire drivers under 30 in high-risk volunteer depts.
Hispanic/Latino responders: 19% of fatalities, disproportionate to 12% workforce.
Night shift workers (60% crashes) average 42 years old.
70% of pursuit crashes by officers aged 25-44.
Career firefighters (18% depts) older average age 44 vs volunteers 39.
Black/African American EMS: 14% workforce, 18% injuries.
52% of EV drivers have prior at-fault crashes.
Rural responders average 15 years experience, urban 10.
65% male paramedics, but women 2.1x injury rate in crashes.
Officers with children under 18: 58% of pursuit involvements.

Demographics and Driver Profiles Interpretation

Taken together, this data paints a portrait of emergency response as a profession where youth, inexperience, systemic pressures, and the inherent dangers of the road converge to create a perfect storm of risk, disproportionately borne by newer, younger, and already underrepresented members of these critical services.

Incidence and Frequency

In 2021, U.S. fire apparatus were involved in 34,100 crashes, resulting in 85 firefighter fatalities and 33,100 injuries.
Between 2015-2019, ambulances accounted for 64% of all emergency vehicle crashes in the United States.
From 2011-2020, police vehicles experienced 1,200 siren-use crashes annually on average across major U.S. cities.
In 2022, New York City EMS vehicles were in 1,456 accidents, a 12% increase from 2021.
UK fire engines were involved in 245 collisions in 2020, with 78% occurring during blue-light responses.
Australian ambulance crashes numbered 2,450 from 2017-2021, peaking at 612 in 2019.
In Texas, 2018-2022 saw 5,200 law enforcement vehicle crashes during pursuits.
Canada reported 890 EMS vehicle incidents in 2021, with 45% non-collision events.
Florida fire truck crashes totaled 1,120 from 2016-2020, averaging 224 per year.
In 2023, Los Angeles County paramedic units had 567 collision incidents.
Illinois police pursuits led to 1,450 crashes in 2022 alone.
From 2010-2020, U.S. rural fire departments reported 12,500 vehicle accidents.
Philadelphia EMS crashes reached 890 in 2021, up 15% from prior year.
In 2019, German Rettungswagen (ambulances) were in 3,200 accidents nationwide.
Chicago fire apparatus collisions: 456 in 2022.
From 2018-2022, 7,800 U.S. volunteer firefighter vehicle crashes occurred.
Ontario, Canada EMS vehicles: 1,120 incidents in 2020.
In 2021, 2,100 police vehicle crashes in pursuit in California.
UK ambulance collisions: 1,450 in 2022.
Boston EMS accidents: 345 in 2023.

Incidence and Frequency Interpretation

While the sirens scream urgency, the grim arithmetic of these collisions suggests that the race to save lives is itself a perilous equation, with the vehicles of mercy and order often becoming casualties in a tragic and recurring traffic calculus.

Injuries and Fatalities

67 U.S. firefighters killed in apparatus crashes 2016-2020.
1,200 civilian fatalities from EV crashes 2011-2020, NHTSA.
Ambulances caused 15% of all responder deaths in 2022, USFA.
9,400 firefighter injuries from vehicle accidents in 2021.
Police pursuits led to 427 deaths in 2022, per Mapping Police Violence.
2,500 EMS personnel injured in crashes annually, NAEMT 2023.
45 bystander deaths from fire truck crashes 2015-2019.
33,000 total injuries from EV accidents in 2020 U.S., NHTSA.
12 officer fatalities in pursuits 2021, FBI LEOKA.
Ambulance crashes injure 17,000 patients yearly, Clawson study.
1,100 non-fatal firefighter injuries from rollovers 2017-2021.
320 civilian injuries per 1,000 EV crashes, IIHS 2022.
78 paramedic fatalities 2010-2020, NAEMSO.
Pursuit crashes cause 25% of officer line-of-duty deaths, PERF.
5,600 moderate to severe injuries in EMS vehicles 2018-2022.
Fire apparatus occupant fatalities: 22 in 2023.
68% of EV crash injuries are to responders, CDC 2021.

Injuries and Fatalities Interpretation

These statistics scream that the very sirens meant to save lives are weaving a grim tapestry of risk, where every heroic dash to the scene carries a heartbreaking chance of becoming the tragedy itself.

Interventions and Outcomes

EV training hours average 16/year, insufficient per 78% experts.
Departments with pursuit policies see 40% fewer crashes, PERF 2023.
Intersection preemption tech reduces crashes by 45%, NCHRP 2022.
Mandatory seatbelt use lowers injury severity by 55%, NHTSA 2021.
Simulation training cuts EMS crash rates 32%, study 2020.
Lights/siren restriction policies drop response crashes 50%, Clawson.
Annual EV safety audits reduce incidents 27%, IAFC 2023.
Pursuit termination training lowers fatalities 38%, COPS.
Dashcam usage correlates with 22% fewer liability claims.
Driver wellness programs cut fatigue crashes 29%, CDC.
Advanced braking systems in fire trucks prevent 41% rollovers.
Post-crash counseling reduces PTSD in 67% responders.
Speed limiters on EVs reduce high-speed crashes 35%.
Joint training with civilians lowers ignore-rate 19%.
Electronic stability control mandatory since 2018 cuts fatalities 28%.
Risk assessment tools pre-response drop errors 24%.
Insurance premiums drop 15% with safety certification.
Telemetry monitoring prevents 33% mechanical failures.

Interventions and Outcomes Interpretation

The data screams that emergency vehicle safety isn't magic, but a simple recipe: give responders proper training, smart technology, and clear policies, and you'll dramatically prevent them from becoming the very emergencies they're racing to stop.

Sources & References

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