Empower First Responders

Learn about first responder safety and EVs with WVU Fire Safety Extension Instructor and NAFTC Collaborator, Tom Miller, during a National Volunteer Fire Council FREE, live, online discussion this Thursday, August 11th at 11:00 a.m. EDT.

Safeguarding Our Future with Alternative Fuel Vehicle Safety Training.

NAFTC's First Responder Safety Training educates and equips responders to handle accidents involving alternative fuel vehicles. With the rising number of these vehicles on the road, this training is essential. It ensures responders are well-prepared to manage the unique challenges posed by AFVs. Empower our first responders for a safer future.

First Responder Safety Training

In an effort to properly educate first responders about alternative fuel vehicle safety, the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) offers first responder safety training. This training equips first responders with the knowledge they need to confront a growing number of automotive accidents involving AFVs.

Why Alternative Fuel Vehicle First Responder Safety Training Is Important

Alternative fuel vehicles are different than conventional vehicles and it is critical that first responders be properly trained to deal with accidents involving these vehicles. Alternative fuel vehicles are different than conventional vehicles and it is critical that first responders be properly trained to deal with accidents involving these vehicles.

At the scene, would you know:

How to quickly identify an electric, hybrid, biofuel, natural gas, hydrogen, or propane vehicle?
Where the high-voltage cables are located in an electric drive vehicle?
How long it takes for a high-voltage system to fully discharge once disabled?
How to safely put out a biofuel, natural gas, propane, or electric vehicle fire?
What type of fire extinguisher should be used for an electric, gaseous fuel, or biofuel vehicle?

Are you prepared? For answers to these questions and more, contact Cristina Dumitrescu at crdumitrescu@mail.wvu.edu or call (304) 293-7882

Did you know:

The battery in an electric drive vehicle can store between 50-800 volts or more of electricity.
12-volt batteries may be located in areas other than under the hood.
The storage cylinders of hydrogen-powered vehicles can hold gaseous hydrogen at 10,000 psi.
If vented improperly, the vapors from compressed natural gas cylinders may freeze tissue.
Onboard LNG vehicle fuel is stored at -250°F.
Electric drive vehicles have high-voltage components in the engine compartment.
Electric drive vehicles running in electric-only mode make no engine noise.
Many modern-day vehicles have a smart-key system that allows the vehicle to be started without a key in the ignition switch.

The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium‘s First Responder Safety Training features a suite of modern technology products and training for biofuel, gaseous fuel, hydrogen, and electric drive vehicles. Participants learn important information needed to safely respond to accidents involving these vehicles. These topics include key vehicle and fuel properties and characteristics, vehicle components, vehicle identification and recommended first responder procedures.

The suite of products includes:

Traditional instructor-led courses
Train-the-Trainer courses
Instructional videos
Instructor & participant manuals and course booklets

FIRST RESPONDER SAFETY TRAINING – Webinar

This 1-hour webinar was recorded live during a presentation to first responders in the Central Coast Clean Cities Coalition region. It includes an overview of the following topics:

Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Battery Electric Vehicles
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Learn more

ONLINE FIRST RESPONDER TRAINING:

Electric Vehicle Safety: An Awareness Level Training This approximately 1-hour self-paced training provides background about EVs, how to recognize an EV, actions to take, and special considerations. The course was developed in collaboration with the West Virginia University Fire Extension Service for the National Volunteer Fire Council with sponsorship from General Motors. Learn more

IN-PERSON TRAINING:

To inquire about In-Person training please contact Cristina Dumitrescu at crdumitrescu@mail.wvu.edu or call (304) 293-7882

“It is important for our firefighters to know how to identify the type of fuel or propulsion system a vehicle may have in order to take the right steps in an emergency situation. We have encountered a situation involving an alternative fuel vehicle where an explosion occurred while crews were on the scene. It was very fortunate …”
Captain Chris Womock, Extrication/SAR Coordinator, Indianapolis Fire Department, Department of Public Safety

“I have been in the fire service for 28 years and involved with the NAFTC for the past five years providing safety training for first responders when dealing with alternative fuel vehicles. The NAFTC continues to provide cutting edge information that makes these incidents not only safer for first responders but also for the citizens of our communities. …”
Gary Garrisi, Battalion Chief, City of Yuba City Fire Dept.