First Responder Safety Training

Course Description

Available for groups only, this course educates first responders on the properties and procedures to follow when dealing with alternative fuel vehicles, including electric vehicles. Participants are trained on the differences between alternative fuel vehicles and their conventional counterparts and on the proper procedures for safely addressing incidents involving natural gas, propane autogas, hydrogen, electric drive, ethanol and biofuel powered vehicles. Participants learn the steps required to secure an alternative fuel vehicle (AFV), how to rescue occupants from a damaged AFV, and proper fire response to an alternative fuel fire. The course details the risks and hazards common to alternative fuel storage, including high-voltage batteries and high pressure gaseous fuel cylinders.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

  • List the key properties, characteristics, and functions of alternative fuels.
  • Explain the operation of AFVs.
  • Recognize AFV components.
  • Identify the risk and hazards common to alternative fuel storage.
  • List the steps required to secure an AFV.
  • Follow the steps for rescuing occupants from a damaged AFV.
  • Demonstrate proper response to fires and fuel leaks of AFVs.

For more information email Cristina Dumitrescu at cristina.dumitrescu@mail.wvu.edu or call her (304) 293-6906


Course materials provided:

  • Participant Manual – ISBN 978-1-933954-28-8
  • Each module contains:
    • Illustrations
    • Explanatory figures and tables
    • Review questions
    • Key terms

Course designed for:

  • Fire departments
  • EMS personnel
  • Law enforcement agencies