First Responder Safety Training workshop offered at WVC

First responders in Wenatcheewill be learning about advanced electric drive vehicles during a one-day training that teaches them how to respond to an accident scene involving these vehicles.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, 8:30 a.m.., Wenatchee Valley Collegewill host the Electric Drive Vehicle First Responder Safety Training, developed by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), a program of West Virginia University. The workshop will be held in the WVC Automotive Shop on the Wenatchee campus and is taught by Blake Murray, WVC Automotive Technology faculty member and a NAFTC certified instructor.

The First Responder Safety Training consists of four modules titled Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles, Battery Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles. Participants will learn important information needed to safely respond to accidents involving advanced technology vehicles. These topics include key vehicle properties and characteristics, vehicle components, vehicle identification and recommended first responder procedures.

“Because electric drive vehicles are becoming more prevalent, first responders must understand the differences between these and conventional, gasoline-powered vehicles,” said Blake Murray, WVC Automotive Technology faculty. “Electric drive vehicles are as safe as conventional vehicles, but they are different. This training will provide first responders with important information to enhance their understanding of those differences.”

One of the unique characteristics of the First Responder Safety Training is a quick reference guide (QRG) – a flipbook for emergency personnel to use at the scene of an accident. It details various makes and models of electric drive vehicles, alerting first responders to such items as high-voltage cables, cut zones and other safety information. The QRG also is available as an app for mobile Apple and Android devices.

The First Responder Safety Training is open to firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and hazardous response officials. The curriculum is a component of the Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program, which is managed by the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium, a program of West Virginia University, and funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Books and classroom manuals will be provided.

The Feb. 18 offering is full. If demand is sufficient, an additional training course may be scheduled at a later date. For more information about the upcoming First Responder Safety Training, contact Blake Murray, 509.682.6630. To inquire about registration, contact Ron Roy of the Washington State Fire Fighters Association at 509.670.3856.

About the Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program

The Advanced Electric Drive Vehicle Education Program, managed by the West Virginia University-based National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium and funded by a U.S. Department of Energy grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, is a public-private partnership with the mission of “Educating America on Next Generation Vehicles.” The program features curricula, training, outreach and education activities, a website and support of National Alternative Fuel Vehicle Day Odyssey. This program provides education and accurate, timely information to consumers, first responders, secondary school educators and students, charging infrastructure engineers and installers, automotive technicians and fleet operators.