On Dec. 8 the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC), in partnership with the Tulsa Area Clean Cities (TACC), launched three newly developed alternative-fuel vehicle (AFV) first responder safety training classes at Tulsa Community College in Tulsa, Okla.

Focused on targeted information for firefighters, emergency medical services, and law enforcement, these three courses feature techniques to safely respond to vehicle collisions, incidents, and injuries involving alternative-fuel vehicles. Additionally, the courses include information on alternative fuels, their properties and origins, and ways in which alternative-fuel vehicles differ from conventionally fueled vehicles.

Developed by the NAFTC, these courses were made possible by TACC through funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Clean Cities and were constructed from existing NAFTC First Responder Safety Training materials.   

In addition to the training sessions, activities associated with the training launch include a press conference and an alternative-fuel vehicles display. The vehicles on display will be utilized as part of the training sessions and available for viewing by the media and press conference attendees.

“With increased alternative vehicle use, the chance of these new technologies being involved in a collision also increases,” said Bill Davis, NAFTC director.  “Firefighters, emergency medical services and law enforcement need to be trained on the proper procedures for safely addressing incidents involving these new technologies so they can work together to secure accident scenes and save lives. We are happy to work with the Tulsa Area Clean Cities in the release of these new courses to make sure first responders have access to the information they need.”