Chevrolet and OnStar Train LA Area First Responders

The training courses for first responders to an EV crash scene, initiated by Chevrolet in partnership with OnStar and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), have been held in Los Angeles this week, the American automaker announced today. The trainees will participate in a three-hour program to prepare for emergency situations involving electric vehicles such as the Chevrolet Volt.

After leaving the Los Angeles area, the tour will make further stops in Austin, New York and Washington, D.C.

"These training sessions provide a valuable opportunity for first responders to prepare for the introduction of this new vehicle technology," said Chevrolet Safety Director Gay Kent. "The tour allows us to extend our training and education to first responders across the country. Our goal with this program is to help public safety personnel become as comfortable working around electric vehicles as they are with conventional vehicles today."

Safety trainers delivered presentations covering topics specific to electric vehicles such as power shut-off procedures, lithium ion battery details, locations of high-strength steel and cut points for extrication. In addition, a Volt – recently used during an extrication exercise – was on-site for hands-on training for first responders.

"With the Chevrolet Volt and other electric vehicles about to hit the streets, it is important to know that first responders have all the information they need about this technology," said Andrew Klock, NFPA's senior project manager for this initiative. "First responders have a long history of successfully adapting their response to new vehicles and equipment in order to protect the public, as well as themselves."

The collaboration with Chevrolet and OnStar includes the co-development of safety resources, including web-based training materials, an extrication video and shared resources for instructor-led safety presentations.