Wisconsin Chevy Dealers To Sponsor EVsafe Training at Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department for Area First Responders

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (OnFocus) – Wisconsin Chevy Dealers is proud to announce its sponsorship of an EVsafe training session for the Wisconsin Rapids Fire and Rescue Department and other local First Responders and tow truck drivers. The training, conducted by EVsafe, will equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively respond to EV accidents and fires. The free event is scheduled to take place on October 5, 2023 at the department through (2) 3-hour classes from 9am-12 and from 6pm- 9pm. Each class has a limit of 50 people and registration is first-come, first-served.

All active members of local fire and police departments along with local tow truck operators are encouraged to attend. EV training is essential to all first responders who will be involved in mitigating an accident or fire scene involving an electric vehicle. First responders need to have a working knowledge of how to disconnect the high voltage system to safely work on the vehicle. First responders also need to understand how these vehicles are put together and where the battery is located, this information will allow the first responder to be more efficient in mitigating an emergency scene involving an electric vehicle.

“I firmly believe that training our firefighters to respond effectively to emergencies involving electric vehicles (EVs) is of paramount importance in today’s rapidly evolving world,” said Justin Pluess, Division Chief of the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department. “The integration of electric vehicles into our communities presents both opportunities and challenges, and it is our duty to ensure that our first responders are well-prepared to meet these challenges head-on.”

“In today’s world, where electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on our roads, it is imperative that First Responders are equipped with the knowledge to safely handle incidents involving EVs,” said Pluess. “This training will provide our personnel with the essential skills to disconnect high-voltage systems, understand the vehicle’s structure and battery location, and efficiently mitigate emergency scenes involving electric vehicles.”

EVsafe is renowned for its expertise in training First and Second Responders on EV incident management across various states. With a mission to prepare emergency responders for electric vehicle and infrastructure emergencies, EVsafe offers comprehensive instruction in EV safety awareness, accessibility, fire suppression, and extrication techniques. The training is tailored to meet the specific needs of each department and community.

Mary Jo Wheeler-Schueller, President of Wisconsin Chevy Dealers, expressed her enthusiasm for sponsoring this vital training initiative, stating, “At Wisconsin Chevy Dealers, we believe in the importance of equipping First Responders with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely respond to EV-related emergencies. We are proud to support the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and the surrounding departments and other area First Responders in their commitment to public safety.”

She added that Wisconsin Chevy Dealers is also offering this training in Rhinelander and Stevens Point.

The EVsafe training session will be conducted by a team of 2-3 qualified instructors, each possessing over 30 years of First Responder experience and advanced degrees in relevant fields. The comprehensive and interactive presentation will cover various aspects of EVs and infrastructure, ensuring that participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. In addition, First Responders will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on electric vehicle demonstrations.

EVsafe’s training options include both EV Awareness and EV Preparedness sessions. The EV Awareness training, lasting 2.5-3 hours, will cover topics such as EV and infrastructure safety, accessibility, li-on fire suppression, and basic extrication. The engaging and interactive presentation will be delivered by professionals in the field. The EV Preparedness session, lasting 4-4.5 hours, offers a comprehensive presentation on all aspects of EV incident management, including team-based table-top simulation training that emphasizes responding to EV emergencies. Hands-on EV demonstrations will also be provided during both training sessions.

With Wisconsin Chevy Dealers’ sponsorship and EVsafe’s expertise, the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and local First Responders will be well-equipped to handle EV-related emergencies with confidence and efficiency. By supporting and promoting electric vehicle incident management, Wisconsin Chevy Dealers and EVsafe are actively contributing to the safety of the community.

For more information about this training or how to set up a training in your community, contact Mary Jo Wheeler-Schueller at 715-223-7573. Registration is online here: https://forms.gle/HBGy8nK7sKUL2FySA

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