Area firefighters study electric vehicles

Deer Creek firefighters received a firsthand look at the future of their jobs and the electric vehicles they’ll encounter out on the roads.

For the first two weekends in January, Deer Creek Fire Department members took part in Alternative Energy Vehicle (AEV) training at Francis Tuttle Technology Center. The goal was to orientate the first responders to the inner workings of electric vehicles, so they know what to expect when responding to traffic incidents.

“None of them have anything in common other than hidden dangers,” Chief Corey Beagles said. Beagles and some of his fellow firefighters participated in the training during the first weekend of January. They spent a day learning how an electric vehicle functions, how to stop those functions, and what to look for when responding to an accident.

In the classroom, firefighters worked on training modules that simulated the flow of electricity to various parts of the vehicle. They also learned of helpful tools and materials, such as manuals that can quickly illustrate where parts and vital switches are located. This helps first responders quickly orientate them- selves to the situation when time is of the essence.

“You need [the information] as quickly as you can get it,” Instructor Mike Foster said when talking about the importance of an effective manual.

Once they were comfortable, the firefighters moved to the shop floor, where a Ford Mustang Mach-E was set up on a lift. They were able to take off the covers on the bottom and see where important parts of the vehicle were located.

They also looked under the hood, which still contains important cables and switches despite the lack of a combustion engine. Seeing where these parts are located and what they look like can save valuable time in the field, Beagles said.

“Getting to put your hands on it, that is wonderful,” he said. “Having the reference material to look it up and putting your hands on it, that’s going to make you more comfortable and less likely to get something wrong.”

AEV training is currently being offered to municipal workers and first responders who work with or will come into contact with electric vehicles during their job.