At the forefront of rescue training innovation, International Road Rescue & Trauma Consultancy (IRRTC) and the FireWise UK Learning Academy (FWUK) are redefining how emergency responders prepare for the growing presence of electric and alternative-fuelled vehicles (AFVs) on our roads.
We spoke with Michael Maybin, Operations Director and Co-founder of IRRTC Rescue and a trainer at FWUK, about a recent training exercise with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. The session aimed to close critical knowledge gaps and deliver evidence-based, immersive learning for operational responders.
“It’s a privilege to undertake this training and deliver something evidence-based, with credibility that tracks back to real-world exposure, with a constant eye on the ever-evolving technology,” says Mike.
About IRRTC and FireWise UK
IRRTC Rescue is one of the UK’s leading providers of accredited and regulated vehicle rescue training. The organisation currently delivers the Road Traffic Collision Instructor qualification to 31 UK Fire and Rescue Services. It offers specialist courses in Heavy Vehicle Rescue and Trench Rescue Technician training – programmes that are unique in the UK.
Through a partnership with FireWise UK Learning Academy and Martin Lown BEM, they also deliver Electric Vehicle Responder training. Mike is part of a small team training responders for emergency services across all sectors, equipping personnel with the technical and tactical knowledge needed to respond safely and effectively to EV incidents.
It’s the forensic experience of Martin Lown BEM, and the technical facilities and resources and facilities at Pro Tech Academy that drive EV and AFV preparedness now on to unrivalled levels.
“We’re proud to be a small, niche team delivering a new three-day qualification where emergency responders gain in-depth knowledge and then practically apply it on damaged, live EVs. They gain an Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) qualification and IMI TechSafe membership.”
Training Focus: EV Incident Response at Merseyside FRS
The exercise ‘EV Aintree’ at Merseyside Fire and Rescue in April 2025 brought together technical rescue training, forensic vehicle fire investigation expertise, and practical EV response tactics. Mike designed the exercise programme, mapping out learning outcomes to ensure operational relevance.
“This service had no SOP or procedure for responding to an EV incident, so we focused on bridging that gap – educating them on hazards, vehicle types, and applying a systematic protocol like IAIIM in real-world scenarios.”
The session covered a wide range of vehicle types including full electric, compressed natural gas (bio-methane), liquid natural gas, hydrogen, and hybrid vehicles across commercial fleets such as HGVs, LGVs, vans, and buses.
Common Challenges When Responding to EVs
As Mike explains, EV and alternative-fuel vehicle incidents present a very different set of risks for first responders.
“There’s a huge amount of misinformation and disinformation out there. We often see a lack of operational policies, little to no access to real vehicles for training, and limited understanding of how high-voltage systems function, especially in damaged states.”
Some of the key risks addressed during the training included:
- The danger of thermal events and how to contain them (not just extinguish)
- Toxic vapour off-gassing and PPE requirements are a huge risk factor
- How types of abuse, such as overuse of ultra-fast charging and impact damage, can trigger battery faults or responder actions
- Non-standardised vehicle designs requiring make/model/year-specific considerations
- Understanding how to recognise signs of a potential thermal event, considering the high-voltage battery systems or components failure or fault
Training Video: High Voltage Battery Thermal Event. Watch on YouTube.
Another significant takeaway from the training was the importance of tailored knowledge based on local fleet vehicles.
“Many of the participants weren’t aware of how many vehicles in their own response area were running on alternative fuels. By raising that awareness, we help improve preparedness before the incident even happens.”
Realistic Training Powered by FireWare
To simulate an EV thermal event, the team on the exercise used FireWare’s directional flame resources to replicate off-gassing and thermal reactions, creating a dynamic scene and environment to test response reactions.
Training Video: Ex EV Aintree Merseyside FRS April 2025. Watch on YouTube.
The smoke and vapour simulations, paired with realistic flame direction, helped operational crews visualise how a real incident might unfold. The key was understanding the toxic vapour risks and appropriate response measures to mitigate against risk and exposure.
“We used FireWare’s products with FWUK to create the visual dynamics of off-gassing and directional flames. The combination of smoke and cloud bombs created a very realistic environment for the crews to work within.”
Participant Feedback and Operational Impact
The feedback from Merseyside FRS was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees gained valuable insight into how to apply structured response protocols like IAIIM and use data sources like EURO Rescue to make safe, informed decisions.
“The electric vehicle recovery unit we demonstrated was a huge success – it allows for safe containment and recovery without tying up frontline rescue resources.”
Importantly, the lessons learned during the exercise have already made an impact.
“We’ve since heard from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service that they’ve applied what they learned during this training to several real incidents. That kind of immediate operational benefit is exactly what we aim for.”
A New Standard in EV Training for Emergency Responders
FireWise UK and Pro Tech Academy are now rolling out the Level 2 Award in Electric / Hybrid Hazard Management for Emergency and Recovery Personnel, an Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) accredited qualification. This course offers the UK’s only practical training with live, damaged EVs, aligned to national occupational standards.
“This qualification equips first and second responders across sectors with a safer approach, better awareness, and real-world preparation for the types of incidents we will start to see occurring more frequently.”
For organisations looking to begin their EV safety journey, one-day awareness courses are also available with less technical input – ideal for a wider audience such as utility workers, local authority staff, and company drivers, or FWUK offers a short online forty-minute safety package.
“We’re very passionate and pro-EV. Our training is about preparedness, not fear – helping people work safely and confidently around these vehicles.”
Find Out More
To learn more about the training IRRTC offer and upcoming EV response courses, visit: www.irrtc.co.uk or contact Michael on LinkedIn.
Explore the FireWare range used in this and other immersive training scenarios on our website: View FireWare Products
For information on Fire Investigation/Vehicle Fire Investigation/CPD/Guidance or advice https://www.firewiseacademy.co.uk/
For information related to the Level 2 Award in Electric / Hybrid Hazard Management for Emergency and Recovery Personnel https://pro-techacademy.co.uk/