You are here: Archives > February 2007 > First Responder Training Online Now Available: Free, Online Hydrogen Training for First Responders! On January 24, 2007, the Department of Energy (DOE) Hydrogen Program launched the Introduction to Hydrogen Safety for First Responders, a free, web-based course for fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel and other individuals. This multimedia tutorial acquaints first responders with hydrogen, its basic properties, and how it compares to other familiar fuels; its use in fuel cells for transportation and stationary power; potential hazards; and initial protective actions responders should take if they witness or are called to an incident. The six-module course was produced in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the Volpentest Hazardous Materials Management and Emergency Response (HAMMER) Training and Education Center. To ensure the quality of the modules, hundreds of reviewers from the hydrogen and emergency responder communities were asked to provide suggestions on an initial prototype to refine the original materials into a more comprehensive and precise final product. This free course may be found online at http://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/firstresponders.html Versions of the course in print or on CD will also be available through the DOE/Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Information Center by calling 877-EERE-INFO (877-337-3463). Increase Your H2IQ The Introduction to Hydrogen Safety for First Responders is part of a larger effort of the Hydrogen Program to educate safety and code officials, potential end users, state and local government representatives, local communities and the public, students, and select communities about hydrogen and fuel cell technologies to facilitate the widespread adoption of hydrogen as an alternative fuel. Target communities have been prioritized according to their near-term relevance and effect on the use of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies today. For more information – or to "Increase Your H2IQ" – visit tp://www1.eere.energy.gov/hydrogenandfuelcells/education/h2iq.html.