Lithium-ion batteries have rewritten the rules for emergency response. EVs, micro-mobility devices, and energy storage systems can transition from “routine” incidents to high-consequence events with toxic exposures, stubborn suppression challenges, extended scene times, and complex overhaul and recovery operations.

This fast-paced, scenario-driven session is designed for HazMat Officers, company officers, and responders who need practical decision-making frameworks not buzzwords. Using real-world case lessons and current best practices, we will break down the operational “why” behind lithium-ion behavior, the tactical “what” for safe response, and the command “how” for managing risk, resources, and public impact.

Attendees will learn how to size-up EV and battery incidents quickly, identify warning signs of escalation, choose effective control options (cooling, containment, isolation), integrate EMS and exposure mitigation into the plan, and confidently move from emergency operations to termination and scene turnover. The goal is simple: safer responders, protected communities, and cleaner outcomes.

In today’s hazmat training environment, balancing convenience and effectiveness is critical. This presentation explores the differences between online hazmat training (click-based learning) and hands-on practical skills development. Participants will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of both approaches and how each method impacts knowledge retention, skill competency, and overall preparedness in high-stress hazmat incidents.

With so much attention on health and safety, scene dynamics can sometimes confuse and even mask the true problems with your patient. In this session, we will explore the chemical asphyxiants: Carbon monoxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Hydrogen Cyanide, and Methemoglobin generators. This set of chemicals can and have been presented to responders without the responders understanding the consequences or the medical modalities that are currently available. We will review the pathophysiology of each, look at case studies, and go over the state hazmat medical protocols that address these and other chemical sets.

This session is designed to explore the growing threat of lithium-ion batteries being used as tools of domestic and international terrorism. With their widespread availability, high energy density, and ease of concealment, lithium-ion batteries are increasingly being weaponized in improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other unconventional attack methods. Participants will examine real-world case studies, including targeted attacks on high-profile organizations like Tesla, as well as incidents involving micro-mobility devices, e-bike battery packs, and consumer electronics repurposed for malicious intent. This session will challenge hazmat technicians and first responders to think beyond traditional explosive threats and instead consider the evolving threat landscape of energy storage devices.

In this interactive class, students decide where the discussion goes. Pick any Haz-Mat category on the screen, and a member of the Haz-Mat mafia steps in to answer questions and break down the topic using their firsthand expertise.

HazMat Roundtable offers a unique setting for students to discuss real hazmat responses and exchange different ideologies to those responses. During this session, the students will have a chance to role play and learn that there may be more than one way to mitigate a hazard. The student will also learn how to reach out for suggestive solutions to real world incidents.

This session will include specific highlighted learning objectives, identify key speaking topics in the areas of Terrorism Response Procedures, CBRNE & Weapons of Mass Destruction Chemical Detection & Mitigation Equipment, which will also include an interactive group participation module. All participants will be provided handouts including various tactical worksheets to use during our group mock table-top exercise, and round-table discussions.

Provide necessary information to safely and competently respond within the typical resource and capability limits at the HAZWOPER level. Meet the OSHA HAZWOPER training standard requirements of 29 CFR 1010.120 and for the first responders within the 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(8)

How do you teach air monitoring to your crew, your department, or the kids at the science fair? By being fundamentally entertaining. Outside of HAZMAT Technician programs, formal air monitoring classes are few and far between. When tasked with teaching an air monitoring class, using the tips and ideas shared here, your students will have a better understanding of the basic principles of air monitoring. Following this class, you will be on a mission to eradicate firefighters walking around waiting on the meter to “beep.”

This dynamic course empowers hazmat responders to recognize, analyze, and mitigate the hazards, risks and potential consequences that emerge during high-stakes incidents. Through interactive scenarios and behavioral analysis, participants will explore how human factors shape the effectiveness of response efforts, influence safety outcomes, and impact critical decision-making.