Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in many environments firefighters encounter – including past firefighting foam products. However, with health and environmental concerns related to PFAS, there is now a lot of attention on the new generation of Class B (flammable/combustible liquids) PFAS free synthetic firefighting foams. This webinar provides answers to many common questions about PFAS free firefighting foams and their effectiveness. Attendees will learn about the types of foams used in fire response, including wetting agents, and gain a better understanding of the challenges and concerns surrounding their use. In addition, it will dispel the myth that foam doesn't work and explain how with the proper application percentage and correct technique, foam can be an effective tool in your response. This webinar will help attendees gain a clearer understanding about firefighting foams so they can make informed decisions on the fireground.

In today's fast-paced and high-pressure emergency services environment, emotional intelligence is an essential leadership skill. Effective leaders must be able to recognize and understand their own leadership styles, emotional responses, and decision-making tendencies in order to positively influence not only emergency scenes, but also the most valued resource – their personnel. This webinar explores the critical role emotional intelligence plays in fire and emergency services leadership. Participants will gain insight into the importance of self-awareness, relationship management, and leadership practices that foster trust, resilience, and professional excellence. Through practical discussion and real-world application, attendees will learn how emotionally intelligent leadership supports stronger teams, healthier volunteer cultures, and improved service delivery.

Firefighters are trained to use the right tool for every job, but that principle doesn't always carry over to PPE. Structural turnout gear is routinely used for EMS calls, MVAs, and technical rescues, leading to increased health risks, unnecessary wear on expensive equipment, and higher long-term costs. This webinar explores why alternative PPE – including wildland, technical rescue, and EMS-specific gear – is a critical strategy for today's volunteer fire service, and how matching the right gear to the right response can improve safety, reduce PFAS exposure, and lower costs for your department.

As the number of electric vehicles on the roadways increases, it is important for first responders to understand how a response involving these types of vehicles is different than those with an internal combustion engine. This 1.5 hour awareness course sponsored by General Motors will introduce first responders to hybrid and electric vehicles, share data and resources, and equip the first responder with the knowledge and tools to respond more safely when a hybrid or electric vehicle is involved in an incident.

This course focuses on being able to quickly and correctly identify the meaning of hazmat placards, labels, and markings. Attendees will learn how to teach others the difference between placards, labels, and markings, and the various requirements with their use. The course will also cover how to teach the basics of the hazmat communications standard and global harmonization system for hazmat. Specific concepts will include the U.S. Department of Transportation hazard classes NFPA 704 marking system.

This course focuses on the different types and scopes of scenarios that can be used in hazmat training. Attendees will learn the various student learning styles and how to use scenarios to bridge gaps in learning retention. The course will cover the concept of all hazards planning and how to engage key response stakeholders in scenario planning, training, and exercises.

Teaching hazmat to your responders doesn’t have to be a costly undertaking. In this course, attendees will learn how to identify the key components of a hazmat training budget, including direct/indirect cost planning and using a risk-based needs assessment, and then determine how to align goals with their budget. In addition, attendees will learn how to find free and low-cost training materials, resources, and opportunities to support their program. After completing this training, attendees will walk away able to develop a practical hazmat training session or drills using no/minimal cost resources.

As the deployment of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the U.S. accelerates, it’s critical for project developers, owners, and operators to engage with local firefighters to provide detailed information about advances in BESS technology, codes and standards, safety systems, and facility design to support effective emergency planning, hazard mitigation, and incident response. This presentation by AES’ leading engineer in BESS technology will provide volunteer firefighters with critical knowledge about today’s BESS systems so that firefighters have a stronger understanding of BESS installations and the safety systems now in place, if they ever have to respond to an event at one of these facilities. This webinar is sponsored by AES. The AES Corporation is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we’re improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. In the U.S., AES is a leading developer, owner, and operator of innovative clean energy solutions, including utility-scale and community solar, wind, battery energy storage, and now green hydrogen. We also put safety first every minute of every day – for our people, contractors, and communities. Our commitment to safety first aligns with the NVFC’s mission and we are proud to support and collaborate with volunteer fire/EMS organizations across the nation. For more information, visit www.aes.com.

Hazmat training programs should operate within all relevant laws, regulations, standards, and codes. This course will review the legislative processes that result in these legal requirements for fire service training – and how they ultimately affect training. Attendees will learn how to interpret and use government regulations (e.g., OSHA 1910.120) to become compliant when delivering hazmat training. They will also learn how to use consensus standards (e.g., NFPA 470) to develop, deliver, and manage quality hazmat training.

Our webinars feature subject matter experts providing in-depth insights on key topics relevant to the fire and emergency services. These sessions offer valuable knowledge, practical strategies, and expert guidance in a convenient, virtual format. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and ask questions during a live Q&A