SAN FRANCISCO- Chevrolet has joined with OnStar and national first-responder organizations to announce the first automotive manufacturer-sponsored training program to educate first responders nationwide on electric vehicle technology.

The training sessions will feature the Chevrolet Volt and will begin at the IAFC's Fire-Rescue International Conference, Aug. 23-27 in Chicago. The training will include animation and illustrations of the Chevrolet Volt, highlighting locations of high-strength steel, cut points for extrication, first-responder labeling, automatic and manual electrical shut-off, and more.

Chevrolet made the announcement at the San Francisco Fire Department with leaders of Chevrolet, OnStar, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA).

"Technological changes in the automotive industry require changes in fire and emergency service operations as well," said Chief Jack Parow, first vice president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. "The IAFC is proud to work with Chevrolet and OnStar to ensure that fire responders are adequately trained in how to work with the new technology, both for their own safety and the safety of those they serve."

Together with OnStar, Chevrolet will also display the Volt at the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials conference Aug. 1-4 in Houston, and at the NENA conference, June 5-10 in Indianapolis. Chevrolet and OnStar will host first-responder sessions in Volt retail markets later this year including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Washington, D.C.

Chevrolet has been collaborating with first-responder representatives from national safety organizations to develop educational materials for firefighters, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians, and emergency dispatchers nationwide.

The feedback is being incorporated into training materials that will be available on the tour and posted on a targeted Web site for departments unable to attend the training sessions.