39 - Your EV Fire Playbook: Tactics, Tools, and Lithium-Ion Safety with Paul Shoemaker

About this episode

This episode features Paul Shoemaker discussing modern tactics and safety for handling electric vehicle fires and lithium-ion battery hazards.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the modern fireground with Paul Shoemaker, founder of the Next Level Training Network, to build your EV Fire Playbook. As electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries become permanent fixtures on our roadways, the old tactics no longer apply. Paul breaks down the science, the safety, and the "street-smart" strategies every department needs to stay ahead of the game. Paul Shoemaker is an 18-year veteran of the fire service and a Lieutenant in Colorado with over 13 years of experience as a Tech Rescue and Haz-Mat Technician. As a recognized subject matter expert in lithium-ion battery hazards, Paul serves on advisory committees for UL, FSRI, NFPA, and SAE International, working to bridge the gap between automotive manufacturers and the fire service. Through his company, Next Level Training Network, Paul travels the country delivering masterclasses on EV extrication and lithium-ion fire tactics. His mission is to provide firefighters with a "combat playbook" for the modern fireground, ensuring they are equipped to handle everything from micro-mobility fires to large-scale Energy Storage Systems.

People in this episode

Host: Dan Retzlaff

Guest: Paul Shoemaker

Topics covered

• electric vehicles
• firefighting tactics
• lithium-ion safety
• fire service training
• hazard management
• emergency response

Keywords

• EV fire tactics
• lithium-ion batteries
• firefighter training
• safety strategies
• hazardous materials
• fireground operations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Next Level Training Network, UL, FSRI, NFPA, SAE International

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