2026 Annual Conference: Safety

Friday, October 16th, 8:00 am - 11:30 am | Morning Session
Friday, October 16th, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm | Afternoon Session

Electric Vehicle Emergencies: Building Confidence Through Knowledge and Experience
Aaron Sour, PhD, Greg Downer & Jesse Ruhmann

Session Description

As electric vehicles continue to become more prevalent on our roadways, first responders must be prepared to safely and effectively manage incidents involving these evolving vehicle systems. This interactive session provides attendees with a practical foundation in electric vehicle technology, fire service response considerations, and operational tactics for EV-related emergencies.

Drawing on Vehicle Response Training's research-based curriculum, real-world incident analysis, and extensive experience educating emergency responders, participants will gain a deeper understanding of EV construction, battery systems, hazards, and response priorities. Through hands-on interaction with an electric vehicle and its components, attendees will have the opportunity to examine critical vehicle systems firsthand and connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.

Whether responding to collisions, fires, or other vehicle emergencies, attendees will leave with greater confidence, enhanced situational awareness, and actionable knowledge to improve responder safety and operational decision-making when encountering electric vehicles.

Aaron Sour is a Twin Cities firefighter with more than 10 years of fire service experience and prior experience managing collision center operations. He holds a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and brings over 15 years of expertise in human factors, safety management systems, quality assurance, and crew resource management.

Aaron has authored multiple publications and delivered professional presentations on performance psychology, human error, decision-making, and generational approaches to crew resource management. His diverse background includes small business ownership as well as private pilot and FAA-certified UAV pilot credentials. Through his work with Vehicle Response Training, Aaron applies evidence-based principles to improve responder safety, risk management, and operational performance.

Greg Downer has more than eight years of experience managing OEM-certified automotive and heavy-duty collision repair facilities. He possesses extensive expertise in vehicle construction, repair processes, and damage assessment across a wide range of vehicle platforms.

A certified high-voltage vehicle repair professional, Greg has also served in leadership roles focused on educating insurance providers and industry stakeholders on electric vehicle safety and repair requirements. He holds a private pilot certificate and brings a structured, systems-oriented approach to vehicle technology, safety, and emergency response training.

Jesse Ruhmann is a Twin Cities firefighter with more than 19 years of fire service experience and over 20 years of expertise in structural collision repair, damage assessment, and electric vehicle technology. A fully certified electric vehicle technician, he previously owned and operated an EV-certified collision repair facility for more than eight years.

His shop maintained I-CAR Gold Class status and OEM certifications from manufacturers including Rivian, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Nissan, Stellantis, and Corvette. Jesse combines extensive technical knowledge with frontline emergency response experience and is committed to advancing safe, effective response practices for electric vehicle incidents.