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Hazmat Trainings

Hazardous Materials & Railway Safety for EMS - LaCrosse July 22

Tuesday, July 22, 2025
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM (CDT)

Radisson Hotel La Crosse - Wisconsin Event Rooms 2 & 3

200 Harborview Plaza
La Crosse, WI 54601
United States

Course Description

The Assistance for Local Emergency Response Training (ALERT) grant provides hazmat training for volunteer or remote emergency responders. Awarded by U.S. DOT and PHMSA, the ALERT grant program focuses on emergency response activities involving the transportation of crude oil, ethanol and other flammable liquids by rail. Thanks to this grant, WEMSA has been able to put together a series of trainings for EMS personnel across the state to access FREE training on Hazardous Materials and Railway Safety. This training is open to members and non-members of the Wisconsin EMS Association.

This course is designed to equip Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals with the critical knowledge and skills required to safely and effectively respond to hazardous materials (HazMat) incidents, particularly those involving railways. Through a comprehensive examination of hazardous materials training, certification levels, and the use of essential response guides such as the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) and the NIOSH Pocket Guide, participants will gain a deep understanding of the procedures and best practices necessary for managing HazMat exposures. The course also covers the identification and management of the most common hazardous material releases encountered by EMS, ensuring that participants are prepared to deliver appropriate care in these high-risk situations.

We are offering this training in La Crosse on the evening of the 22nd and the morning of the 23rd. We will also be hosting it in Verona on August 9th. We highly encourage you to join us as these will be the last of these in-person trainings. If you are traveling in for this training, and require lodging assistance, please reach out to wemsa@wisconsinems.com

Session Breakdown:

Hazardous Materials Training and Certification Levels:

In this session, participants will explore the educational standards for hazardous materials training and understand the different certification levels required for response readiness. We will cover the recognition and response protocols for various hazardous materials emergencies, ensuring EMS personnel are prepared for diverse scenarios.

ERG Familiarization and Essentials for Initial Response to Hazardous Material Exposures:

This session focuses on the Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) and its vital role in initial hazardous materials response. Attendees will learn how to establish incident command at hazardous materials incidents and become familiar with the ERG’s purpose, usage, and various components, including markings, placards, labels, and identification of rail cars and road trailers. 

NIOSH Guide - Use in EMS:

Participants will delve into the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, learning its purpose, usage, and organizational structure. This session will highlight best practices for managing flammable product exposures and ensure participants are adept in applying the NIOSH Guide in emergency medical services. 

EMS Care for Common Hazardous Material Exposures:

The final session will address the top five hazardous material releases that EMS personnel may encounter. We will discuss specific EMS care strategies and protocols for managing these exposures, ensuring that participants leave with practical knowledge to enhance their response capabilities.

 

Participants will earn 4.0 hours of CAPCE Approved CE credits upon completion of the training and completion of a post-training survey that can be used towards License recertification.

Agenda

July 22
5:00 PM - 5:30 PM Check-In is Open Get checked into the class and chat with colleagues before the training begins! Dinner will be provided, so grab something to eat and get settled in for an evening of learning. 
5:30 PM - 5:45 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks Alan DeYoung - Executive Director, Wisconsin EMS Association

5:45 PM - 9:30 PM Hazardous Materials Class Time Jesse Coulson - Fire Chief, Spencer Fire Department
Jordan Coulson - Police Officer, Oregon Police Department

 Instructors

Jesse Coulson

Fire Chief,
City of Spencer Fire Department

Jesse Coulson is a 24-year veteran of the fire service and currently serves as the Fire Chief for Spencer, Iowa. He started as a volunteer paramedic/firefighter, and he went on to become a career firefighter where he served as a Fire Engineer, Lieutenant, Field Training Officer, department Training Coordinator, and HazMat Technician. During his career, he also spent 14 years as a Tactical Medic with the City of Dubuque Police Department's Tactical Team. Besides his duties in the fire service, Jesse is the EMS Program Developer for Northeast Iowa Community College where he created various curriculum for fire, EMS, and law enforcement.

Jordan Coulson

Sergeant, 
Village of Oregon Police Department

Jordan Coulson currently serves as a Sergeant for the Village of Oregon in Wisconsin. He earned his Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin - Platteville in 2019. In his current role, he serves as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and Lead Drone Operator. Jordan has attended First Line Leadership through the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Jordan previously served with the Iowa County Sheriff's Department as a correctional officer.

For More Information:

Breana Rinker
Breana Rinker
Education Coordinator Wisconsin EMS Association (414)207-8467

Questions?

Email WEMSA or call (414) 431 8193.

If you have a disability and need accommodations to take part in this activity, please let us know. Contact the event coordinator as soon as possible, ideally 14 days in advance.