Within the scope of the HyResponse project (www.hyreponse.eu) the development of a specialised training programme is currently underway. Utilizing an andragogy approach to teaching, distance learning is mixed with classroom instructors-led activities, while hands-on training on a full-scale simulator is coupled with an innovative virtual reality based experience. Although the course is dedicated mainly to first responders, provision has been made to incorporate not only simple table-top and drill exercises but also full-scale training involving all functional emergency response organisations at multi-agency cooperation level. The developed curriculum includes basics of hydrogen safety, first responders' procedures and incident management expectations. (C) 2016 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.