Skip to main content

Medical Incident Report

 

The Medical Incident Report (MIR) can be found in the following documents: in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, under Emergency Medical Care (pink); in the Medical Plan ICS-206 WF; and in many Incident Action Plans (IAPs). The MIR evolved from and has replaced the 9 Line Form and Pink sticker.

The MIR is not always tasked to the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic in Patient Care. The intent of the form is to:

  1. establish control of the incident, whether routine or life-threatening, by initiating a new Incident Command System,
  2. standardize a systematic process for reporting medical incidents/injuries, similar to a fire size-up for initial attack, and
  3. enable any firefighter, with prior training and direction, to fill it out and transmit the information.
  • Treat it like any incident. If the incident is overwhelming, ask for a more qualified Incident Commander (IC) to assume command. Expand/contract the organization’s size depending on the needs of the incident.
  • Fill this report out completely prior to transmitting to dispatch/communications. If the incident is life threatening, do not let documentation delay patient care.
  • When transmitting the report, state the number and title of each section, and say “break” and pause between the sections (e.g., “Dispatch, Task Force Leader (TFLD) Jones. Standby for Priority Medical Incident Report. 1. All other radio traffic please hold, break” (pause/wait for response). “2. Incident Status: Nature of Illness is chest pain. Incident Name is Tank Medical. IC will be TFLD Jones. Patient Care will be Paramedic Smith. Break (pause again). 3. Initial Patient Assessment is…”).
  • When using the MIR during a Multi-Casualty Incident (MCI), state the number injured and their severity (Section 3: e.g., “3. Initial Patient Assessment, I have five patients. three Reds, one Yellow, and one Green. Mechanism of Injury is...”).
  • Use the terms Paramedic or EMT with the provider’s last name in “Patient Care.” Do not use EMT to describe a Paramedic or the ambiguous term Medic. All those roles need to be clearly identified to understand the level of care and treatment the patient(s) will receive.
  • Enact more than one transport plan and clear more than one frequency if needed for Sections 5 and 6.
  • Always be ready for the first plan to fail and be flexible enough to move into an alternate plan. Use the acronym PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency) for planning purposes.

Action Items:

  • Consider developing medical emergency tabletop scenarios as part of morning briefings or field scenarios on project work to be become familiar with the process. The more comfortable with the MIR you are, the more it will be second nature under stress.
  • Ensure dispatchers and radio operators are aware of their roles and responsibilities pertaining to the MIR.
  • Review your local unit emergency plans.

 

This topic was submitted by Assistant Fire Management Officer (AFMO) Miles Ellis and Asst. State Fire Management Officer (FMO) Paul Hohn with Wyoming Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and expanded upon by Eric Graff, of Grand Canyon Helitack.

 

6MFS Suggestion Form


Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee
 


Follow NWCG on X and Facebook
 


 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group