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Burn Protocols

 

Burn injuries range from minor burns that can be taken care of with basic first aid on the fireline to life-threatening injuries that require complex treatment and surgical teams at regional burn centers. Due to recent changes in both technology and the American Burn Association referral guidelines, NWCG has updated their burn protocol recommendations which can be found on the NWCG website and in the current Interagency Standards for Fire & Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book). Firefighters should familiarize themselves with these new protocols.

A burn injury that is beyond basic first aid treatment should be sent to the nearest emergency department for evaluation. Any life-threatening issues such as airway, pain control, and fluid resuscitation can, and should, be treated at a local emergency department. Bypassing local emergency departments to go directly to regional burn centers can put the patient at risk, delay initial treatment, and result in unnecessary travel and risk to both the patient and others. Of note, if a local EMS/aeromedical resource responds and transports the patient, they will follow their destination protocols.

In the emergency department, a licensed independent provider will determine what care should be initiated. This may include any of the below:

  • Immediate transfer to a burn center after stabilization
  • Remote (tele) consultation with a burn center
  • Treatment and referral to local primary care or wound care

The NWCG burn protocol has a flow sheet that addresses the processes in the emergency department as well as a handout that can be provided to the physician to help guide treatment for our firefighters.

When a patient does not need emergent transfer to a burn center it is common for burns to continue to evolve and develop over the course of days to weeks. This means that treatment does not end after the initial emergency department visit. It is imperative to follow the directions from the emergency department and attend all follow-up appointments. All burn patients being discharged from an emergency department should receive/request a follow-up referral.

Discussion Items:

  • What does a minor burn that could be taken care of with first aid look like?
  • What would your crew do if they had a member sustain a large burn on the hand? Consider initial treatment by your crew.
  • When would you activate EMS/IWI? Which Emergency Room would they go to?

Resources:

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid


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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200