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World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10

 

Creating hope through action

Our work as firefighters is not limited to wildfires but has expanded to all risk and hazards, which brings even more exposure to stressful situations. Hurricanes, longer assignments, busier seasons, devastating fires… sound familiar? More time away from home and experiencing more stress can take a toll.

World Suicide Prevention Day. Creating Hope Through Action – September 10

Learn more at International Association of Suicide Prevention

Creating hope through action aims to inspire the confidence and light in all of us. Our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Preventing suicide is possible and we are all key players in its prevention. Through action, we can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments – as a friend, neighbor, or colleague. We can all play a role in supporting those simply struggling or experiencing a suicidal crisis.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Dark blue font on cyan colored background in box.

U.S.’s first three-digit mental health crisis line

In July 2022, the U.S. adopted 988, an easy to remember number for anyone experiencing mental health distress or a suicidal crisis.

What is 988?

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers free, 24/7 access to a counselor who is trained to support people experiencing mental health distress, suicidal, or substance use crises. Services are available in English, Spanish, or translation in over 250 languages.


What happens when you contact 988?

A trained crisis counselor will respond to your call or text. The counselor will listen, ask questions to understand how problems are affecting you, provide support, and share resources that might be helpful.

Help is a touch away

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are in distress, text, or call 988 for free, confidential support available 24/7.

Learning to recognize indicators that you or someone on your crew/unit/team needs additional support can be the difference that saves a life.

Discussion topics:

  • What are different things you can do to help when you are feeling stressed or depressed?
  • What are possible warning signs a person may be displaying who is distressed or considering suicide?
  • What types of questions can a person ask someone who may be distressed or considering suicide?

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
To learn more about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and suicide prevention …
Mental Health Subcommittee
International Association of Suicide Prevention

6MFS Suggestion Form


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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