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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

Last Modified / Reviewed:


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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2

NEW! Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF) Now Available

Date: May 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Aviation Committee

The Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF) provides the Air Operations Branch with the number, type, location, and specific assignments of helicopters and air resources. The new ICS 220 WF also includes medical extraction capabilities and air resources tracking.

Understanding the capabilities of aviation assets is critical for effective medical and extraction responses. Coordination with the Medical Unit Leader is essential to ensure alignment and consistency between the ICS 220 WF and the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF). 

References:

Air Operations Summary (ICS 220 WF)

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Incident Command System (ICS) Forms