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Mental Health Subcommittee

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MHSC header graphic. Decorative. Images of firefighters overlaid on a forest fire in background. On the left positive words reflective of healthy mental state such as confidence, teamwork, friendships. On the right words indicating unhealthy stressors that may lead to poor mental health such as stress, time, expectations, no sleep, etc.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) provides national leadership in wildland firefighter mental health and wellness. The MHSC promotes and facilitates a national interagency approach to proactively identifying and addressing firefighter mental health.
 

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Primary Objectives

Photo of a line of wildland firefighters walking away, single file, down a path.

  • Develop NWCG guidance that enables firefighters and fire managers to recognize hazards to  mental health and wellness and take effective prevention and mitigation actions.
  • Standardize processes for collecting and analyzing data on wildland firefighter mental health and wellness.
  • Use this data to inform development of NWCG wildland firefighter mental health and wellness guidance.
  • Provide a forum for all firefighters and managers to increase their knowledge of wildland firefighter mental health issues and contribute to improvements in this area.

Additional Resources

2024 Suicide Prevention Materials

National Suicide Prevention Week
September 8-14, 2024

In the wildland fire community, we often refer to September as “Snaptember.” This is a time when we can really feel the grind of the fire season, mentally, physically, and emotionally. This month also holds a significant place as Suicide Prevention Month in the U.S. September reminds us to check in with ourselves and others and to reach out for help when needed.

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee of the Risk Management Committee remains dedicated to sharing mental health resources and information with our wildland fire community throughout the year. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” reflects the importance of mutual support in all aspects of our lives — at work, with family, and among friends.

Please remember that one valuable resource is the 988 Lifeline, available 24/7 for free. Whether you need immediate support or just want to talk, you can call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor. You can also call if you’re worried about someone else. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, seek emergency help by going to the nearest emergency room or calling 911.

We urge you to foster conversations about mental health and share these resources within your teams and communities. By doing so, we strengthen our collective well-being and continue to support each other through the challenges we face.

Resources are available at 988 Lifeline.

  • We all need support sometimes. Help is always available, and reaching out is a sign of strength.
  • Taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Both are vital for our overall well-being.
  • Check in on your buddies and yourself. Regular check-ins can make a significant difference.
  • It takes strength to ask for help. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need it.
  • Be the voice that gives someone hope. Your support can be a lifeline to others.
  • Be the voice that gives someone hope. Your support can be a lifeline to others.
  • Prevention starts with awareness. Be an advocate for mental health by knowing the resources available and sharing with others.

Hashtags:

#StrongerTogether #988 #SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #SuicideAwareness #WildlandFirefighterMentalHealth

*If you receive messaging from someone in need of help, please refer to  Support for Suicidal Individuals as a resource.

National Suicide Prevention Week
September 10-16, 2023

As members of the wildland fire community, we can each take steps to support the wellbeing of fellow wildland firefighters and wildland fire support personnel. Together, we can prevent suicide by increasing awareness, decreasing stigma, and taking steps to care for ourselves and others.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, the NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee has created seven days of messaging to support wildland firefighter health and wellbeing.

We challenge you to use these materials to start a conversation about maintaining mental health and wellness with coworkers and to learn new ways of caring for yourself and others throughout the year. Each short piece takes only a few minutes to read but could provide information that makes a difference for you or someone else.

 

Chair:

NWCG Coordinator: Lee, Sarah

Parent Committee: Risk Management Committee

Meeting Schedule: Second Tuesday of the Month

Page Last Modified or 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