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PMS 448

Litter – S.K.E.D

NFES #
001670
Category
Medical
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for blood or other bodily fluids, alert supervisor for further instructions.
  2. Visually inspect for cuts or tears in plastic surface, soiled surface, missing parts such as straps or fasteners. Inspect for structural damage such as grommets pulled out. Inspect all straps; handles (web gear) are intact and functional.
  3. Return to service if item is clean and in unused condition.
  4. Refurbish if item is soiled or has damaged components that are easily repaired or replaced.
  5. Dispose of S.K.E.D. if there are cuts or tears to plastic materials, webbing and straps are damaged beyond repairs that is economically feasible. See local protocol for proper disposal of items that possess biological hazards.
  6. Retain all serviceable components for replacement on other litters.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Wash S.K.E.D. with a disinfectant and warm water.
  2. Wash with power washer and hang to dry.

B. Repair

  1. Replace worn or damaged straps or fasteners.
  2. Replace missing or damaged grommets.

C. Testing for Performance

  • Reassemble to ensure completeness and all parts are fitting properly.

D. Repackaging

  1. Roll up S.K.E.D. (using rubber gloves for better grip) small enough to fit into case.
  2. Fasten retaining strap tightly so S.K.E.D. can be easily extracted.

 

Reference

For information and parts lists see:

SKEDCO, Inc.
PO Box 230487
Portland, OR. 97281
Phone: 800–770–7533

NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC Bulletin 25-001: Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2025 Field Season

Date: April 16, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

Due to spout failures and the associated risk of burn injuries, manufacturers have retrofitted the Hot/Cold Beverage Kits using a heat-shrinking band to secure the black spout at the insertion site. The updated kits feature a fluorescent label on each full kit assembly for easy identification. Catering units are encouraged to confirm the clear heat-shrinking bands are intact around each spout before filling.

ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412