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Serious Injury Procedures

Dealing with serious injuries on the fireline can add even more stress to our hectic work environment. In the event a fireline accident occurs, adherence to the following principles is important to ensure an adequate and appropriate response is made.

  • Before entering the scene, determine whether it is safe to approach. Look for hazards as well as what may have happened. It may be necessary to move the patient or to make the area safe before doing an assessment.
  • Provide life- or limb-saving or sight-preserving first aid and assess the extent of the injuries.
  • Contact your supervisor. Depending on the complexity of the fire, that could be your Crew Boss, Division Supervisor, Incident Commander, or even dispatch. If your fire has a medical plan, follow the plan.
  • Provide accurate, concise information on the following:
    • Number of people injured.
    • Type of injuries.
    • Severity of injuries (light, moderate, severe, life threatening).
    • Mechanism of injury.
    • Vital signs (pulse, respiration, level of consciousness, etc.).
  • Determine the best method of evacuation. Depending on the severity of injury or availability of resources, this decision may already be made for you.
  • Keep the radio frequency clear of non-emergency traffic. Provide updates of the patient's condition and await instructions.
  • If evacuation is by helicopter, it may be necessary to construct a helispot. Document treatment provided in case it is necessary to send the information along with the patient in the aircraft.
  • If the patient needs to be carried to a road, ensure enough people are available to work in relays.
  • Once the patient is clear, take a moment to write down a few thoughts to capture the circumstances of events, clean up notes and timelines, and document any other pertinent information.

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
Medical Plan, ICS 206 WF, including Medical Incident Report


Last Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

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The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53

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Date: November 7, 2024
Contact: Risk Management Committee

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Safety Bulletin 24-001 outlines the following topics regarding respirator use for wildland fires:

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This bulletin also provides mitigation recommendations to help reduce smoke exposure for wildland firefighting efforts.

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NWCG Safety Bulletin: 24-001 Use of Respirators on Wildland Fires

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