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2018 WOR: Air-based Medevac

Ribbon symbol for survivor next to the Wildland Fire Leadership logoWeek of Remembrance June 30-July 6

This Week of Remembrance is dedicated to all those who have fallen in the line of duty and is intended to serve as an opportunity to renew our commitment to the health, wellness and safety of wildland firefighters.
 

As we approach the 10 year anniversary of the Dutch Creek Incident and the loss of firefighter Andy Palmer, we are called to remember the lessons learned from that incident and how extraction by helicopter can play a role in emerging medical incidents.

For the 2018 fire season, there are currently nine National Park Service and five Forest Service Short-Haul Programs in active status. The common mission of each program is the safe and efficient extraction of an injured patient. Increased interagency support and cross training has proven to enhance the awareness of best practices and most importantly provide for the safest environment not just for the patient, but for the rescue crews as well.

Below we address considerations and resources on how methods of helicopter extraction may affect your decision-making process when confronted with an emergency incident, while in the field.

 

Considerations for Fireline personnel:

“We honor and remember through learning”

Brit Rosso
Director, LLC

  • Have you reviewed the Incident Medical Plan (ICS 206) with your crew this shift? (NWCG-ICS Forms)
  • Is everyone on your crew familiar and practiced with the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 and its updates?
    • Medical Incident Report and how to use it? (pg. 118-119)
    • Helicopter Extraction Operations (pg. 116-117)
  • Do all members of your crew know the location and distance to medical equipment and fireline medical personnel? Consider risk management including the distance, time and number of personnel needed to perform a ground based rescue VS. a Short-Haul/Hoist mission.
  • Never assume that a helicopter will be available. Always have a solid plan for a ground-based extrication.
  • Keep all medical resources headed to the incident/patient until the patient is in higher level of care/on the way to the hospital. From the Dutch Creek Investigation Report: “USCG told TSO, “We were stood down by SOF because they would be hiking FC1 to a landing zone and a Forest Service helicopter would land and pick FC1 up.” TSO reported to USCG they had just spoken with a medic on scene and FC1 was now “in and out of consciousness” and “has got blood loss.” USCG stated they would call SOF back. At 1446, USCG called COM trying to confirm the helicopter cancellation and subsequently SOF retracted cancellation of USCG helicopter.”
  • Does your crew know where to find out where the closest extraction resources are to them? See the Interagency Emergency Helicopter Extraction Source List, PMS 512.
  • Does the local unit have an agreement in place with a local air ambulance service? Are the frequencies communicated to fire personnel? What are the aircraft’s capabilities/limitations?
  • Remember to ask questions if you are unsure of Short-Haul/Hoist aircraft capabilities and always strive to lookout for yourself and those around you.

Resources:

 

The topics, review, and resources for the NWCG “Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance” have been contributed by the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, the Wildland Fire Leadership Subcommittee, the Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee, interagency dispatchers, and many other field SMEs.

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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