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RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)

RT-130 Decorative banner. Group of photos depicting wildland firefighters performing various duties.

Introduction to the Crash Rescue Kit

An introduction to the Crash Rescue Kit highlighting the tools found within the Crash Rescue Kit.
Category: Aviation
Core Component(s):
Incident Reviews and Lessons Learned
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 3:50

Crash Rescue Kit Contents

The Crash Rescue Kit (NFES 001040) contains:

  • 1 bolt cutter, 24”
  • 1 carrying case and sleeve
  • 1 crash axe, serrated edge
  • 1 crash axe, smooth edge
  • 1 hacksaw frame
  • 1 rescue knife, seatbelt type
  • 11 hacksaw blades
  • 1 door opener with claw tool
  • 1 pliers, 12”, adjustable joint, angle nose

More information on the Crash Rescue Kit, Fire Protection, and Crash Rescue Procedures can be found in Chapter 12 of the Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide (IHOG), PMS 510.

Crash Rescue Kit ordering information can be found in the NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1.

Instructor

The facilitator of this module should be familiar with helicopters and the Crash Rescue Kit.

Activity Ideas

Watch the Introduction to the Crash Rescue Kit video below. Discuss in small groups or as a class the topics below. If discussed in groups, share with the class. If possible, have a Crash Rescue Kit and a Crash Rescue Plan example on hand to show to the class.

Possible Discussion Topics

  • Has anybody ever experienced a crash rescue? If so, please share the story.
  • Where is the crash rescue plan located at your local unit?
  • How do you train for a crash rescue operation at your local units? Give examples.
  • If no training is provided, how can you implement training at your local unit?
  • Train to specific make/model of aircraft/helicopter.
  • Seek additional training with local experts.

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 284 MB)
  • Note: For Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, right click the word download and select Save Link As; For IE, right click and select Save Target As.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430