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Over the Counter Medication

When using OTC medications:

  • Take them only as indicated on the package label and only for the conditions listed.
  • Stop use and see a medical professional if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve.
  • Carry your own OTC medications and keep them in the original packaging.
  • Many OTC medications may cause drowsiness for prolonged periods of time. Do not operate machinery or tools when using these.

Some common side effects from common OTCs:

  • Ibuprofen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Motrin, Aleve): Ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Liver toxicity
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Drowsiness, urinary obstruction

Remember, OTC medications are to be used short-term for very mild conditions. Prolonged use or using them for other conditions than listed should only be done under the care of a physician. Additionally, many OTC products contain a combination of medications (cold and flu, etc.). Make sure not to over-use a single drug if taking medications that contain multiple drugs.

Discussion Topics:

  • What are the most common OTC medications your crew uses?
  • What are some side effects of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) that may be of concern in our environment?
  • Take out a packet of any OTC and read the back – when should you stop using it and seek treatment?

Resources:

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

 

 


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ETC Bulletin 24-001 regarding Hot/Cold Beverage Kits has been archived and replaced by ETC Bulletin 25-001 for the 2025 season.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

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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