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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

 

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid


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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, Now Available

Date: February 27, 2025
Contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the 2025 NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, is now available. Visit NWCG's website to learn about the major updates and changes in the 2025 version of the IRPG. The NWCG Guia de Respuesta de Incidente de Bolsillo (GRI), PMS 461-ES is available electronically and will be available from Great Basin Cache by early summer 2025.

All hard copy materials, including the IRPG, are ordered through the Great Basin Cache (GBK). Information on the ordering process can be found in the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) Catalog.

References:

2025 IRPG Information 

NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 

NWCG Guia de Respuesta de Incidente de Bolsillo (GRI), PMS 461-ES 

NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2 

2025 Professional Reading Program

Date: February 18, 2025
Contact: Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program is announcing the 2025 Professional Reading list! The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the books throughout the year.

The five books chosen for this year are: Surf When You Can by Brett Crozier, Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl, Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke, Simply Managing by Henry Mintzberg, and Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Metcalf.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Task Group Volunteers Needed to Update the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289

Date: February 5, 2025
Contact: Julie Bennett, Incident Business Committee Chair

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) is requesting volunteers for a new task group to revise the 1981 version of the Property Loss or Damage Report, OF 289 and create an incident replacement job aid. The volunteers may be recruited from within or outside the Geographic Area Incident Business Committees.

References:

IBC Memorandum 25-02

IBC Correspondence

2025 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: February 4, 2025
Contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The NWCG Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1. 

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) are also included.  

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

NWCG Memo: 2025-01 January 2025 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1