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Medical Unit Leader

Position Description

Duties

  • Monitors and maintains supplies and personnel necessary to meet the complexity of the incident.
  • Maintains security for the medical unit.
  • Coordinates with the FACL to provide and maintain utilities, space, and facilities.
  • Arranges for appropriate medical ground transport (basic life support or advanced life support).
  • Arranges for appropriate air support.
  • Anticipates special needs (personnel, supplies, equipment).
  • Provides for biohazard handling and disposal procedures.
  • Establishes contact with local medical facilities. Uses contact information in developing the Medical Plan.
  • Establishes effective medical unit procedures for major medical emergency, non-emergency transport, and patient return from medical facility.
  • Obtains a briefing from supervisor, Logistics Section Chief or Safety Officer.
  • Provides for the safety and welfare of assigned personnel to the incident.
  • Establishes and maintains positive internal and external interpersonal working relationships.
  • Maintains unit log.
  • Participates at logistics planning meetings and/or safety meetings.
  • Determines requirements for medical supplies and personnel needs for unit and place order.
  • Organizes and provides supervision for unit.
  • Prepares Medical Emergency Plan (ICS206).
  • Prepares procedures for major medical emergency.
  • Coordinates actions with Compensation for Injury Specialist.
  • Audit use of “over-the-counter” drugs being dispensed by medical unit to discourage improper use or abuse.
  • Responds to aid requests in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Evaluates unit’s ability to perform patient assessments and care.
  • Documents all actions taken using correct forms.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Background in medical services.
  • Current certification as an EMT.

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

References:

NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

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

NWCG Alerts