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Serious Injury Procedures

Dealing with serious injuries on the fireline can add even more stress to our hectic work environment. In the event a fireline accident occurs, adherence to the following principles is important to ensure an adequate and appropriate response is made.

  • Before entering the scene, determine whether it is safe to approach. Look for hazards as well as what may have happened. It may be necessary to move the patient or to make the area safe before doing an assessment.
  • Provide life- or limb-saving or sight-preserving first aid and assess the extent of the injuries.
  • Contact your supervisor. Depending on the complexity of the fire, that could be your Crew Boss, Division Supervisor, Incident Commander, or even dispatch. If your fire has a medical plan, follow the plan.
  • Provide accurate, concise information on the following:
    • Number of people injured.
    • Type of injuries.
    • Severity of injuries (light, moderate, severe, life threatening).
    • Mechanism of injury.
    • Vital signs (pulse, respiration, level of consciousness, etc.).
  • Determine the best method of evacuation. Depending on the severity of injury or availability of resources, this decision may already be made for you.
  • Keep the radio frequency clear of non-emergency traffic. Provide updates of the patient's condition and await instructions.
  • If evacuation is by helicopter, it may be necessary to construct a helispot. Document treatment provided in case it is necessary to send the information along with the patient in the aircraft.
  • If the patient needs to be carried to a road, ensure enough people are available to work in relays.
  • Once the patient is clear, take a moment to write down a few thoughts to capture the circumstances of events, clean up notes and timelines, and document any other pertinent information.

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
Medical Plan, ICS 206 WF, including Medical Incident Report


Last Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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.

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Job Aid Catalog

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

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

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Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

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The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

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The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53