S-359, Medical Unit Leader (Blended)

Course Description

This course is designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to perform in the role of Medical Unit Leader (MEDL). Topics include gathering information, organizing the medical unit, supervising the unit, evaluation, documentation, and demobilization.

This course is offered in a Blended Training format. A Blended Training format combines elements of Online Training (OLT) with elements of Instructor-led Training (ILT).

Online Training component: In the OLT, students explore the knowledge and concepts required to meet the responsibilities of the MEDL from mobilization to various incident changes. Students are required to complete the OLT portion of the course and pass the assessment prior to taking the ILT portion. The OLT is estimated to take 3-4 hours to complete.

Instructor-led Training component: The ILT portion of the course provides scenario-based activities that allow participants to apply the knowledge and concepts required to meet the responsibilities of a MEDL identified in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL). Activities will be assessed using NWCG Course Skill Assessments completed by the instructors. The ILT will be in-person, for 17 hours (approximately 2.5 days).

Course Objectives

Plan, staff, and manage the medical unit.

Alternate Delivery Mode

Not Applicable

Training Required For

MEDL 310-1 Training Path 01

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications

Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Medical Unit Leader (MEDL).

Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications

Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Medical Unit Leader (MEDL).

Business Steward

IMUS Incident Medical Unit Subcommittee

Course Level

Area, State, Regional

Format

Blended

Course Number

S-359

Course Title

Medical Unit Leader (Blended)

Development History

Replaced I-359 in 3/00.
Revised in 2023

Version Date

2025

Previous Certification Dates

2000-03

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-212, Intermediate Faller (Online) Course Available Now

Date: April 23, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S‑212, Intermediate Faller (Online), course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). This second course in the series provides students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of an Intermediate Faller (FAL2), as described in the FAL2 Incident Position Description. This course is intended for individuals seeking to advance from Basic Faller (FAL3) to FAL2.

S‑212, Intermediate Faller is a fully online, self‑paced training program consisting of 13 units. Learners will engage with interactive, scenario‑based content designed to progressively build foundational skills and knowledge essential for the FAL2 role.

Students must be qualified as a Basic Faller (FAL3) prior to enrolling in S‑212, Intermediate Faller course.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2027.

References:

S-212 Intermediate Faller (Online)

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date: April 17, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative.

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date: April 15, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date: April 1, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.