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Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome

Most of our muscles are divided into compartments surrounded by fascia which is not very giving (the silver skin for those who hunt). Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscle compartment builds to dangerous levels.
This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells.
Small nerve and muscle cells can die leading to permanent disability, weakness, and numbness.

Leg on left shows section of calf that would be swollen, and a cross section of the calf shows where the anterior compartment area of muscle is located.

Classic signs and symptoms

  1. Muscle pain and cramping
  2. Swelling of the affected limb
  3. Weakness and decreased range of motion in the affected limb
  4. Tingling, burning or numbness

Two types to consider:

Non-Traumatic/Exertional

  • The pain and swelling are caused by physical exertion. People who participate in activities with repetitive motions, such as running or marching, are more likely to develop non traumatic compartment syndrome.
  • This may be relieved by discontinuing the physical activity and rest. It is commonly mistaken as shin splints in the lower leg.
  • This may become a surgical emergency and require surgical treatment.

Traumatic 

  • Caused by a variety of things:
    • Broken bone
    • Badly bruised muscle
    • Crush type injuries
    • Anabolic steroid use
    • Constricting bandages or clothing
  • Traumatic compartment syndrome is considered a surgical emergency and requires surgical treatment.

Watch Outs:

  • A swollen, painful limb that does not improve with rest can be a sign of a significant emergency and should be treated in an emergency department.
  • Any numbness or weakness in the limb should mandate transport for professional medical evaluation.

Discussion Questions:

  • Your leg is swollen and sore after a long day of physical work.  What should you do?
  • Your crew member has been resting his swollen leg for a couple hours and now says it is tingling and cramping, what are your next steps?
     
Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

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

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900