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Concussion and Head Injuries

 

Being struck in the head is unfortunately common in the wildland environment. Snags, equipment, loose scree, and UTV use all abound in our environment. Hard hats and helmets are a must and provide a degree of protection. But what if your co-worker gets a hit to the head (with helmet on!) and stumbles to the ground?

Image
Twelve symptoms that could indicated concussion.

Consider the scenario:

Your crew is walking along a trail when a large tree branch falls and hits the head of a team member. They are knocked to the ground but do not appear unconscious. No other injuries are identified and after a few minutes they seem to be OK. With relief, you hike onwards. A few minutes later they ask, “Where are we?” and you answer. Again, after a couple minutes the same question—same answer. This happens several more times and pretty clearly, they are not able to process or retain the information. What’s going on? What should you do? 

A blow to the head–with or without loss of consciousness–which results in some impaired cognition is a concussion. Concussed individuals sometimes repeatedly ask the same question and can’t seem to process the answers. They may complain of headache, dizziness, nausea. More severe concussions can result in being off balance, vomiting and some degree of panic as they cannot understand what has happened no matter how much you explain.

Fortunately, thanks to mainly the field of Sports Medicine there are now standard approaches to patients with concussions, as well as clear guidelines.

Follow the three 6 Rs: recognize, report, and recover.

Or even better are the 6 R’s:

  • Recognize. Learn the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
  • Remove. If an individual has a concussion or even a suspected concussion, they must be removed from duty immediately.
  • Refer. Seek medical attention.
  • Rest. A minimum of 24 hours for mild symptoms – 72 is better.
  • Recover. And then begin a gradual process of low levels of physical and mental activities over the next 7-14 days.
  • Return. If all symptoms have resolved and you are cleared to do so by a medical provider.

Allowing a person with a concussion to continue on duty is not only detrimental to their recovery but could put the entire crew in jeopardy if quick thinking or movement is required.

References:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

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Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

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New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
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Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

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Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

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