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Burn Protocols

 

Burn injuries range from minor burns that can be taken care of with basic first aid on the fireline to life-threatening injuries that require complex treatment and surgical teams at regional burn centers. Due to recent changes in both technology and the American Burn Association referral guidelines, NWCG has updated their burn protocol recommendations which can be found on the NWCG website and in the current Interagency Standards for Fire & Fire Aviation Operations (Red Book). Firefighters should familiarize themselves with these new protocols.

A burn injury that is beyond basic first aid treatment should be sent to the nearest emergency department for evaluation. Any life-threatening issues such as airway, pain control, and fluid resuscitation can, and should, be treated at a local emergency department. Bypassing local emergency departments to go directly to regional burn centers can put the patient at risk, delay initial treatment, and result in unnecessary travel and risk to both the patient and others. Of note, if a local EMS/aeromedical resource responds and transports the patient, they will follow their destination protocols.

In the emergency department, a licensed independent provider will determine what care should be initiated. This may include any of the below:

  • Immediate transfer to a burn center after stabilization
  • Remote (tele) consultation with a burn center
  • Treatment and referral to local primary care or wound care

The NWCG burn protocol has a flow sheet that addresses the processes in the emergency department as well as a handout that can be provided to the physician to help guide treatment for our firefighters.

When a patient does not need emergent transfer to a burn center it is common for burns to continue to evolve and develop over the course of days to weeks. This means that treatment does not end after the initial emergency department visit. It is imperative to follow the directions from the emergency department and attend all follow-up appointments. All burn patients being discharged from an emergency department should receive/request a follow-up referral.

Discussion Items:

  • What does a minor burn that could be taken care of with first aid look like?
  • What would your crew do if they had a member sustain a large burn on the hand? Consider initial treatment by your crew.
  • When would you activate EMS/IWI? Which Emergency Room would they go to?

Resources:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources