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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.

Image
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 & First Aid
References
Compartment Syndrome in Wildland Firefighters (USFS)

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These 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 and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

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

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page