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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?

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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WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

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This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

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Congratulations to the awardees:

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