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Over the Counter Medication

When using OTC medications:

  • Take them only as indicated on the package label and only for the conditions listed.
  • Stop use and see a medical professional if your symptoms get worse or don’t improve.
  • Carry your own OTC medications and keep them in the original packaging.
  • Many OTC medications may cause drowsiness for prolonged periods of time. Do not operate machinery or tools when using these.

Some common side effects from common OTCs:

  • Ibuprofen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (Motrin, Aleve): Ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Liver toxicity
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl): Drowsiness, urinary obstruction

Remember, OTC medications are to be used short-term for very mild conditions. Prolonged use or using them for other conditions than listed should only be done under the care of a physician. Additionally, many OTC products contain a combination of medications (cold and flu, etc.). Make sure not to over-use a single drug if taking medications that contain multiple drugs.

Discussion Topics:

  • What are the most common OTC medications your crew uses?
  • What are some side effects of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) that may be of concern in our environment?
  • Take out a packet of any OTC and read the back – when should you stop using it and seek treatment?

Resources:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

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

2025 Fire Year in Review Module