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Emergency Medical Technician – Fireline

Position Description

Introduction

The EMTF provides emergency medical services (EMS) on an active fireline, division or other physically challenging assignment.  This position may also assist at the medical unit and/or other incident location as requested by the Incident Commander or representative.

Duties

  • Performs non-invasive lifesaving procedures focused on the initial management of injured and sick person. 
  • EMTFs are not independent practitioners and therefore must be supervised by a physician medical director.  Although many of the procedures that an EMTF is allowed to perform do not require real-time oversight by the supervising medical director, the EMTF makes destination decisions in collaboration with medical oversight.
  • While all EMTFs receive essentially the same training, the specific procedures that each individual EMTF is authorized to perform vary depending on the EMTF’s scope of practice.  An EMTF’s scope of practice contains only those procedures for which he or she is educated, certified (by passing an exam), credentialed (medical director grants “permission” to practice), and licensed by a state to perform.  Therefore, the scope of practice of an EMTF will vary by individual.
  • EMTFs will be required to work on the fireline or other remote areas of an incident.  The EMTF would be expected to participate in and/or lead the evacuation of a sick or injured person from this environment.  The EMTF would also be expected to perform these lifesaving skills with the equipment available to them on the fireline, which is significantly less than those EMT in the medical unit or typical urban EMS system.  The EMTF may be the only medical provider on scene for an extended period of time in less than ideal conditions.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

The following is a list of the typical skills than EMTF can perform:

  • Airway and Breathing
    • Insertion of airway adjuncts intended to go into the oropharynx or nasopharynx.
    • Use of positive pressure ventilation devices such as manually triggered ventilators and automatic transport ventilators.
  • Pharmacological Interventions
    • Assist patients in taking their own prescribed medications.
    • Provide lifesaving medications with an auto injector.
    • Administration of the following over-the-counter medications with appropriate medical oversight including the following:
      • Oral glucose for suspected hypoglycemia.
      • Aspirin for chest pain of suspected ischemic origin.
  • Use of an automated external defibrillator.
  • Trauma Care:
    • Stabilizing suspected spinal injuries and extremity fractures.
    • Controlling bleeding.
    • Evacuation of a sick or injured patient using purpose made and improvised litters.
    • Appropriate triage of sick or injured patients in order to assist with the formulation of an evacuation plan.
    • Application and inflation of the pneumatic anti-shock garment (PASG) for fracture stabilization.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Current EMT license (must be issued by the EMTs home-state EMS licensing authority)
  • Introduction to ICS (I-100)
  • Firefighter Training (S-130)
  • Introduction to Wildland Fire (S-190)
  • NIMS:  An Introduction (IS-700)
  • Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130)
  • Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (L-180)
  • An arduous physical fitness level has been established for this position

Other Training Supporting Development of Knowledge and Skills

  • Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)
  • Basic Air Operations (S-270)
  • Helicopter Crewmember (S-271)
  • Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician

NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200