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Paramedic (not fireline qualified)

Position Description

The Paramedic provides emergency medical services (EMS) at the medical unit and/or other incident locations as requested by the Incident commander or representative.

Introduction

The Paramedics primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for injured and sick persons.  The position has the knowledge associated with, and is expected to be competent in all of the skills of the EMT, and AEMT.  A Paramedic completes a more thorough course of education, which in some states requires the completion of an Associate’s degree.  The paramedic has an in-depth understanding of human anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology which allows them to perform more advanced skills and a broader spectrum of medications than either an EMT or AEMT.  These skills carry a greater risk for the patient if improperly or inappropriately performed, are more difficult to attain and maintain competency in, and require significant background knowledge in basic and applied sciences.

While all Paramedics receive essentially the same training, the specific procedures that each individual Paramedic is authorized to perform varies depending on the Paramedic’s scope of practice.  A Paramedic’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 a Paramedic will vary by individual.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

The following are the minimum psychomotor skills of the Paramedic:

  • Airway and Breathing
    • Performs endotracheal intubation
    • Performs percutaneous (not to include ‘surgical’ access using a scalpel) cricothyrotomy
    • Decompresses the pleural space of the chest cavity
    • Performs gastric decompression
    • Monitors and interprets Patient oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
  • Pharmacological interventions include
    • Inserts an intraosseous (IO) cannula
    • Enteral and parenteral administration of approved prescription medications
    • Accesses indwelling catheters and implanted central IV ports for fluid and medication administration
    • Administers medications by intravenous (IV), intraosseous, intramuscular, intranasal, sublingual, and subcutaneous routes
    • Maintains an infusion of blood or blood products
  • Medical/Cardiac Care
    • Performs cardioversion, manual defibrillation, and transcutaneous packing
    • Performs and interprets the results of Electrocardiogram (EKG) including 12-lead

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Current Paramedic license (must be issued by the Paramedic’s home-state EMS licensing authority)
  • Introduction to ICS (I-100)
  • NIMS:  An Introduction (IS-700)
  • No physical fitness level has been established for this position

Other Training Supporting Development of Knowledge and Skills

  • Firefighter Training (S-130)
  • Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130)
  • Introduction to Wildland Fire (S-190)
  • Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (L-180)
  • Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)
  • Basic Air Operations (S-270)
  • Helicopter Crewmember (S-271)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (if not required for state/agency licensure)

 

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