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Medical Unit Leader

Position Description

Duties

  • Monitors and maintains supplies and personnel necessary to meet the complexity of the incident.
  • Maintains security for the medical unit.
  • Coordinates with the FACL to provide and maintain utilities, space, and facilities.
  • Arranges for appropriate medical ground transport (basic life support or advanced life support).
  • Arranges for appropriate air support.
  • Anticipates special needs (personnel, supplies, equipment).
  • Provides for biohazard handling and disposal procedures.
  • Establishes contact with local medical facilities. Uses contact information in developing the Medical Plan.
  • Establishes effective medical unit procedures for major medical emergency, non-emergency transport, and patient return from medical facility.
  • Obtains a briefing from supervisor, Logistics Section Chief or Safety Officer.
  • Provides for the safety and welfare of assigned personnel to the incident.
  • Establishes and maintains positive internal and external interpersonal working relationships.
  • Maintains unit log.
  • Participates at logistics planning meetings and/or safety meetings.
  • Determines requirements for medical supplies and personnel needs for unit and place order.
  • Organizes and provides supervision for unit.
  • Prepares Medical Emergency Plan (ICS206).
  • Prepares procedures for major medical emergency.
  • Coordinates actions with Compensation for Injury Specialist.
  • Audit use of “over-the-counter” drugs being dispensed by medical unit to discourage improper use or abuse.
  • Responds to aid requests in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Evaluates unit’s ability to perform patient assessments and care.
  • Documents all actions taken using correct forms.

Position Knowledge and/or Requirements

  • Background in medical services.
  • Current certification as an EMT.

 

Last Modified/Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Website Migration

Date: April 01, 2024
Contact: NWCG Webmaster

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to https://www.nwcg.gov, involving a comprehensive redesign of over 7,000 web pages. This enhancement is focused on improving user experience. The migration to the new NWCG website will commence on April 2, 2024, starting at noon EST and is expected to take a few hours. 

During the migration period, as the www.nwcg.gov domain-name-location updates across the Internet, you might encounter either the current or the new site depending on your location. We request your patience during this transition. If you are not redirected to the new site by April 3, 2024, we recommend clearing your browser’s cache and refreshing the page.

Please note that while navigating the revamped website, there may be instances of broken links or errors. Our dedicated web migration team has made significant efforts to minimize such issues prior to launch and will promptly address any that arise via use of analytic reports. We value your patience and understanding as we work towards enhancing your overall website experience.

WFSTAR 2023 Year in Review and 2024 Core Component Module Packages Available

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: Joe Schindel 

The 2023 Fire Year in Review module and 2024 Core Component Module Packages for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) are now available on the NWCG website. The 2024 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

 

References:

WFSTAR 2023 Fire Year in Review module

WFSTAR 2024 Core Component Module Packages

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: NWCG

The NWCG Executive Board is privileged to share with you the 2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter. As we look into the future and navigate an incredibly complex and dynamic environment, we must remain focused on our mission while actively engaging in national conversations regarding numerous wildland fire initiatives. In 2024, we prioritize building upon our successes and committing to continuous improvement. Key priorities and considerations for this year include: 

  • Determining Core Workload
  • Ensuring Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Success
  • Improving Efficiencies
  • Firefighter Health and Wellness
  • Engagement in National Conversations

Together we will continue to make significant strides in the challenging and vital work that lies ahead. 

 

References:

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

NWCG Welcomes NASA

Date: February 22, 2024
Contact: NWCG

NWCG welcomes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an associate member.

“As wildfires become larger and more frequent, NASA is working to apply our scientific and technological knowledge toward this national challenge, and integral to our approach is forging collaborative partnerships,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. 

 

References:

NASA News Release

NWCG