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PMS 448

Kit – First Aid, Type III, 24-person

NFES #
001604
Category
Kits
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
2. Store in climate controlled environment.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect case and/or bag for excessive wear and cleanliness. Inspect belt and buckles for serviceability.
  2. Open case and/or bag and inspect contents.
    1. Standard updated packing slip should be utilized while inventorying contents.
    2. Inspect contents and inspect expiration dates. Dispose of expired items.
    3. Inspect any items that require sanitary packaging for tears or other damage: dispose of if torn or damaged.
  3. Return to stock if item contents aren’t expired, kit seals are intact and item is clean and in unused condition.
  4. Refurbish if item seals are missing or broken, components were used, or if kit contains expired item.
  5. Dispose of damaged or expired components. Dispose of entire kit if it is not economically feasible to refurbish. Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning - CLASS 2 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

  1. Clean bag as necessary. Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry, and remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.
  2. Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.
  3. For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.
  4. If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.
  5. Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric. DO NOT MACHINE DRY. DO NOT USE BLEACH.

B. Repair

  1. Repair, or replace case and/or bag as needed.
  2. Replace damaged or expired items.

C. Testing for Performance--none

D. Repackaging

  1. Utilizing packing slip, replace items in elastic retainers or inside case.
  2. Hook belt buckles together and fold against back of bag on belt kit.
  3. Enclose in a clear plastic bag with kit label and expiration dates visible and then heat seal bag.
  4. Package 10 each NFES #001143 in NFES #002007 carton (24” x 16” x 16”).
  5. Package 10 each NFES #001604 in NFES# 002030 carton (24” x 16” x 12”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources