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PMS 448

PMS 448

PMS 448

Introduction

COVID-19 Refurb Guidelines

References

All Categories

Aviation

Camp

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PPE

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Water Handling

Deleted Items

Litter – S.K.E.D

NFES #
001670
Category
Medical
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
None

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect for blood or other bodily fluids, alert supervisor for further instructions.
  2. Visually inspect for cuts or tears in plastic surface, soiled surface, missing parts such as straps or fasteners. Inspect for structural damage such as grommets pulled out. Inspect all straps; handles (web gear) are intact and functional.
  3. Return to service if item is clean and in unused condition.
  4. Refurbish if item is soiled or has damaged components that are easily repaired or replaced.
  5. Dispose of S.K.E.D. if there are cuts or tears to plastic materials, webbing and straps are damaged beyond repairs that is economically feasible. See local protocol for proper disposal of items that possess biological hazards.
  6. Retain all serviceable components for replacement on other litters.

Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning

  1. Wash S.K.E.D. with a disinfectant and warm water.
  2. Wash with power washer and hang to dry.

B. Repair

  1. Replace worn or damaged straps or fasteners.
  2. Replace missing or damaged grommets.

C. Testing for Performance

  • Reassemble to ensure completeness and all parts are fitting properly.

D. Repackaging

  1. Roll up S.K.E.D. (using rubber gloves for better grip) small enough to fit into case.
  2. Fasten retaining strap tightly so S.K.E.D. can be easily extracted.

 

Reference

For information and parts lists see:

SKEDCO, Inc.
PO Box 230487
Portland, OR. 97281
Phone: 800–770–7533

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

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

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters