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RT-130 (WFSTAR)

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RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)

RT-130 Decorative banner. Group of photos depicting wildland firefighters performing various duties.

Emergency Medical Care Guidelines

Wildland firefighters perform dangerous work in remote locations. At a minimum, all are trained in basic first aid. Regardless of level of medical training, all firefighters must be equipped to respond to a medical emergency. Review Emergency Medical Care Guidelines and other useful references in the IRPG Emergency Medical Care pages to better prepare yourself for a potential medical incident.
Category: Medical
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 11:54

Intent

Wildland firefighters perform dangerous work in remote locations. At a minimum, all are trained in basic first aid. Regardless of level of medical training, all firefighters must be equipped to respond to a medical emergency. Review the Emergency Medical Care Guidelines and other useful references in the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, in the Emergency Medical Care section (red) to better prepare yourself for a potential medical incident.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Reference the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461. Provide copies of the IRPG for students to utilize and answer questions.
  • Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to the location and agency.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Share the intent of the module with the class.
  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using discussion questions and the IRPG.

Discussion Questions

  1. Locate and review the Emergency Medical Care Guidelines in the IRPG. Identify one take-away message from each section (Legality, Blood-Borne Pathogens, Treatment Principles, and Medical Response Procedures).
  2. Locate and review additional IRPG references that may be applicable during a medical incident. Identify how the following resources in the Emergency Medical Care section may be used:
    1. Patient Assessment, Specific Treatments, CPR, and Medical Incident Report (MIR)
    2. Refer to 6 Minutes for Safety’s Serious Injuries Procedures to support discussion.
  3. How does your module deal with emergency medical situations? 
    1. Discuss how this plan may differ during project work, wildfire response, or physical training?
    2. What critical roles may be needed during an incident within an incident (medical incident commander, primary medical personnel, scribe, radio communicator, etc.)?
    3. What transport options are available in your area (i.e., agency vehicle, ground ambulance, agency ship, hoist ship, short-haul extraction, etc.)?
    4. Refer to related WFSTAR modules (Incident within an Incident, Preparing for Wildfire Medevac, and Short-Haul Medevac Exercise) to support discussion.
  4. Review how your module communicates using handheld and mobile radios. 
    1. What specific channels should be used during a medical incident (dispatch, ICP command, air-to-ground, etc.)?
    2. Reference the Medical Plan (ICS 206 WF) and discuss how to communicate critical medical information.
  5. What medical gear do you have on your module? 
    1. Where is it located? 
    2. How does your crew practice use of medical equipment throughout the fire season?
    3. How does your module ensure maintenance of medical equipment and medications (AED batteries, oxygen tanks, expiration dates for medications, etc.)?

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (Size 1.3 GB) with .srt file for closed captioning (you may need to right click and Save As). For information on how to add closed captioning to a video, see this how to page.
  • Note: For Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, right click the word download and select Save Link As; for IE, right click and select Save Target As.

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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

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal