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Firefighter Nutrition

 

Nutrition is a critical part of the health and safety of wildland fire suppression personnel. This is the fuel for the body to perform the work and maintain cognitive abilities. Wildland firefighters on the fireline need 4,000 to 6,000 calories a day to avoid an energy deficit. 

Consider the following key points when choosing your meal:

  • There are three major energy sources in food: carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
  • Carbohydrates (also called sugar) offer an immediate source of energy for your body. They provide the fuel for your muscles and organs, such as your brain.
  • Proteins are the basic building blocks of the human body. They are made up of amino acids that help build muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails, and internal organs.
  • Fat is an essential nutrient that provides energy, energy storage, insulation, and contour to the body.
  • National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) recommends eating 150 to 200 kcals every two hours during the work shift to maintain blood glucose and energy levels.  

Carbohydrates:

  • Studies on athletes have shown that carbohydrates are the most critical energy source for performance and health.
  • Carbohydrates are your body’s first choice for fuel. If given a choice of several types of foods simultaneously, your body will use the energy from carbohydrates first.
  • If you do not eat enough carbohydrates, the following can occur:
    • Fatigue.
    • Muscle cramps.
    • Poor mental function.
  • Fire camp lunches are designed to allow firefighters small amounts of food (primarily carbohydrates) that can be easily eaten throughout the work shift.

Discussion Points:

How are you eating your fire lunch? Is it all at once or in small amounts throughout the day? Think of long-duration events (ultra runs, triathlons). Do athletes stop for a big meal or eat small amounts constantly throughout the race?

 

This topic was submitted by Joe Domitrovich, Ph.D., Exercise Physiologist, Missoula Technology and Development Center. 

 

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
Eating for Health and Performance (web presentation)
MTDC Tech Tip on Nutrition (2007)
NWCG Fitness and Work Capacity, PMS 304-2, Ch 10


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The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)

Date: October 16, 2024
Contact: Incident Medical Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39 and NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for MEDL includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book, were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Medical Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader, PMS 350-39

NWCG Position Task Book for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL), PMS 311-39

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal is Now Available

Date: October 9, 2024
Contact: Wildland Fire Learning Portal

The Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) is back online following a migration to a new learning management system (LMS) application. The WFLP team is actively addressing any issues that may arise as a result of the update, and appreciates your patience as the team works to enhance your experience. NWCG will share information from the WFLP as it is available.

Should you have any issues with accessing or using the WFLP, please use the link below to submit a ticket through the Help Center.

References:

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Wildland Fire Learning Portal Help Center

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases New Equipment Bulletins

Date: September 27, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released three new Equipment Bulletins:

  • ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers.
  • ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories.
  • ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance.

These bulletins remind field going personnel of important issues related to equipment for wildland firefighting efforts.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC-EB-24-003 Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers

ETC-EB-24-004 Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories

ETC-EB-24-005 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee is looking for your feedback on Staff Rides

Date: September 20, 2024
Contact: Ashleigh D'Antonio and George Risko, Leadership Committee

The Experiential Learning Subcommittee needs to hear from the field about where the greatest need lies regarding staff rides and their accessibility.

  • Do you have an event you would like to turn into a learning experience?
  • Do you have a staff ride built, but are struggling to implement the delivery?
  • Do you need help building capacity?
  • What other ideas do you have to support experiential leadership training?

Fill out this short survey below to help us help you.

References:

Staff Rides: Feedback

Staff Rides