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

Duvall Creek IWI Case Study

A case study involving a medical extrication on a wildfire in western Oregon. The person in charge of the extrication had to decide the best method to get the patient to definitive medical care. This case study examines their decision and the factors they had to consider.

Category: Case Studies

Core Component(s):

Local Topics, Incident Reviews and Lessons Learned

Estimated Delivery Time: 50 minutes

Video Length: 9:21

Intent

Review the decisions and outcome of the Duvall Creek IWI on the Anvil Fire, explain the capabilities and limitations of REMS and short-haul, and discuss factors in deciding which to use.

Facilitator Preparation

Review the video, module tools, and additional resources linked below.
Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to your location and agency.
Guide discussion based on the Risk Management Process and the indicated sections in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461. Provide copies of the IRPG for students to utilize and answer questions.

Facilitating the Discussion

Show the video.
Pause when directed.
Facilitate a discussion using the Discussion Questions below.
(Optional) Conduct additional activities pertinent to your location.
Discuss group responses.

Discussion Questions

Situation

What happened and how quickly was it communicated to the appropriate parties? What options were available to resolve the situation? What factors did the Medical IWI IC need to consider before making a decision?

Analysis

What would you have done if you were the Medical IWI IC? Consult the following sections in your IRPG to inform your decision: “Planning for Medical Emergencies (Green).” “Helicopter Extraction Operations (Red).” If time allows, read the Rapid Lesson Sharing document below for more context.

Application

Consider your local unit. What is the terrain like? What resources are available in an emergency medical extraction? What SMEs (subject matter experts) may be available on your unit who may be able to offer more insight?

Resources

Document: Anvil Fire Extraction RLS
Publication: NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461

Additional Video Information

The video is also available as a download (zip file, size 1.23 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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Last Modified / Reviewed: October 22, 2025

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Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form.

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025

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Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130?
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

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Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day.

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

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WFSTAR Catalogue

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Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
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The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

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Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
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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.

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