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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 wildland firefighters hiking down a valley to a fire. Black topo map and WFSTAR logo on left.

Patient Assessment

This video features subject matter experts guiding you through the process of patient assessment with the help of the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG).
Category: Medical
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety
Estimated Delivery Time: 20 minutes
Video Length: 8:07

Remote Video

Intent

This module shows firefighters how to use standardized checklists from the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461, during emergency responses. These tools improve communication and guide you through medical procedures. Firefighters with minimal medical experience can utilize the Patient Assessment and Medical Incident Response (MIR) checklists in the IRPG.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Consider additional activities and discussion questions relevant to the geographic location and your respective agency.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using the activity and discussion questions.
  • Present the scenario below and guide students through the exercise.

Scenario

You are on a single resource assignment as a heavy equipment boss on the Wolf Jaw Fire. In preparation for a burnout operation, you have been working with a skid steer operator for three days to move deadfall from a fireline.

At 10:00 AM on the third day, you watch as the skid steer operator grabs one end of a tree with the grapple and begins pushing it into the planned burn area. The tree meets resistance against a standing tree, slips off the grapple and smashes through the skid steer’s front glass. The operator reverses, stops, and then yells to you for help. You assist the operator out of the skid steer and have them sit on the ground. You notice blood seeping through the operator’s pants but cannot immediately see the extent of the wound. The operator says they feel dizzy and nauseous.

What do you do now? Discuss as a class

The top of the tree (in blue circle) smashed through the skid steer glass and hit the operator.
Image 1: The top of the tree (in blue circle) smashed through the skid steer glass and hit the operator. 
The skid steer glass was smashed by the tree.
Image 2: The skid steer glass was smashed by the tree.

Conduct Activity (Optional) 

  • Divide the class.
  • Give each group the Activity Questions below.
  • Discuss group responses. 

Activity Questions 

  1. Find the Patient Assessment page in your IRPG.
  2. Find the Medical Incident Report in your IRPG.
  3. What is the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) check used for? What are additional considerations to ABC?
  4. Go to Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center and search for “Schenk” or “Schenk Prescribed Fire Hit by Tree 2024.” Read the Rapid Lesson Sharing report (RLS). Discuss how your responses to the activity compare to this real life success story.

Resources

Table of Abbreviations:

  • ABC: Airway, Breathing, Circulation. The most important considerations of life threats in addition to blood loss.
  • IRPG: Incident Response Pocket Guide
  • MIR: Medical Incident Report, often referred to as a MIR report.
  • RLS: Rapid Lesson Sharing

Additional Video Information

  • The video is also available as a download (Size 1.23GB); with the .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 and Firefox, right click the word download and select Save Link As; for IE, right click and select Save Target As.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center