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S-359, Medical Unit Leader (Blended)

Course Title
Medical Unit Leader (Blended)
Training Required For
MEDL 310-1 Training Path 01
Version Date

2025

Previous Certification Dates

2000-03

Course Number
S-359
Course Description

This course is designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to perform in the role of Medical Unit Leader (MEDL). Topics include gathering information, organizing the medical unit, supervising the unit, evaluation, documentation, and demobilization.

This course is offered in a Blended Training format. A Blended Training format combines elements of Online Training (OLT) with elements of Instructor-led Training (ILT).

Online Training component: In the OLT, students explore the knowledge and concepts required to meet the responsibilities of the MEDL from mobilization to various incident changes. Students are required to complete the OLT portion of the course and pass the assessment prior to taking the ILT portion. The OLT is estimated to take 3-4 hours to complete.

Instructor-led Training component: The ILT portion of the course provides scenario-based activities that allow participants to apply the knowledge and concepts required to meet the responsibilities of a MEDL identified in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL). Activities will be assessed using NWCG Course Skill Assessments completed by the instructors. The ILT will be in-person, for 17 hours (approximately 2.5 days).

Course Objective

Plan, staff, and manage the medical unit.

Lead Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Medical Unit Leader (MEDL).
Format
Blended
Business Steward
SRC Safety/Risk Management Committee
Unit Instructor Minimum Qualifications
Lead and unit instructors must be qualified as Medical Unit Leader (MEDL).
Alternate Delivery Mode
Not Applicable
Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors to facilitate activities and discussion and to enable positive instructor to student interactions.

Class Size Recommendations

Recommended class size is 24 students. Instructors should maintain a 6:1 ratio of students to instructors to facilitate activities and discussion and to enable positive instructor to student interactions.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

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