Wildfire Emergency Medical Services

Ojectives EMS roles during wildland incidents Types of injuries Wildland Terminology Fire Shelters

Well known fires where firefighters sustained injuries

EMS Roles During Wildland Incidents Provide non-emergent care –Band aids –Splinting –Heat exposure –Obtain vital signs –Rehab

EMS Roles During Wildland Incidents Provide emergency care –Burns –Fractures –Respiratory/Cardiac arrest –Chest Pain –Difficulty breathing/SOB

Wildfire! Terminology –Wildland Fire Term used for forest fire incidents –Head Top of the fire –Flank Sides of the ire –Point of Origin Where the fire started

Wildfire! Terminology –Heel Bottom of the fire –Anchor Point Place to start constructing fireline –Fireline Used to control the edges of the fire

Wildfire! Terminology –Mop Up Digging up all the hot spots –Retardant/Foam Used to put out fire-Wet heavy thick liquid –Tanker Aircraft that carries retardant or water –Lookouts Person(s) that watches fire and weather conditions

Wildfire! Terminology –Communications Communicating between crew and other personnel –Escape Routes The fastest safest route to you safety zone –Safety Zones An area to retreat and escape the fire –Wildland Urban Interface Buildings built in amongst the woods and wilderness –Spot Fire Fire that has started as a result of the main fire.

Wildfire! Terminology –10 standard firefighting orders –18 Watch Out Situations –Many others……………………

L C E SL C E S

Lookouts

Communications

Escape Routes

Safety Zones

10 Standard Firefighting Orders Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts. Know what your fire is doing at all times. Base all conditions on current and expected behavior of the fire. Identify escape routes and safety zones, and make them known.

10 Standard Firefighting Orders Post lookouts when there is possible danger. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively. Maintain prompt communications with your forces, your supervisor and adjoining forces. Give clear instructions and ensure they are understood.

10 Standard Firefighting Orders Maintain control of your forces. Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.

18 Watch Out Situations Fire not scouted and sized up. In country not seen in daylight. Safety zones and escape routes not identified. Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior. Uninformed on strategy, tactics, and hazards.

18 Watch Out Situations Instructions and assignments not clear. No communication link with crew members/supervisor. Constructing fireline without safe anchor point. Building fireline downhill with fire below. Attempting frontal assault on a fire. Unburned fuel between you and the fire.

18 Watch Out Situations Cannot see main fire, not in contact with anyone who can. On a hillside where rolling material can ignite fuel below. Weather is hotter and drier. Wind increases and/or changes direction. Getting frequent spot fires across line.

18 Watch Out Situations Terrain and fuels make escape to safety zones difficult. Taking a nap near the fireline.

Fire Shelters A personal protection item carried by firefighters which forms a tent-like shelter of heat reflective material. Looks like a tin foil tent Although not optimal, you can have more than one person inside. Must wear all PPE when using.