11 Burning Questions

By Gene Madden

Find out everything you've always wanted to know about wildfire EMS but were afraid to ask.

How can I become a medical unit leader (MEDL)?

You must successfully complete the NWCG Medical Unit Leader course, S-359. Depending on your agency requirements, you must be a current (or former) EMT (or higher level). Visit www.na.fs.fed.us/firetraining/news_info.htm for current course offerings. Your agency may have additional requirements. For example, the Forest Service requires possession of a current EMT card.

Several other things are needed to be an MEDL:
- Red Card
  Speak to your federal or state forestry office about becoming "Red Carded." This may involve the successful completion of basic ICS courses.
- PTB
  Properly initiate a Position Task Book, and complete it within five years to become a fully qualified MEDL. Becoming associated with and known to an IMT usually speeds this process along.
- Fitness and other training Presently, no physical fitness level is needed for the MEDL, but some agencies may require a higher level of fitness. Prior or current certification as an EMT is required. Basic ICS (ICS-100 through 300/IS-700) and fire behavior courses (S-110, L-380) are encouraged and may be required by an agency.
What is an IMSM?

IMSM is the mnemonic for the Incident Medical Specialist Manager. IMSM positions are found in the Northern Rockies (R1) and the Northwest (R6) regions. Most IMSMs are also MEDLs. They manage the field deployment of the Incident Medical Specialist teams, consisting of two or three people. Many are "assigned" to their regional IMTs. Both areas also have regional IMS coordinators. The IMS programs have proved over the years to be responsive to the needs of their regions, as well as progressive and cost-effective, saving their regions in treatment and lost time.
What is the Firemedic program?

This is a program similar to the IMS program, but it is operational only in Alaska. Both the Firemedic and IMS programs require additional annual or biannual training in addition to maintaining basic EMS credentials.
Can I be sued? Should I obtain insurance?

The best way to ensure you cannot be sued successfully is to be thoroughly trained, properly credentialed and operating within the scope of practice and under a recognized medical authority. Carrying current professional liability insurance, or PLI, is always recommended. Certain agencies may provide reimbursement for all or a portion of PLI.

If you have more questions or an interest in wildfire EMS, visit the National Wildfire Coordinating Group's Incident Emergency Medical Task Group Web site.

Gene Madden is the safety officer of the Atlanta-based National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) for the U.S. Forest Service. Prior to joining the Forest Service, Gene was with the Florida Division of Forestry, for 16+ years. While with the Division of Forestry he was responsible for a number of programs including wildfire safety, driving, EMS and worker compensation programs.