A lack of medical and mental health resources is reflected throughout wildland fire management. Prescribed Fire Training Exchanges (TREXs) can address these issues by incorporating thorough planning and providing quality experiential learning and/or support in a safe environment at every TREX event. We would love for all TREX events to require basic training in emergency medical and mental health response before fire is on the ground or have qualified personnel on site that can help manage an emergency.
In partnership with the Fire Learning Network, The Ember Alliance created the TREX Medical Risk Management Guide (MRMG), and The Medical Risk Management Pocket Guide, which are intended to support TREX planners and participants by providing tools and training materials. These documents will help prepare for medical and mental health emergencies as part of the TREX planning phase. These documents will also support the IMT and participants in the event of an actual medical or mental health emergency during their TREX. Lastly, another goal is to conduct scenario-based training to improve participants’ awareness of medical emergencies and response protocol.
“Medical knowledge and support are often underrepresented on prescribed fires. We all hope emergencies never occur, but it is important to be prepared and educated about how to manage that type of situation. Being able to bring that peace of mind to the fireline is unmatched.”
– Leah Mathys
Thanks to support from the Fire Learning Network, The Nature Conservancy, Blackfoot Challenge and other local partners, TEA Staff were able to attend the Blackfoot TREX near Missoula, Montana. Our staff was able to provide Fireline medical support as an EMT on site for three days while TREX participants were out doing prescribed fire burning. Read more about the Blackfoot TREX.
