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Compartment Syndrome

Compartment syndrome

Most of our muscles are divided into compartments surrounded by fascia which is not very giving (the silver skin for those who hunt). Compartment syndrome is a painful condition that occurs when pressure within the muscle compartment builds to dangerous levels.
This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells.
Small nerve and muscle cells can die leading to permanent disability, weakness, and numbness.

Image
Leg on left shows section of calf that would be swollen, and a cross section of the calf shows where the anterior compartment area of muscle is located.

Classic signs and symptoms

  1. Muscle pain and cramping
  2. Swelling of the affected limb
  3. Weakness and decreased range of motion in the affected limb
  4. Tingling, burning or numbness

Two types to consider:

Non-Traumatic/Exertional

  • The pain and swelling are caused by physical exertion. People who participate in activities with repetitive motions, such as running or marching, are more likely to develop non traumatic compartment syndrome.
  • This may be relieved by discontinuing the physical activity and rest. It is commonly mistaken as shin splints in the lower leg.
  • This may become a surgical emergency and require surgical treatment.

Traumatic 

  • Caused by a variety of things:
    • Broken bone
    • Badly bruised muscle
    • Crush type injuries
    • Anabolic steroid use
    • Constricting bandages or clothing
  • Traumatic compartment syndrome is considered a surgical emergency and requires surgical treatment.

Watch Outs:

  • A swollen, painful limb that does not improve with rest can be a sign of a significant emergency and should be treated in an emergency department.
  • Any numbness or weakness in the limb should mandate transport for professional medical evaluation.

Discussion Questions:

  • Your leg is swollen and sore after a long day of physical work.  What should you do?
  • Your crew member has been resting his swollen leg for a couple hours and now says it is tingling and cramping, what are your next steps?
     
Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
Compartment Syndrome in Wildland Firefighters (USFS)


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Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters. Non-specification fire shelters claiming to meet Forest Service (FS) fire shelter specification 5100-606 were first found in February of 2023. As of September 2024, non-specification shelters are again being advertised and sold on the open market.

This Safety Warning outlines details and recommended procedures to purchase FS specification shelters made with materials and components that meet performance criteria and toxicity testing requirements outlined in FS Specification 5100-606. 

For additional information on identifying non-specification shelters, please view ETC Safety Warning 23-01.

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ETC Safety Warning 25-001: Non-specification fire shelters

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

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Contact: Leadership Committee

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Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

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Contact: Water Scooper Operations Unit

The NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518 establishes the standards for dispatching, utilizing, and coordinating water scooping aircraft on interagency wildland fires. These standards should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision (SAS), PMS 505, and any local, state, or geographic/regional water scooping plans.

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NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Updated NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: December 19, 2024
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee

The Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee has updated the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505. PMS 505 establishes standards for aerial supervision operations for national interagency wildland fire operations. 

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NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505