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PMS 448

Kit – First Aid, Type III, 24-person

NFES #
001604
Category
Kits
Updated
Storage and Shelf Life Checks
Yes
Storage and Shelf Life Procedure
2. Store in climate controlled environment.

Initial Inspection/Disposal Criteria

  1. Inspect case and/or bag for excessive wear and cleanliness. Inspect belt and buckles for serviceability.
  2. Open case and/or bag and inspect contents.
    1. Standard updated packing slip should be utilized while inventorying contents.
    2. Inspect contents and inspect expiration dates. Dispose of expired items.
    3. Inspect any items that require sanitary packaging for tears or other damage: dispose of if torn or damaged.
  3. Return to stock if item contents aren’t expired, kit seals are intact and item is clean and in unused condition.
  4. Refurbish if item seals are missing or broken, components were used, or if kit contains expired item.
  5. Dispose of damaged or expired components. Dispose of entire kit if it is not economically feasible to refurbish. Refurbishing Procedures

A. Cleaning - CLASS 2 CORDURA (MACHINE WASH OK)

  1. Clean bag as necessary. Allow any mud or loose dirt to dry, and remove using a stiff-bristle brush. If stains remain, wash as recommended below.
  2. Remove light oil and dirt stains by brushing with a solution of warm water and a mild detergent, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry. “Mild detergents” includes most home laundry detergents that contain no chlorine bleach or added scents.
  3. For heavier oil or grease, soak in water-soluble biodegradable degreaser for at least 30 minutes, brush with a bristle brush, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry.
  4. If machine washing, use only cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry.
  5. Where no other method is cleaning the fabric, wash with pressure washer set at wide fan, warm water, and only allow nozzle close enough as necessary for cleaning, the further away the better for the fabric. DO NOT MACHINE DRY. DO NOT USE BLEACH.

B. Repair

  1. Repair, or replace case and/or bag as needed.
  2. Replace damaged or expired items.

C. Testing for Performance--none

D. Repackaging

  1. Utilizing packing slip, replace items in elastic retainers or inside case.
  2. Hook belt buckles together and fold against back of bag on belt kit.
  3. Enclose in a clear plastic bag with kit label and expiration dates visible and then heat seal bag.
  4. Package 10 each NFES #001143 in NFES #002007 carton (24” x 16” x 16”).
  5. Package 10 each NFES #001604 in NFES# 002030 carton (24” x 16” x 12”).

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 25-001 Non-specification fire shelters

Date: January 15, 2025
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.

References:

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

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee

ETC Safety Warning 23-01

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Awards

Date: January 14, 2025
Contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee has awarded the 2023 Paul Gleason “Lead By Example” awards to individuals in the categories of Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, and Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Sam Bowen, Superintendent of the Mark Twain Veteran Crew with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Greg Titus, Zone Fire Management Officer for the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
  • Renae Crippen, Manager of the Blue Mountain Interagency Dispatch Center with the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Eric Carlson, Instructor with OMNA International.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Interview with Paul Gleason

Updated NWCG Standards for Water Scooping Operations, PMS 518

Date: December 19, 2024
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.

References:

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. 

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505