Dog Head Fire Medical Preparedness 2016

This incident was just like all the others happening in the area at this time except for two distinct resources committed to this fire: a Rapid Extraction Module and a Medical Doctor.

In an effort to provide the best care for firefighters, the Incident Management Team was able to utilize a contract to secure the services of a local medical doctor. Dr. Linda Stogner is the medical director of several local clinics and is a former wildland firefighter. Dr. Stogner was available to treat injured firefighters and advise the Medical Unit Leader on patient transport decisions. In one instance, the doctor was able to quickly stich-up a cut on the arm of one individual, resulting in timely treatment and return to work, as well as a cost savings. Dr. Stogner also treated multiple heat-related injuries. Having a doctor assigned to the incident alleviated any possible dilemma in determining the appropriate level of care for a given injury or illness. Firefighters had immediate access to a physician and the IMT had piece of mind. The IC commented, “We had a little trouble getting the contract approved for the doctor, but I pushed because it just felt like the right thing to do.”

RLS, Medical Emergency, Large Fire