Upcoming S-359 : Medical Unit Leader

Prerequisites: Current certification as EMT or Equivalent
Pre-work: Online Component – Approx. 4 hours available at: S-359 MEDL (Blended-Online Component) 2025 | Wildland Fire Learning Portal

This course is designed to provide the skills and knowledge needed to perform in the role of Medical Unit Leader (MEDL). Topics include gathering information, organizing the medical unit, supervising the unit, evaluation, documentation, and demobilization.

This course is offered in a Blended Training format.  A Blended Training format combines elements of Online Training (OLT) with elements of Instructor-led Training (ILT).

Online Training component: In the OLT, students explore the knowledge and concepts required to meet the responsibilities of the MEDL from mobilization to various incident changes. Students are required to complete the OLT portion of the course and pass the assessment prior to taking the ILT portion. The OLT is estimated to take 3-4 hours to complete.

Instructor-led Training component: The ILT portion of the course provides scenario-based activities that allow participants to apply the knowledge and concepts required to meet the responsibilities of a MEDL identified in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Medical Unit Leader (MEDL). Activities will be assessed using NWCG Course Skill Assessments completed by the instructors. The ILT will be in-person, for 17 hours (approximately 2.5 days).