https://www.nols.edu/wilderness-medicine/courses/
On a quiet foothills trail, the hum of an electric bike is becoming a more common sound.
E-bikes are growing in popularity nationwide and are increasingly showing up across the Ridge to Rivers trail system in Boise. But Trail Manager David Gordon says many riders are using them in places where they are not allowed.
Despite signage posted throughout the system, Gordon said riders continue to bring e-bikes onto nonmotorized trails.
“Even though we’ve got our trails signed everywhere, we’re finding people riding e-bikes all over the place,” Gordon said.
Under current federal guidelines, e-bikes are classified as motorized vehicles. Because of that, they are only permitted on two motorized trails within the Ridge to Rivers system: Eighth Street Motorcycle Trail No. 4 and Femrites Patrol Trail No. 6.
“They’re really still only allowed on our two motorized trails, because federally, they’re still classified as a motorized vehicle,” Gordon said.
Gordon said the technology allows riders to travel farther and access areas that may otherwise be difficult to reach, which can lead to unintended impacts.
He said a growing concern goes beyond traditional e-bikes to include electric motorcycles, which are heavier and capable of higher speeds.
“They’re heavier, they go a lot faster,” Gordon said.
He said many of the riders using electric motorcycles are younger, including junior high and high school students. Some of the bikes can reach speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, creating safety risks on narrow, multi-use trails.
“There’s lots of people out there — little kids, dogs, older people — anyone that can be out there not expecting something coming around like a little motorcycle at a high rate of speed,” Gordon said.
In addition to safety concerns, officials say the vehicles can cause damage when riders leave designated trails.
“Thirty miles an hour is not uncommon, and they’re heavier, and those are really a safety concern, as well as the fact that they can easily travel off trail,” Gordon said.
As the busy trail season approaches, Ridge to Rivers officials say enforcement and signage will continue, but they emphasize that protecting the system ultimately depends on users.
“It takes the community to manage our trail system,” Gordon said.
There is a lot of confusion about the chainsaw protection standards and how they vary around the world.
Type C, Class 1, chainsaw fabric layers, chainspeed, test methods ….
Understanding the global chainsaw protection standards is becoming increasingly important as arborists explore work opportunities in different countries and as arborist retailers start shipping outside their home country.
We thought that it was time to put a comprehensive guide to chainsaw protection standards together. Grab your popcorn and read on.
The Two Main Global Chainsaw Protection Standards
Broadly speaking, all of the current global standards for chainsaw protective legwear can be classified under two headings: European and North American.
- European: currently this is ISO 11393, published in 2018, which replaced EN381
- North American: The USA standard,ASTM F1897, is the main document for North America so will be referred to in this paper.
The standards under either of these headings specify the general requirements for design and construction, the protective coverage areas, the performance testing needed, the certification process and the labelling and marking information required.
The Australian/New Zealand standard, AS/NZS 4453 and the Japanese standard JIS T 8125: 2022 are virtually direct copies of ISO 11393, so for the purposes of this paper these will be grouped under the European heading.
The Canadian standard, ASTM F3325, is very similar to ASTM F1897 so comes under the North American heading READ MORE
Your chainsaw safety gear is important. Really important. Continuing cases of chainsaw injuries show that there is a real need to educate chainsaw operators on the correct selection and use of chainsaw safety gear.
This guide examines the different styles and options of chainsaw PPE available to the user and how to choose the best chainsaw protection for your unique situation.
There are two main types of chainsaw safety apparel, chainsaw trousers or chainsaw chaps. Both have the special fabric permanently sewn into the garment. Within each of these styles of garment there are variations designed to meet the differing needs encountered by those who use a chainsaw.
When deciding which style and which product is best suited for your needs there are a number of factors to consider:
1. How often you use the chainsaw
2. The type of work you are doing
3. The environment you are working in
4. The quality/durability you desire
5. The standards and/or regulations governing the work you are doing
6. You/your company’s budget and safety culture
Factor 1: How often you use the chainsaw
If you are using a chainsaw frequently as part of your normal daily work, you should consider wearing chainsaw pants rather than chaps. In general, pants will be lighter overall than chaps worn over a pair of standard jeans. Chainsaw trousers will be more comfortable and there are no straps that can get snagged on branches or machinery.
Think about the time taken to put chaps on and off during a day, whereas with trousers you always have your chainsaw protection with you.
From a company’s perspective, if the staff are all wearing chainsaw trousers, you will have peace of mind knowing that good safety practices are being followed. With chaps, it is all too easy to avoid the hassle of putting them on just to perform a small cutting job.
Modern chainsaw trousers are made using technical fabrics and complex designs for a better fit and higher level of comfort. READ MORE
Tinker Bugs Prescribed Fire Tree Fatality SAI and Annual Incident Review Summary for 2025
Good afternoon all. Attached is the Annual Incident Review Summary for 2025 that the Lessons Learned Center just recently released. Within the summary for 2025, it includes 26 Hit by Tree incidents, 12 of which were during tree felling operations. Also highlighted are 11 chainsaw cut incidents, six that occurred because of kickback. The lessons and numbers affiliated with these events fill the pages with opportunities to learn. Please, take an opportunity to review these incidents and the links provided in the summary.
Also attached is the Tinker Bugs Prescribed Fire Hit by Tree Fatality Serious Accident Investigation where an Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) firefighter, Isabella Oscarson, was struck by a fire weakened tree causing fatal injuries while conducting prescribed fire operations on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. “This report is dedicated to her memory, her service, and the spirit of leadership and kindness she embodied. — Through Learning we honor the fallen.”
There are a number of incident reviews, including saw and tree related, on the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center database that are very easily filtered. If you aren’t familiar with the website, here is the link: https://lessons.fs2c.usda.gov/ Thanks and please let me know if you have any questions.
Tinker Bugs Prescribed Fire Hit by Tree Fatality Serious Accident Investigation
Outdoor communication keeps getting smarter, smaller, and, like all thing, more expensive. Garmin’s new inReach Mini 3 Plus ($499) adds a touchscreen, voice messaging, and photo sharing to a device that once prided itself on being almost stubbornly simple.
The new version jumps from a tiny grayscale screen and a handful of buttons to something closer to a stripped-down phone. It sends voice messages, supports photo viewing, allows photo sharing when paired with the Messenger app, and uses a touchscreen for faster navigation. It’s a sharp turn for a device best known for blunt practicality.
The core inReach pieces are still here. Two-way messaging, SOS support, and LiveTrack all remain, now delivered through a color screen with built-in audio tools. Battery life stretches up to 330 hours in 10-minute tracking mode, which should get most people through long trips without rationing power. READ FULL STORY
The Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel of clinicians and researchers to appraise and update the WMS clinical practice guidelines for out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia. The panel readdressed previously posed questions and considered additional questions not previously considered. All articles were considered, but those published between 2013 and 2019 were the focus of the review. The 2019 guidelines are the product of this effort. The guidelines focus on pre-hospital treatment, although hospital capabilities are discussed and considered for transport and triage recommendations.
Accidental hypothermia is the unintentional drop in core temperature to 35°C (95°F) or lower, and is a result of net heat loss from the body. For the purposes of out-of-hospital assessment, classification of hypothermia is based upon the clinical presentation of the patient. Core temperature is addressed, but this is frequently impossible to reliably, or safely, obtain in the field. The key considerations for classification and treatment are level of consciousness, alertness, intensity of shivering, physical capacity, and cardiovascular stability. The “Cold Card,” presented in the guidelines, provides a succinct summary and is easy to carry into the field.
The cold stressed patient [core temperature >35°C (95°F)], is not hypothermic. They have a normal mental status, coordination, are alert, and will be shivering to produce heat. The mildly hypothermic patient [core temperature 35-32°C (95-89.6°F)] will demonstrate impaired movement, often manifesting as poor coordination. They may be mildly tachycardic, but blood pressure will be normal. Moderate hypothermia [core temperature 32-28°C (89.6°-82.4°F)] is remarkable for worsening coordination, changing mental status, and decreased alertness. Shivering may still be present in patients with moderate hypothermia. Careful handling is imperative for these patients. Patients with severe/profound hypothermia [core temperature <28C° (82.4°F)] demonstrate a marked decrease in their level of consciousness, to the point of coma, will no longer be shivering, and demonstrate cardiac instability. These patients must be handled very carefully to prevent ventricular arrhythmias. If no pulse is present after a one-minute check, compressions should be started.
Treatment is progressive, depending on the state of hypothermia. Field rewarming begins with the prevention of further heat loss by protecting the patient from the environment – including the safe removal of wet clothing, and initiation of rewarming. Rescuers must be aware of the possibility of afterdrop and circumrescue collapse, both of which can be triggered by moving a patient from the horizontal position. After protection from the environment, methods of active field rewarming employ a combination of an insulative layer, a vapor barrier to prevent evaporative heat loss, and an external heat source. Examples of the heat source include chemical heat packs, forced air, and hot water bottles. Heat should be applied to the axilla and chest and care taken to monitor for burns. It is not recommended that small chemical heat packs (hand warmers) be used for core rewarming as they do not provide sufficient heat to affect core temperature. Immersion in warm water or a warm shower is not recommended for patients with hypothermia as it may lead to shock due to peripheral vasodilation.
Resuscitation of hypothermic patients differs from normothermic patients in that compressions are NOT started if there is any palpable pulse – regardless of rate. Rescuers should palpate for a pulse for at least one minute and only start compressions if no pulse is present. If a monitor is available, the rhythm should be assessed. A nonperfusing rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or asystole, is an indication to begin compressions. Organized electrical activity without a pulse (PEA) should be assessed with ETCO2 (end-tidal carbon dioxide) monitoring. If ETCO2 indicates there is perfusion, do no initiate compressions. Resuscitation is not initiated in patients with fixed, dilated pupils, obvious fatal injuries, and rigor mortis. Lividity is an unpredictable indicator in hypothermic patients so is not to be used as a sign of death.
Accidental hypothermia in the wilderness environment rarely occurs with readily available transport. In those needing active resuscitation, transporting is a challenge, however, and may be unsafe for rescuers. Compressions may be interrupted for up to 5 minutes while moving the patient. Compressions should resume for at least 5 minutes before the next interruption.
Once advanced field interventions are available, IV access should be attempted, and warm fluid resuscitation initiated. An AED or defibrillator may be employed for a shockable rhythm. If the body temperature is below 30°C (85°F), only one attempt should be made. Further attempts are indicated once the temperature is greater than 30°C. Medications for resuscitation should not be administered until the core temperature is above 30°C, and then intervals for administration should be doubled. If airway protection is indicated, it should be initiated when available. Ventilation rate should be guided by ETCO2, and if not available, care must be taken to not hyperventilate the patient.
Patients with moderate and severe hypothermia are to be transported to a hospital capable of caring for them. Patients with cold stress and mild symptoms need not be transported if they have been successfully treated in the field. Patients with hemodynamic instability, and especially those requiring compressions, should be transported to a facility capable of extracorporeal cardiac life support (ECLS), preferably extracorporeal membrane oxygenation although cardiopulmonary bypass is an option. Rescuers should use good judgement and not bypass a facility if transport times are lengthy. The transport vehicle should be heated to 28°C (82.4°F), however, may be quite uncomfortable for attendants and pilots.
The ultimate outcome for the hypothermic patient is dependent on prompt recognition and classification of symptoms, protection from further heat loss, initiation of active rewarming, gentle handling during rescue, and appropriate resuscitation. In cases of severe and hemodynamically unstable hypothermia, transport to an ECLS capable facility will further improve the patient’s chances for survival.
Introduction
Prior to 2001, tourniquets (TQ) were inferiorly made, lacked evidence and effective training, and their use was discouraged. However, with effective modern TQ science, development, and TQ inclusion into the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) guidelines, TQs became universally accepted by 2006 in the military as the primary option for extremity arterial bleeding. Eventually TQ use transitioned with success to civilian Emergency Medical Service/Fire Department personnel, Law Enforcement personnel, and first responders. Yet, there still is a need to overcome TQ myths (Table 1). Additionally, history reveals from WWII to present that mistakes will occur when applying a TQ (Table 2). For instance, many TQs have been applied to injured extremities without life-threatening bleeding in both military and civilian casualties. Many of these applied TQs were inappropriate since many were placed without visualizing the wound when not in a direct threat environment. In addition, when TQs are applied for over 2 hours, there will be progressive damage that may result in muscle necrosis, need for fasciotomy, renal failure, amputation, and death. This suggests a greater need for TQ education and training.
PDF: Tourniquet Lessons Learned from Ukraine and Israel
As an outcome from recent TQ lessons learned in the Ukraine and Israel wars, an article by Colonel John Holcomb, MD and colleagues was recently published in the Journal of Trauma, December 2023. They describe a renewed attention and education about how to avoid prolonged TQ application as recommended in the TCCC guidelines (See Massive Hemorrhage and Circulation sections – Table 3). It is our intent to provide the wilderness medical provider information about: 1) TQ replacement and TQ conversion (ideally performed no later than 2 hours after being applied); and 2) ensure the reader has up-to-date CoTCCC resources with the current TQ replacement/TQ conversion education and training.
#2 Accident/Incident Narrative (Broken Foot):
Date/Time of Near Miss
05/31/2025 3:30 PM
Location (trail number and description of scene)
3382, Chimney Peak trail southeast of Middle Santiam Wilderness
Weather: Warm, sunny
Trail work activity (relating to incident)
Logging with power saws
Description of Near Miss
Sawyer was standing on a large log cutting a 40″ log that was on top of the log the sawyer was standing on. The objective was to cut the upper log so that it dropped to the ground and make a less complex cut at the trail. The sawyer made an offside cut on the downhill side of the log, moved to the uphill onside and started the onside cut. The sawyer stopped cutting while another person assisted with starting a wedge into the offside then moved to a safe area. The sawyer continued the onside cut for a short time and was getting ready to place a wedge in the kerf in the top of the log. The onside cut was started but did not get very far when the log split out, driving the uncut portion toward the sawyer and down. The chainsaw was thrown to the ground away from the sawyer. The uncut portion of the log hit the sawyer’s left foot on the way down. The log’s fibers were compromised by rot more so at the current cut than at the previous cut only a few feet further up the log. The sawyer was able to hike back to the trailhead.
Lessons learned; Recommendations to avoid similar event in the future:
Rotting fiber in a log can change within a few feet. Don’t expect that the holding wood will be the same a short distance away from a previous cut. Stand as far away as possible when doing the onside cut.
https://wildernessskillsinstitute.org/nrwsi/sessions/
The 2025 Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute will be held from May 19 – 23, 2025. Sessions will start at 11 AM PT on Monday and conclude at 12 PM PT on Friday. To allow for flexibility in sessions this year you are allowed to register for one session on Monday and Tuesday, and one session on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. You must register for two sessions and stay for the entire week. The exception to this is the Crosscut Saw C- Recertification and Host A/B Course and Advanced Trail Maintenance courses which are week-long.
COST: There is no cost to attend.
FOOD: On your own – no food provided. Participants will handle their own meals. Cooking facilities may be provided – more information will be provided ahead of the event.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY- Registration will close April 1st.
ATTENDANCE PREREQUISITE:
- Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training class “Wilderness Act of 1964” online class – The Wilderness Act of 1964 – Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center (iu.edu)
This online course is recommended to be taken before attending the Northern Rockies Wilderness Skills Institute but is optional. This is a free class, which includes reading short narratives, listening to audio, interactive graphics, and quizzes. The purpose of The Wilderness Act of 1964 course is to acquaint you with the contents of this law and equip you to consider its impact in managing a wilderness area; this is foundational material relevant to everyone working in wilderness stewardship. We have designed the sessions at the Wilderness Skills Institute assuming you have already taken this class and have learned this foundational material. Feedback from past students has shown that most people prefer to take this class on their own before the full session, so that they can go at their own pace and have time to reflect on what they learned. The average time it takes students is 2.5 hours. You can stop and start the class anytime you want – you don’t have to take it all at once. Once at the Wilderness Skills Institute, please be prepared to discuss what you learned from the class, what surprised you, and what was the most important thing you got from the curriculum. 
NRWSI_25_Flyer (PDF)
Description:
A sawyer suffered burns when the chainsaw he was operating ignited. He had just refueled. It appears the quarter-turn “toolless” fuel cap was not fully aligned, seated, and sealed when he flipped the saw to carry it over his shoulder. Fuel poured out of the tank and was ignited by open flame. Snag Fire Sawyer Burn Injuries RLS.pdf (532.5 KB)
Supplementary Saw Accident and Near Miss Sharing:
National USFS Saw Accident / Near Miss Reporting Form (office.com)
Other opportunities to share:
- Wildfire Lessons Learned Center, Rapid Lesson Sharing (RLS) portal: https://lessons.wildfire.gov/submit-a-lesson.
- National Wildfire Coordinating Group, Fuel Geysering Incident Reporting Form: https://www.nwcg.gov/committees/equipment-technology-committee/national-fuel-geyser-awareness.
If you have any more information that you would like to share regarding your incident, please email your Regional Saw Program Manager.
- R1 – Adam Washebek, adam.j.washebek@usda.gov
- R2 – Brian Teets, brian.teets@usda.gov
- R3 – Kerry Wood (PoC), kerry.wood@usda.gov
- R4 – Brian Burbridge, brian.burbridge@usda.gov
- R5 – Mitch Hokanson, mitchell.hokanson@usda.gov
- R6- Aaron Pedersen, aaron.pedersen@usda.gov
- R8- Patrick Scott, patrick.scott2@usda.gov
- R9 – Shawn Maijala (detailed), shawn.maijala@usda.gov
- R10 – Austin O’Brien, austin.obrien1@usda.gov
National SPM – Dan McLaughlin (detailed), daniel.mclaughlin@usda.gov
Burbridge, Brian – FS, UT <brian.burbridge@usda.gov>
Good afternoon all, Below is a good RLS where a tree being felled went in an unintended direction and struck a swamper involved in the operation. Thankfully all involved were treated and released from the hospital. This is a good opportunity to have a conversation about the good side/bad side of the tree and the natural lean of a tree. When things don’t go as planned and the hinge is inadvertently compromised, where will the tree likely fall? Thanks.
Trail Volunteer Sawyer Workshops-DTS
Dates: Classroom September 30, 2023 / Field Day October 1, 2023
Workshop information: Classroom / Field Day
EPSON MFP image
About this item
Non-pneumatic trauma bandage
Can apply 30-40+ lbs of pressure to the wound
Multi-functional bandage for various wounds
Compact, lightweight, waterproof, and vacuum sealed packaging
Sterile, best-in-class 8-year shelf life
Integrated pressure bar exerts immediate and direct pressure to the wound
Built-in closure bar: no pins, no clips, no tape, no hook-and-loop, no knots
Non-adherent 6″ pad eliminates pain during removal and prevents wound re-opening
The following list sets forth the minimally acceptable number and type of first-aid supplies for first-aid kits required under paragraph (d)(2) of the logging standard. The contents of the first-aid kit listed should be adequate for small work sites, consisting of approximately two to three employees. When larger operations or multiple operations are being conducted at the same location, additional first-aid kits should be provided at the work site or additional quantities of supplies should be included in the first-aid kits:
1. Gauze pads (at least 4 x 4 inches).
2. Two large gauze pads (at least 8 x 10 inches).
3. Box adhesive bandages (band-aids).
4. One package gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide.
5. Two triangular bandages.
6. Wound cleaning agent such as sealed moistened towelettes.
7. Scissors.
8. At least one blanket.
9. Tweezers.
10. Adhesive tape.
11. Latex gloves.
12. Resuscitation equipment such as resuscitation bag, airway, or
pocket mask.
13. Two elastic wraps.
14. Splint.
15. Directions for requesting emergency assistance.
[59 FR 51672, Oct. 12, 1994; 60 FR 47022, Sept. 8, 1995]
Travis Dotson and Alex Viktora discuss the Tree Felling Accident Analysis – a report comparing 53 different tree felling accidents.
Topics covered include:
Predicting Tree Reactions
Hung-Up Trees
Helmets
Two People at the Base
Area Control
Escape Routes
Accidents During Training
If you have anything to do with chainsaws on the fireline…tune in.
Download the report at: https://www.wildfirelessons.net/viewdocument/tree-felling-accident-analysis