Hats off to our OMSP Providers

Some occupations within the BLM can take employees into remote and potentially hazardous areas. Although safety is the top priority and we work diligently to mitigate risks, accidents can happen. That’s why the BLM has developed the Operational Medical Support Program (OMSP).

The OMSP is authorized under the Fire and Aviation Directorate to primarily take care of our employees while working in remote and potentially hazardous conditions where traditional emergency medical services (EMS) may be significantly delayed or unable to respond. OMSP providers are BLM employees who function in the program as a collateral duty – about 250 individuals bureauwide. To qualify, they hold valid red cards, are certified as an emergency medical responder, emergency medical technicians or paramedics, and pass annual refresher and skills verification courses. 

That annual training took place this week at the Montana/Dakotas State Office. Seventeen participants from the MT/DKs came together to learn and practice their skills. After a day of classroom learning and review, they moved out to the mobile campus for more practice. Heavy rain preempted the planned outdoor scenarios. 

As part of the 50th annual National EMS Week, the NWCG Emergency Medical Committee has awarded the BLM OMSP providers the Outstanding Wildfire EMS Team of the year award, which “honors a wildland fire squad, crew, or team which has demonstrated independent initiative in the areas of quality assurance, patient care, public access, medical control, disaster preparedness, and public education and/or training, and has demonstrated support, involvement, and dedication to the wildland fire EMS community.”

We commend all those who accept the great responsibility of effectively and efficiently handling injuries in the field. Thank you!