Temporary EMS Workforce (TWF) for Wildland Fire Response
Instances occur when temporary recognition of out-of-state certified EMS providers or EMS providers who are certified in Washington state but have an inoperable status on their certification is necessary to ensure EMS workforce can be allocated to support wildland fire response teams that require EMS personnel to provide medical support.
These events are typically short lived, and the circumstances require the use of a temporary EMS workforce. Use of existing Washington State licensed services and personnel may not be possible or sufficient to meet the unique nature of these incidents. The process for an out of state applicant to receive a Washington State EMS credential would extend past the time of the incident/event. It is important to ensure the individual has the appropriate training, knowledge and skills to protect the health and safety of Washington residents.
The department recognizes the impact of these isolated and special circumstances and has a process to provide temporary recognition of the transient EMS worker for wildland fire response.
The process:
The supervising EMS service would need to be requested by a state or federal entity to supply temporary EMS work force for wildland fire response activated under a formal mission number.
The supervising EMS service needs to submit the Washington State Department of Health Temporary Workforce Recognition for Out of State EMS Providers form (PDF) to the email addresses listed on the form.
EMS Provider Requirements
- The EMS provider must have current valid EMS certification from either NREMT or another state licensing entity.
- The EMS provider may not have any current disciplinary action on their EMS certification.
- EMS personnel must comply with the applicable laws and rules of the State of Washington.
- EMS personnel must adhere to the County MPD protocols and policies for patient triage, care and transport where deployed. These individuals may only practice to the level of their certification within the Washington State scope of practice.
For more information on TWF or to apply contact us for more information.
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