March 3 update: All federal emergency firefighters in Alaska must have the medical certification by March 30 in order to participate in the Work Capacity Test (pack test) for the 2021 fire season.
Original information (Jan. 26): All Emergency Firefighter (EFF) Responders who were medically qualified to participate in the Work Capacity Test (WCT or Pack Test) and fight fire in 2019 (including those who became qualified after completing a medical waiver process) must complete an on-line “Self-Certification” process and be medically cleared for arduous duty prior to participating in the WCT in 2021.
The requirement includes those who became qualified after completing a medical waiver process. It does NOT apply to AFS-sponsored Type 2 contract crews.
If you would like to complete the Self-Certification process, you must do the following:
- Using your EAS account log in information from last year navigate to https://eas.chsmedical.com/User/Index?ReturnUrl=%2f and log in.
- Request a WLFF (Wildland Firefighter) Self-Certification through the EAS.
- Complete the Self-Certification process in EAS.
- Login to EAS and check results. You will be notified via email when your results are available in EAS. If Qualified, save/print your qualification certificate.
- Present the certificate to the WCT administrators when you go to the WCT (pack test) event.
If you did not self-certify last year you are encouraged to:
- Make sure the AFS EFF Office has a correct and current email address on file.
ALL EFF RESPONDERS MUST HAVE A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS ON FILE IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THIS PROCESS
Call the BLM Alaska Fire Service EFF Office at 1-833-532-8810 Option 4.
- After you have notified AFS that you are requesting an exam or “self-certification” check your email often for instructions from CHS (Comprehensive Health Services).
- Follow the CHS emailed instructions for setting up an EAS (Examinee Access System) account.
- Request a WLFF (Wildland Firefighter) Self-Certification through the EAS.
- Complete the Self-Certification process in EAS.
- Login to EAS and check results. You will be notified via email when your results are available in EAS. If Qualified, save/print your Qualification Certificate.
- Present the qualification certificate to the WCT administrators when you go to the WCT event.
2020 Baseline Medical Exams:
If you did not request and/or complete an arduous duty baseline medical exam (for firefighters) in 2019 or 2020 and you want to do so for 2021 you need to contact the AFS EFF Office at 1-833-532-8810 Option 4. Baseline medical exams are completed at one of the “hub clinic” locations shown in the list below. If you call to request a baseline medical exam, you need tell us which hub clinic location you wish to attend the exam at:
Anchorage – Fairbanks – Bethel – Galena – Soldotna – Wasilla – Kenai
REMEMBER, you must complete the exam process and be “medically cleared” to take the WCT. It can take 10 to 15 days after the exam for an individual to be cleared.
* EFF Responder EAS Log-In Accounts for Medical Standards:
All EFF responders will need a valid email address and an EAS account in order to complete the Self Certification, request a Baseline Exam or to complete a Light/Moderate Duty HSQ. In the future, you will also need this account in order to request a Periodic Exam.
Non-Qualification Process:
If an individual receives a determination of “Not Qualified” they may submit further medical information to a RMO for re-determination of medical clearance at any time by contacting DOI MSP customer service at 1-888-286-2521, or wlffcsr@blm.gov
Questions? Call the BLM Alaska Fire Service EFF Office at 1-833-532-8810 Option 4.
Categories: BLM Alaska Fire Service
Alaska Wildland Fire Information 