Idaho Panhandle National Forest Rhabdomyolysis 2026

A Couer D'Alene Helitack squad leader participated in rappel recertification during the week of April 13 to April 19, 2026, returning to their home unit on Monday April 20. Over the next few days, they participated in two-a-day workouts with their crew. Starting on April 22, the squad leader felt very sore from the previous day's workouts. Despite feeling sore, they participated in a crew PT run on the 23rd and felt unusually tired. After the workout, they noticed their urine was a concerningly dark color. They continued to monitor their urine color throughout the day, and after the end of shift consulted with an EMT-qualified friend. Having remembered discussing rhabdomyolysis with the crew during training, the squad boss decided to seek medical care. They were admitted to the ER that evening and diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis. Their Creatine-Kinase (CK) levels were greater than 90,000 U/L.