We are currently in the process of adding the following Firefighter Rehab Equipment to the vehicle: (2) 1.8 Cubic Foot Refrigeration Units, (1) 10’ x 20’ Professional Grade EZ UP Shelter with Detachable Wall Panels, (1) HeatStar 35,000btu Propane Radiant HeaterWe are currently in the process of adding the following Firefighter Rehab Equipment to the vehicle: (2) 1.8 Cubic Foot Refrigeration Units, (1) 10’ x 20’ Professional Grade EZ UP Shelter with Detachable Wall Panels, (1) HeatStar 35,000btu Propane Radiant Heater with (2) 20 lb propane cylinders, (3) Portable Halogen Shelter Lights, (1) Cold

This resource is a supplement to and not a replacement for services already being provided by the local EMS agencies. Our goal is to provide "Coordinated Rehab Services" in conjunction with the local Fire/Rescue and EMS agencies meeting NFPA 1584 "Standard on the Rehabilitation Process for Members During Emergency Operations and Training Exercises".  

There are nine key components of rehab required by NFPA 1584:

1. Relief from climactic conditions — An area free of smoke and sheltered from extreme heat or cold is provided. This might be a non-fire floor in a high-rise building, a shaded area upwind from a brush fire or the heated fire apparatus cab during cold winter months. The theme is providing shelter from environmental extremes.

2. Rest and recovery — Members are afforded the ability to rest for at least 10 minutes or as long as needed to recover work capacity.

3. Cooling or rewarming — Members who feel hot should be able to remove their PPE, drink water and be provided with means to cool off. Members who are cold should be able to add clothing, wrap in blankets and be provided with means to warm themselves.

4. Re-hydration — Fluid replacement. Fluid volume requirements were eliminated from the standard with the exception of pre-hydration with 500 ml (16 oz) of fluids consumed two hours prior to scheduled events. On scene, potable fluids must be provided so members can satisfy thirst. Fluids should also be provided to encourage continued hydration after the incident.

5. Calorie and electrolyte replacement — When appropriate for longer duration events such as incidents exceeding three hours duration or situations where members are likely to work for more than one hour. Of note, whenever food is available, means for members to wash their hands and faces must also be provided.

6. Medical monitoring — Specifies a minimum of six conditions that EMS must assess in each member during rehab:
a. Presence of chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, nausea or headache.
b. General complaints such as cramps or aches and pains.
c. Symptoms of heat or cold-related stress.
d. Changes in gait, speech or behavior.
e. Alertness and orientation to person, place and time.
f. Any vital signs considered abnormal in local protocol. The specific vital signs and what defines normal is entirely up to local medical control and department medical authorities. Vital signs listed in the 1584 annex include temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pulse oximetry and carbon monoxide assessment using either an exhaled breath CO monitor or a pulse CO-oximeter (i.e. a pulse oximeter designed to measure carboxyhemoglobin).

7. EMS treatment in accordance with local protocol — Available on scene for members who require treatment or transport. Note that medical monitoring is documented in the fire department data collection system. When EMS treatment or transport is provided, a medical report must be generated and included in the member’s employee medical record.

8. Member accountability —The personnel accountability system must track members assigned to rehab by Incident Command as they enter and leave.

9. Release — Prior to leaving rehab, EMS must confirm that members are able to safely perform full duty.

We are located in Northeastern Butler County and the response area would be determined by the specific incident type and duration. For responses such as rehab at a routine structure fire the primary response area would include Northern Butler County, Southern Venango County, Western Clarion County and Northwestern Armstrong County. This would permit rehab to be on scene and operational in a reasonable amount of time while the incident was still active. On large scale long duration incidents we would be available to travel further distances upon request of the incident commander. Rehab functions would be provided in conjunction with the local EMS agency in that specific area. Once we have a full scale Rehab Trailer established it will also be made available as part of the Region 13 coordinated Emergency Response Team.