S.O.G. No.:01-008 Revision: March 2007
Effective Date: Nov 2002
1.1 The purpose of Emergency Incident Rehabilitation (Rehab) is to ensure that the physical and mental condition of all Union Fire District members operating at the scene of an emergency or a training exercise does not deteriorate to a point that affects the safety of each member or that jeopardizes the safety and integrity of the operation. This procedure shall apply to all emergency operations and training exercises where strenuous physical activity or exposure to heat or cold exists.
2.1 Union Fire District Board of Wardens Policy
3.1 The department shall maintain a safe working environment within the facility in accordance with OSHA
4.1 Standard Operating Guidelines of the Union Fire District of South Kingstown dictate that the Incident Command System be followed in all emergency operations and training sessions.
4.1.1 Incident Commander
The Incident Commander shall consider the circumstances of each incident and make adequate provisions early in the incident for the rest and rehabilitation for all members operating at the scene. These provisions shall include:
4.1.2 Line Officer
All officers shall: Maintain an awareness of the condition of each crew member operating within their span of control. Ensure that adequate steps are taken to provide for each firefighter’s safety and health. Utilize the command structure to request relief and reassignment of fatigued crews.
4.1.3 Firefighters
All firefighters shall:
Be encouraged to drink water and activity beverages during periods of hot weather to prevent dehydration in the event of an emergency. Advise their supervisor when they believe that their level of fatigue or exposure to heat or cold is approaching a level that could affect themselves, their crew, or the operation in which they are involved. Remain aware of the health and safety of other members of the crew
4.1.4 Rehab Officer
When conditions indicate the need for rest and rehabilitation for personnel, the Incident Commander shall appoint a Rehab Officer who shall be:
4.1.5 Emergency Medical Services
The Emergency Medical Services consist of Town of South Kingstown Rescue, and Kingston Rescue 6 and shall be responsible for:
4.1.6 Union Fire District Auxiliary/Providence Canteen Auxiliary units shall:
4.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF REHABILITATION SECTOR
4.2.1 Location
An appropriate location of the rehabilitation sector shall be designated by the Incident Commander and/or the Rehab Officer
4.2.2 Site Characteristics
The site should be in an area that is far enough away from the scene so that firefighters can safely remove turnout gear and SCBA’s
4.2.3 Site Designations
The following designations should be considered as possible site locations:
4.2.3a A school or municipal bus, a neighbor’s garage or home, a building lobby, any fire apparatus or emergency vehicle already on the scene or any open area using tarps, fans, etc
4.2.4 Supplies
The supplies should include the following items:
4.3 GUIDELINES
4.3.1 When to Establish a Rehab Sector
Rehabilitation should be considered by staff officers during the initial planning stages of an emergency response. The following items should be considered when determining the need for a Rehab Sector:
4.3.2 Hydration
The maintenance of water and electrolytes is a critical factor in the prevention of heat injury. Water must be replaced during exercise periods and at emergency incidents as follows:
A) Heat Stress
The member should consume at least one quart of water per hour. The re-hydration solution should be a 50/50 mixture of water and commercially prepared activity beverage (Gatorade) and administered at 40 degrees F
B) Cold Temperatures
Re-hydration is even more important during cold weather because despite outside temperatures, heat stress can occur during strenuous activities when protective clothing is worn.
C) Avoid alcohol and caffeine beverages because they interfere with the body’s water conservation mechanisms. Avoid carbonated beverages
4.3.3 Nourishment
The department shall provide food at the scene of an extended incident when firefighting units are engaged for three hours or more. Recommendations are:
Soup, broth or stew because they digest quickly. Apples, bananas, or oranges because they provide supplemental forms of energy replacement. Avoid sandwiches, fast food products, fatty, or salty foods
4.3.4 Rest
The objective evaluation of a firefighter’s fatigue level shall be the criteria for rehab time. The following are general guidelines:
4.3.5 Recovery
4.3.5a Firefighters should not be moved from a hot environment directly into an air conditioned area because the body’s cooling system can shut down in response to the external cooling
4.3.5b An air conditioned environment is acceptable after a cool-down period at ambient temperatures with sufficient air movement
4.3.5c Firefighters should maintain a high level of hydration
4.3.5d Firefighters should notify EMS if they have taken antihistamines such as Actifed or Benadryl, or diuretics or stimulants, as they impair the body’s ability to sweat and caution must be exercised
4.3.6 Medical Evaluation
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) should be provided and staffed by the most highly trained and qualified EMS personnel on the scene. A minimum of Basic Life Support (BLS) should be required
4.3.7 Documentation
All medical evaluations shall be recorded on standard forms indicating member’s name, vital signs, complaints, condition and disposition of the member and must be signed, dated, and time, by the Rehab Officer or his designee (Table 3)
4.3.8 Accountability