User:EricH CLT/Firefighter rehabilitation

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Firefighter rehabilitation is designed to ensure that the physical and mental well-being of members operating at the scene of an emergency (or a training exercise) don't deteriorate to the point where it affects the safety of any other members. Firefighting is inherently dangerous in the best of circumstances, and any additional physical or mental stress increases the danger. In a 1993 US Coast Guard study of the effects of interior firefighting on the human body, researchers noted that the firefighter body core temperatures often reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit during the firefight, even after short exposures Studies have shown that core body temperature and heart rate can rise dramatically during firefighting operations. Without intervention, firefighters may be at risk for serious acute illness from the extreme conditions and high levels of exertion.

The primary mission for fire command personnel responsible for firefighter rehabilitation is to identify, examine, and evaluate the physical and mental status of fire-rescue personnel who have been working during the emergency incident or a training exercise. Following a proper survey, it should be determined what additional treatment, if any, may be required. According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), "Any activity/incident that is large in size, long in duration, and/or labor intensive will rapidly deplete the energy and strength of personnel and there merits consideration for rehabilitation." The need to implement rehabilitation is based on many factors including, but not limited to, outside temperature, type of work being performed by firefighters, and use of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA).

A specially designated Rehabilitation Area is established at the discretion of the Incident Commander in consult with the senior Fire Safety Officer. If the Incident Commander determines that Rehab is necessary, firefighters may be instructed to "self-rehab" in the case of smaller-scale incidents, or qualified Paramedics or EMTs (assigned to the first alarm response) should be designated to manage the Rehab Area under the command of a fire or EMS officer or supervisor. The site should be located away from any environmental hazards, or by-products of the fire, such as smoke, gases or fumes. During hot months, the ideal location might include a shady, cool area distant from the incident. In winter, a warm, dry area is preferred. Regardless of the season, the area should be readily accessible to EMS-Rescue personnel and their equipment, so they may restock the sector with supplies, or in the event that ambulance transport is required.

Rehab sites can also be established in the take many forms, including lobbies of nearby buildings, a parking lots, or grassy areas such as yards, parks, or fields. or even inside municipal Specially designed rehab buses vehicles are also used by many fire departments and EMS agencies. During large-scale incidents, like multi-alarm fires, multiple Rehab Areas may be necessary.

Command of the Rehab Area is assigned to a fire chief or company level officer, who is designated as the Rehab Officer under most Incident Command structures . A minimum of two trained EMS personnel should initially be assigned to monitor and assist firefighters in the Rehab Sector, but more personnel may be necessary for larger incidents. Volunteer canteen or auxiliary members often assist EMS personnel in making "working" members firefighters as comfortable as possible.

It is important for command and company level officers to continually monitor personnel for telltale signs of exhaustion, stress, and or physical trauma. Individual members are encouraged to report to the Rehab Sector at any time that he or she feels the need to do so. Symptoms may include weakness, dizziness, chest pain, muscle cramps, nausea, altered mental status, difficulty breathing, and others. Additionally, in order to prevent the development of life-threatening conditions, The U.S. Fire Administration recommends all fireground personnel (regardless of physical well-being) should report to the Rehab Sector immediately following strenuous activity, the use and depletion of two SCBA bottles (or failure of an SCBA), or thirty (30) forty (40) minutes of operation within a hazardous/dangerous environment intense physical activity.