I-E-01 Emergency Operations Rehabilitation 01/30/2019

Firefighting and Emergency Operations Demands

• Firefighting presents significant physical and mental challenges due to extreme environmental conditions.
• Insufficient rest and hydration increase the risk of illness and compromise responder safety and decision-making.
• Fatigue can reduce reaction times and impair critical operational abilities.

Rehabilitation Importance

• Rehabilitation (Rehab) is crucial during emergency responses to mitigate risks like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Proper planning for Rehab involves recognizing the nature of the event, including long durations and high labor intensity.
• Heat Stress Index above 90°F or Wind Chill Index below 10°F are indicators for establishing Rehab.

Incident Commander Responsibilities

• Ensure early provisions for rest, recovery, rehydration, and medical evaluation for all personnel.
• Make necessary accommodations for members facing extreme environmental conditions.

Unit Officer and Personnel Responsibilities

• Supervisors must monitor crew conditions and initiate personnel relief as necessary.
• Members should proactively inform supervisors about fatigue levels or exposure that might jeopardize safety.

Establishing the Rehab Group

• Assign a Rehab Group Supervisor—usually an EMS Field Supervisor—to oversee the group.
• Select a Rehab Area that allows respite from hazards, facilitates gear removal, and provides protection from the elements.
• Ensure the site is spacious enough, accessible for EMS units, and allows for quick re-entry into operations.

Required Resources for the Rehab Area

• Must include healthcare supplies (blood pressure cuffs, oxygen devices), fluids (water, electrolyte solutions), food (soups), and cooling equipment (fans, tarps).
• Communication should remain clear to ensure adequate staffing and resources.

Rehabilitation Guidelines

• Enter Rehab after exhausting one SCBA cylinder or 40 minutes of intense work.
• Hydration is critical; consume at least one quart of fluids an hour, favoring water and electrolyte mixes.
• Avoid carbonated and caffeinated drinks before or during heat exposure.

Cooling Techniques

• Passive cooling: Move crew to a cooler area; remove personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Active cooling: Use cold water immersion or wet towels to lower body temperature.

Nutrition and Rest

• Provide quick-digesting nourishment—soups and fruits recommended; avoid heavy/fatty foods.
• Minimum rest period is 10 minutes; extend to at least 20 after significant exertion.

Medical Evaluation Procedures

• All members entering the Rehab Area undergo medical evaluation including vital signs monitoring.
• Specific thresholds for temperature (above 100.6°F), heart rate (above 100 bpm after 20 minutes), and blood pressure (above 160/100) indicate continued monitoring or extended stay.
• SpO2 levels should ideally remain above 91%, and values below warrant further evaluation.

National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS)

• The Rehab Group Supervisor must complete and close out the NFIRS Rehab tab to document the incident properly.

Humidity and Danger Indices

• Temperature and humidity affect injury threat categories, with caution advised at 80-90°F, and extreme danger above 130°F.
• Wind chill factors can significantly lower perceived temperature, increasing frostbite risk for unprotected skin.

Conclusion

• Comprehensive knowledge of rehabilitation practices is essential for maintaining the health and safety of emergency responders during operations.

This quiz explores the physical and mental demands faced by firefighters and emergency responders. It highlights the risks associated with extreme environmental conditions and the importance of adequate rest and hydration during operations. Understand how these factors can affect the safety and health of first responders.