Firefighters don't always want to go to Rehab mostly because they don't want to have stop their firefighting activities, but EMT's are ready for them whether the set up big rehab stations with tents and chairs or a separate area away from the fire scene with water bottles and blood pressure cuffs.
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| East Windsor Rescue Squads #1 and #2 set up Fire Rehab for firefighters providing medical evaluation including heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, fluid and food replacement as necessary, relief from the environment including shade from the sun, fans to cool the area, tents for protection from bad weather conditions and an area away from the firefighting action for rest and recovery. Pictured above EMT Kevin Hood East Windsor Rescue #2. |
Firefighters should be hydrating all day because there is no telling when the next fire will happen. Thirst is one sign of dehydration but by the time you feel thirsty you may already be dehydrated. Other warning signs of dehydration may include dizziness and lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth, nausea or vomiting and excessive fatigue. EMS rehab helps firefighters avoid heat stress syndrome, it provides firemen whether career or volunteer firefighters a time out for their heart, mind and body to recuperate and the EMT's will ensure they are ready to resume firefighting activities before releasing them.
Fire departments should include reporting to Rehab in their SOG's and Fire Chiefs and Officers should encourage their firefighters to check in at Rehab for continued health and safety of all members.
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| Firefighters and EMT's pictured above take a time out to cool off and allow themselves to physically de-stress after fluids and monitoring by EMS. |
