Introduction to �Firefighter Rehab

Kenney Cadet, EMT-B Andrew Taylor, EMT-B

Captain Ex-Captain

Firefighter 1 Cert

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What is Firefighter Rehab

Firefighter rehab for EMS is a critical, proactive, and supervised process, often guided by NFPA 1584 which is designed to prevent injuries, allow rest, rehydration, nourishment and providing medical monitoring to personnel during intense and prolonged incidents. This intervention mitigates physical and mental fatigue, ensuring members are fit for continued duty and to go home safely.

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Five key aspects of Firefighter Rehab:

1. Medical Monitoring: Taking vital signs - HR, BP, Temp and assess for heat stress, smoke inhalation and cardiac issues.
2. Environmental Protection: Providing climate-controlled areas, away from smoke, to either cool down or warm up.
3. Rehydration & Nutrition: Providing water, sports drinks and light snacks.
4. Disposition: EMS determines if the firefighter is fit to return to duty, requires more rest, or needs transport for medical treatments.
5. Timing: Indicated after the use of two 30-minute SCBA bottles, one 45-60 minute bottle, or 40 minutes of intense work.

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Laws and standards applying to rehab

29 CFR 1910.120, hazardous waste operational and emergency response

NFPA 1500 standard on fire department occupational safety and health program

NFPA 1584 recommended practice on the rehabilitation of members operating at Incident scene operation and training exercises.

N.F.P.A means: National Fire Protection Association, which is a “global non profit organization established in 1896”. It is to “eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical and related hazard”.

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Firefighter Rehab Stagating

Fatigue

Overexertion and Strain

EMT and Firefighters possible increase of Trips, Slips or falls

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Reduced stionaual awareness

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Lead to Cardiac (heart attack) and or cerebrovascular (stroke)

What you need to take out of the ambulance

• Water/ gatorades in a cooler with ice
• Stretcher/Pram
• AED / Lifepak 15
• Chairs
• BLS bag
• Burn kit
• O2
• Blankets/ towels

Firefighter should rest:

Water, rest in a chair and remove gear and SCBA

EMS crews are responsible for obtaining patient demographics, vital signs, medical history, allergies, and current medications on every patient contact.

The Firefighter’s role may include completing a Refusal of Medical Assistance (RMA), remaining grounded (not returning to fire operations), or transporting the patient to the closest appropriate hospital, depending on the situation and medical direction.

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New 2-15-25

What Firefighters carry & total weight

1. Turnout Gear
2. Shield/helmet
3. SCBA/Air tank
4. Flashlight
5. Radio
6. Tools

Total weight: 75lbs though it can exceed 100lbs with additional tools

Firefighter Rehabilitation

Responsibility typically delegated to rehabilitation manager or officer.

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Rehab officers:

Establish and locate the area

Notify the IC and dispatch where rehab area has been established

IC should given final approval based upon overall information

Firefighter Rehabilitation�Click Box Below for a demostration on turnout gear removal

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Thank You