Rest for the Weary

There's no shame in rehab. Here's ten quick tips for doing it right.

Published by FireRescue Magazine, August 2004

  1. Oxygen

    2. Don't underestimate the value of supplemental oxygen as personnel rest in rehab.

  2. Entry Log

    3. Logging entry and exit times along with fluid intake, vital signs and medical history will allow you to track rehab activity and identify trends in medical problems at varying climate conditions.

  3. Fans

    4. Misting fans strategically placed in the rehab sector will significantly cool the ambient temperature.

  4. Balance

    5. Rehab is a balance of good medical evalustion, rehydration and body-temperature cooling.

  5. Rehab Sector

    6. Placing a designated rehab sector near the SCBA changing area helps personnel recover from the effects of sustained field operation in turnout gear.

  6. Warmth

    7. A stepladder and tarps can shield your rehab sector from cold winds. Add four to six quartz lights for warmth, and you'll create a comfortable rest area in cold weather.

  7. SCBA Support

    8. Establish rehab next to or in conjunction with SCBA support areas for greater efficiency.

  8. Rehab Vehicle

    9. A rehab vehicle can feature rollout water fountains, a misting system and a canopy for shade.

  9. Towels

    10. Two inexpensive containers full of clean towels can be deployed quickly at the scene. Fill the "cooling towel" container with cool water, and then wrap a wet towel around firefighters' head/necks when they sit down in rehab. The cool water will lower the body's temperature significantly. Dry towels allow personnel to dry off before going back to action.

  10. Ambulance

    11. If abnormal vital signs or other conditions turn a firefighter into a patient, move them to an ambulance or treatment area.