What is rehab
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, overexertion, stress, and medical issues like cardiac arrest accounted for more than half of the firefighter deaths in 2017.
To address this issue, the U.S. Fire Administration established guidelines to prevent serious and life-threatening situations through Emergency Incident Rehabilitation.
Emergency incident rehabilitation, or firefighter rehab, is the care given to firefighters and other responders while they are performing their duties at an emergency scene.
Rehab is designed to ensure that emergency workers either return to duty or to the station at the end of the incident safely.
It can prevent serious and life-threatening conditions such as:
- Dehydration
- Heat stress
- Heat stroke
- Heart attacks
In 2008, rehab recommendations became a requirement so that supplies, shelter, and medical monitoring occur where and when firefighters need it.
An effective rehab program includes:
- Rest
- Relief
- Rehydration
- Refueling
- Rx (medical monitoring)
- Restoration
According to the National Fire Protection Association, rehab should take place any time emergency operations pose a risk to department personnel, including during training exercises.
More than just a standard, NFPA 1584 defines the rehab process, and following it shows a department’s commitment to the safety of its responders.
We respond to an average of 40 rehab requests in 10 cities each year.
At Little Elm Box 620 Support Company, we are committed to providing this essential rehab service to our area first responders.
Our members volunteer their time and skills to provide these services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
As an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, we rely on individual and corporate donations to provide this vital service to our first responders.
All funds raised go directly to providing safety, rehabilitation, and assistance to Denton County fire and police departments.
You can play a vital role
Please consider helping us to serve those who serve us all