Purpose: To develop a guideline that outlines a systematic approach for the rehabilitation of members operating at incidents.

Procedure: It is the policy of the New Hackensack Fire District that no member shall be permitted to continue operations beyond safe levels of his or her physical or mental endurance.  The intent is to lessen the risk of injury and/or illness that may result from extended field operations under adverse conditions.  However, this procedure is in no way intended to diminish initial fire attack aggressiveness.  The incident commander shall consider the circumstances of each incident and initiate rest and rehabilitation in accordance with the needs of the firefighters.

Incident Commanders should consider the establishment of incident rehabilitation during, but not limited to, the following conditions:

1. Structure fires
2. Hazardous Material Incidents
3. Wild land Fires
4. Hot – Weather Conditions
5. Cold – Weather Conditions

Upon its arrival, Rescue 52-55 is designated as the Rehabilitation area in addition to the staging area.  The Rescue driver will initiate and assume command of the staging area and the rehabilitation area until relieved by an officer or a designated member.  If possible, the driver should assign an available “Exterior” or “Probationary” fire fighter, or available Fire Police to these duties.  If manpower permits, these positions should be broken down into two separate posts with the rehabilitation officer reporting his/her needs to the accountability officer.  Sloper or other assigned medical units will be assigned to the rehabilitation area to provide the medical support.

The Rehabilitation Area will be a specific area where personnel will assemble to receive:

1. A Physical Assessment
2. Revitalization – rest, hydration and refreshments
3. Medical Evaluation and Treatment of Injuries
4. Continual Monitoring of Physical Conditions
5. Transportation for Those Requiring Treatment at Medical Facilities
6. Initial Stress Support Assessment
7. Reassignment to Staging

The Rehabilitation Area should consist of four sectors:

1. Entry Point - Accountability tags will be turned in to the Accountability officer.  Medical personnel will make an assessment of each individual, including checking the pulse rate of all personnel entering the rehabilitation area.  Any member who has a pulse rate of 120 beats per minute or greater will report to the Medical Treatment and Transport sector where they can be monitored more closely.   Firefighters that do not require medical treatment will proceed to Hydration and Replenishment.

2. Hydration and Replenishment - Personnel will be provided with supplemental cooling or heating, fluids, and nourishment.

3. Medical Treatment and Transport - This sector shall be staffed by medical personnel who shall pay close attention the firefighters pulse, blood pressure, and body temperature and treat the firefighter as needed.  If the firefighter continues to have ongoing signs of illness or injury, they will not be permitted to leave the area.  In addition, if the firefighter requires transport to an appropriate medical facility for further evaluation and treatment, the Rehabilitation officer will notify the Accountability officer of such transport.  The Accountability officer will notify Incident Command of the situation and, if necessary, request additional medical units or manpower as needed.

4. Staging - After appropriate rehabilitation and medical monitoring, the firefighter will be deemed adequately rehabilitated and medically sound to return to duty.  All personnel will return to staging and notify the Accountability officer of their availability.

It is important that all firefighters operating at an incident recognize their limitations.  All firefighters shall be responsible to communicate their need for rehabilitation and rest to their supervisors.