FIREFIGHTER REHABILITATION VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY FIREFIGHTER REHABILITATION Robert Sepulveda, VFA Instructor VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Objectives Define emergency incident rehabilitation. Describe why fire fighters need emergency incident rehabilitation. List and describe the types of extended fire incidents where fire fighters need emergency incident rehabilitation. Describe four other types of incidents where fire fighters would benefit from emergency incident rehabilitation. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Objectives Describe the functions of a rehabilitation center. List the four parts of revitalization. Describe the types of fluids that are well suited for fire fighters to drink during emergency incident rehabilitation. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Objectives Describe the types of food that are well suited for fire fighters to eat during emergency incident rehabilitation. Describe the personal responsibilities related to emergency incident rehabilitation. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Introduction You must take care of yourself so you can help others. Rehabilitate: To restore to a condition of health or to a state of useful and constructive activity. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Introduction Without rest and recovery: Fatigue Headaches Gastrointestinal problems VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Factors, Cause, and Need for Rehabilitation Physiological job stressors: From sleep to full activity in seconds Not enough time to eat or drink Physical demands VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Factors, Cause, and Need for Rehabilitation Environmental job stressors: Adverse weather conditions Unfamiliar locations Smoke-filled environments VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Factors, Cause, and Need for Rehabilitation Personal protective equipment (PPE) Contributes to heat stress Can weigh up to 40 lbs. Increases energy needed to move Traps body heat Acts as vapor barrier VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Factors, Cause, and Need for Rehabilitation Dehydration State in which fluid losses exceed intake Fire fighter in action can lose up to 2 quarts of fluid in less than 1 hour Fluid loss reduces strength, endurance, and mental judgment VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Factors, Cause, and Need for Rehabilitation Energy Consumption During strenuous activity, the body burns carbohydrates and fats for energy. Essential to refuel energy sources with nutritious food VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Factors, Cause, and Need for Rehabilitation A well-rested, well-conditioned person has more endurance and can tolerate the stresses of firefighting. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Types of Incidents Affecting Fire Fighter Rehabilitation Rehabilitation required at all incidents Small incidents may require only water for rehydration. Major incidents may require a full rehabilitation center. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Types of Incidents Affecting Fire Fighter Rehabilitation Structure fires Intense heat and stressful conditions cause rapid dehydration and fatigue. High-rise fires Energy resources are drained quickly. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Types of Incidents Affecting Fire Fighter Rehabilitation Wildland fires Crews need to work in shifts so their bodies can recover. Large fires may require hundreds of fire fighters and take weeks to extinguish. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Other Types of Incidents Requiring Rehabilitation Hazardous materials incidents Long-duration search -and -rescue activities Large-scale training activities VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Other Types of Incidents Requiring Rehabilitation Non-emergency events Athletic events Stand-by assignments VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Other Types of Incidents Requiring Rehabilitation Nourishment and fluid replacement are essential whenever fire fighters must be ready for action. Weather conditions Heat causes rapid dehydration and fatigue. High humidity reduces evaporative cooling. Cold weather can cause hypothermia. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

How Does Rehabilitation Work? Six Functions: Medical monitoring Revitalization Medical monitoring and treatment Transportation Critical incident stress management Reassignment VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Physical Assessment Signs and symptoms of fatigue Crew should be observed for signs of emotional stress. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Revitalization Rest Opportunity to disengage from stressful activities and remove PPE VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Revitalization Fluid replacement Rehydrate with water. Restore electrolytes with diluted sports drinks. Avoid caffeinated and sugar-rich drinks. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Revitalization Nutrition Glucose needed to burn fat and release energy Need to balance glucose levels for the body to work properly Too low = weakness, shaking Too high = sluggishness VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Revitalization Nutrition (continued) Carbohydrates Proteins Major source of fuel Readily used by the body during high-intensity activities Proteins Used by the body to grow and repair tissues VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Revitalization Nutrition (continued) Fats Used for energy, insulating and protecting organs, and breaking down vitamins Simple sugars stimulate insulin production. Sugar consumption can lead to lower energy levels. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Revitalization Nutrition (continued) During short incidents Consume low-sugar, high-protein sports bars. During extended incidents Eat smaller, balanced meals that include complex carbohydrates. Proper nutrition is part of a healthy lifestyle. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Revitalization Temperature stabilization Remove turnout gear as soon as possible. Move to climate-controlled environment. In cold conditions, use a heated rehabilitation center. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Medical Monitoring and Treatment Abnormal vital signs, pain, and injury necessitate further medical treatment. Signs of illness or injury should be checked in the rehabilitation center to prevent later disruption on the fire scene. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Transportation to a Hospital Ambulance available at rehabilitation centers to: Transport ill fire fighters Transport injured fire fighters VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Critical Incident Stress Management CISM Confronts critical incidents, defuses them, and directs the fire fighter toward physical and emotional balance Team members may meet with companies or individual fire fighters. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Reassignment Fire fighters released to reassignment following: Rest Rehydration Refueling Rechecking that they are fit for duty May return to the same or different tasks VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Personal Responsibility in Rehabilitation “Safety Begins and Ends with You” Take care of yourself first, your team second, others third. Know your own limits. Be responsible: participate in emergency incident rehabilitation. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Summary Rehabilitation centers are special designated areas where emergency personnel can rest. Rehabilitation helps prevent injuries and illness. Rehabilitation centers are often required at wildland fires and structure fires that are large or continue for long periods of time. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Summary Six parts of revitalization: Medical monitoring Revitalization Medical monitoring and treatment Transportation Critical incident stress management Reassignment VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Summary Replace fluids before signs of dehydration become obvious. Meet nutritional needs during minor incidents with low-sugar, high-protein sports bars. During longer incidents, eat small frequent meals that contain the appropriate nutritional balance. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Summary Know your limits, listen to your body, and use rehabilitation facilities. Safety begins and ends with you. VERDUGO FIRE ACADEMY

Any Questions?