1. Fire Fighter Rehabilitation (Fire Fighter I)
CHAPTER 20
Fire Fighter Rehabilitation
(Fire Fighter I) 1

2. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Define rehabilitation.
Describe the factors and causes that require rehabilitation for fire fighters.
Explain how heat stress and personal protective equipment (PPE) tax the fire fighter’s body. 2

3. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Describe the hazards of dehydration and explain how dehydration can be prevented.
List the signs of dehydration.
Explain why the body needs rehabilitation during an extended or specialized incident. 3

4. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Describe the types of extended fire incidents during which fire fighters need rehabilitation.
List the steps in rehabilitation.
Describe the types of fluids that are ideal for fire fighters to drink during rehabilitation. 4

5. Fire Fighter I Objectives
Describe the types of food that are ideal for fire fighters to eat during rehabilitation.
Explain what the individual fire fighter’s personal responsibilities are in rehabilitation. 5

6. 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 6

7. Introduction Without rest and recovery: Fatigue Headaches
Gastrointestinal problems 7

8. Factors, Cause, and Need for Rehabilitation
Physiologic job stressors:
From sleep to full activity in seconds
Not enough time to eat or drink
Physical demands
Extreme weather
Smoke-filled locations 8

9. Personal Protective Equipment
Contributes to heat stress
Increases the amount of energy needed
Prevents most perspiration from evaporating 9

10. Dehydration State in which fluid losses are greater than fluid intake
Reduces strength, endurance, and mental judgment
Prevent or correct as quickly as possible 10

11. Energy Consumption
The body burns carbohydrates and fats for energy during strenuous activity.
Energy sources need to be replenished.
Refuel the body with a balanced diet. 11

12. Tolerance for Stress
A well-rested, well- conditioned person has more endurance and can tolerate the stresses of firefighting. 12

13. The Body’s Need for Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation allows the fire fighter to rest and recover.
Proper rehabilitation:
Reduces risk of illness and injury
Improves the quality of decision making 13

14. Types of Incidents Affecting Fire Fighter Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation should be addressed at all incidents.
Not every incident needs to involve all components of a rehabilitation center. 14

15. Extended Fire Incidents
Structure fires
Intense heat and stressful conditions cause rapid dehydration and fatigue.
High-rise fires
Energy resources are drained quickly.
© Jerry S. Mendoza/AP Photos 15

16. Extended Fire Incidents
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.
Nutrition and rehydration are essential
Courtesy of Michael Rieger/FEMA News Photo 16

17. Other Types of Incidents Requiring Rehabilitation
Hazardous materials incidents
Long-duration search and rescue activities 17

18. Other Types of Incidents Requiring Rehabilitation
Nonemergency events
Athletic events
Stand-by assignments
Large-scale training activities 18

19. Other Types of Incidents Requiring Rehabilitation
Adverse weather conditions
Heat causes rapid dehydration and fatigue.
High humidity reduces evaporative cooling.
Cold weather can cause hypothermia.
© Jack Dagley Photography/ShutterStock, Inc. 19

20. Model of Rehabilitation
Relief from climatic conditions
Rest and recovery
Active or passive cooling or warming
Rehydration and calorie replacement
Medical monitoring
Member accountability
Release and reassignment 20

21. Relief From Climatic Conditions
Location is weather dependent.
Remove PPE and wet clothing.
Use a towel to dry off if needed.
© Tom Carter/PhotoEdit, Inc. 21

22. Rest and Recovery First step in rehabilitation
Located away from the central activity of the emergency 22

23. Active or Passive Cooling or Warming
Stabilize the body’s internal temperature.
PPE and SCBA generate heat.
Extreme cold can cause hypothermia.
Courtesy of Neil Malcom Winkelmann 23

24. Rehydration Replaces sweat lost during evaporation
Rehydrate with proper fluids at proper rate.
Hydrate before reaching fire ground. 24

25. Calorie Replacement Needed after intense physical work
© Photodisc/Creatas
Needed after intense physical work
Must refuel to sustain peak performance levels
Eat a healthy, balanced diet. 25

26. Medical Monitoring Protocols may specify monitoring:
Heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure, temperature
Oxygen levels
Carbon monoxide 26

27. Medical Monitoring Be alert for: Cramps Chest pain
Dizziness
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Headache
Cramps
Mental status change
Behavioral changes
Changes in speech
Changes in gait 27

28. Member Accountability and Reassignment
Maintain crew integrity during rehabilitation.
Release and reassignment can be performed once fire fighters are fit for duty. 28

29. Personal Responsibility in Rehabilitation
Safety begins and ends with you.
Take care of yourself first, your team second, and others third.
Know your own limits.
Be responsible: participate in emergency incident rehabilitation. 29

30. Summary
Rehabilitation is a designed for emergency personnel to rest, cool off or warm up, receive fluids, and be evaluated.
Stress, physical exertion, and weather extremes take a toll on the body.
Rehabilitation corrects physical imbalances. 30

31. Summary PPE and SCBA add heat stress.
Dehydration occurs when fluid losses are greater than fluid intake.
The body needs nutrient-rich foods.
Rehabilitation provides rest and recovery.
Rehabilitation needs to be addressed at all incidents. 31

32. Summary Rehabilitation includes: Relief from climatic conditions
Rest and recovery
Active or passive cooling or warming
Rehydration and calorie replacement
Medical monitoring
Member accountability
Release 32

33. Summary Report the following signs: Know your limits. Chest pain
Dizziness
Shortness of breath, weakness
Headache, cramps
Changes in mental status, behavior, speech, gait
Know your limits. 33