Comox Fire Rescue, Comox Fire Training Centre
Rehabilitation Program
Establishing REHAB:
Where firefighters are expected to be subjected to strenuous physical activity for more than sixty minutes or exposed to extreme heat or cold or when in the opinion of the Incident Commander or Lead Instructor conditions indicate that rest and rehabilitation is needed a Rehab function shall be established.
Once established the Incident Commander or Lead Instructor shall ensure that all firefighters are aware that this function has been set-up and its location.
Although located close to each other, Rehab and Staging shall be considered separate functions.
Firefighters will first enter staging where they will be tracked by the Staging Officer. The Staging Officer will assign them to Rehab and track this on his staging board. The Rehab Officer will record their entry into and exit from Rehab. Once the firefighter has successfully completed Rehab he would be sent back to staging where the Staging Officer will track this on his board and re-assign them as needed.
REHAB Officer:
A Rehab Officer will be appointed by the Incident Commander or Lead Instructor and will report to the Staging Officer (if in place, otherwise directly to IC). The Rehab Officer is responsible to set-up and mange the Rehab function. The Rehab Officer is responsible to maintain actuate records of the Rehab function and protocols. During larger events additional Rehab staff may be needed.
REHAB procedures:
Typically the rehabilitation of firefighters should take about twenty to thirty minutes. Using the attached “Rehabilitation Program, Assessment and Rehabilitation Procedure” the Rehab Officer will determine if/when firefighters are:
- Ready to return to work or may proceed to a training session.
- Require further assessment and rehabilitation.
- Cannot return to work or participate in the training session.
- Require treatment, constant re-assessment and referred to medical attention if conditions warranted.
Rehabilitation Program
Assessment RehabilitationProcedure
Pre-assessment for trainingsessions:
Before participating in training session wherethe participants are expected to besubjected to strenuous physical activity for more than 60 minutes they shall have a recorded, medical pre-assessment done on them.
Personswith a systolic pressure of greater than 160 mmHg
Ora diastolic pressure of greater than100 mmHg
Ora heart rate of greater than110 BPM
Ora temperature greater than101 F/38.5C
Or a temperature lower than 90 F/33.9C
Oran oxygen saturation lower than 95%
Oran Carbon Monoxide saturation greater than 8%
CANNOT participate in the training session.
They can be reassessed (and recorded) for up to the next sixty minutes. If they still do not fall under the above noted criteria within sixty minutes they cannot participate in the training session.If they fall under this within sixty minutes criteria they can participate in the training session.
Assessments during Incidents and Training Sessions:
Where the participants have been subject to strenuous physical activity for more than sixty minutes or exposed to extreme heat or cold or when in the opinion of the Incident Commander or Lead Instructor conditions indicate that a medical assessment and rehabilitation needed the following procedure shall be followed:
1)After approximately 60 minutes of strenuous activity they shall report to rehab for re-hydrationof a minimum of 8 ounces of ½ strength electrolyte replacement drink (50/50 Gatorade or other sports drink and water) and minimum of ten minutes of rest. They may also eat easily digestible foods like soups, some fruits and light snacks.
Arecorded medical assessmentshall be taken after ten to fifteen minutes of rest.
Persons with a systolic pressure of greater than 160 mmHg
Ora diastolic pressure of greater than100 mmHg
Ora heart rate of greater than110 BPM
Ora temperature greater than101 F/38.5C
Or a temperature lower than 90 F/33.9C
Oran oxygen saturation lower than 95%
Oran Carbon Monoxide saturation greater than 8%
CANNOT return to strenuous activity
Further Assessments will be taken for up to 30 minutes. If within 30 minutes they fall under the above noted criteria they may continue with the strenuous activity. If not they shall not participate in further strenuous activity and should be referred for medical attention.
2)They would be re-assessedas per step #1after every additional 30 to 60 minutes of strenuous activity or sooner if they feel dizzy, light headed or they feel the need for more rest or assessment.
20090414