230 REHABILITATION AND CARE PROCEDURES

Question 1

∙ Active cooling is the process of using external methods or devices (e.g., misting
fans) to reduce elevated core body temperature.

∙ Passive cooling is the process of using natural evaporative cooling (e.g., sweating,
moving to a cool environment) to reduce elevated core body temperature.

Answer 1

.

Question 2

Rehabilitation can take place with or without the establishment of a formal functional area of operation. During routine incidents, such as small non-structural fires, companies can conduct rehabilitation on their own. Company rehabilitation can occur during an SCBA cylinder change, the transition from active fire attack to overhaul, or other similar situations.

Answer 2

.

Question 3

Upon arrival of the RAC Unit at an All Hands incident, the RAC Firefighter shall
contact Command, via handie-talkie, for the proposed location to co-locate the
RAC unit with EMS resources.
∙ At an All Hands incident members shall report to the RAC Unit for rehabilitation and care.

Answer 3

.

Question 4

A Rehabilitation Group shall be established by the IC at 2nd alarm or greater fires. At long duration and/or physically demanding incidents or in extreme temperatures the IC should establish a Rehabilitation Group.

Answer 4

.

Question 5

Members entering rehabilitation should normally rest for approximately 20 minutes before being reassigned. Depending on conditions, the IC, in consultation with the Medical Branch Director, may modify the time frame for rehabilitation

Answer 5

.

Question 6

EMS shall have the authority, as delegated from the IC, to use their professional judgment to recommend members to remain in rehabilitation or to transport them for further medical evaluation or treatment.

Answer 6

.

Question 7

At 2nd alarm or greater fires, or as determined by the IC, all members exposed to products of combustion, shall have their oxyhemoglobin (SpO2), and carboxyhemoglobin (SpCO) levels measured with a RAD – 57 Pulse CO-Oximeter. The Carbon Monoxide Information Sheet does not have to be completed for members being
evaluated with the RAD – 57 Pulse CO-Oximeter.

Answer 7

.

Question 8

∙ Members will be considered patients if:
• They are complaining of illness or injury.
• Have symptoms of CO exposure or hypoxia.
• Have a SpCO of 15% or greater or a SpO2 of less than 90%.

Answer 8

.

Question 9

Five gallon water jugs carried on all apparatus shall be checked and refilled with fresh
water at each roll call.

Answer 9

.