Tactical Edge Tuesday #12
REHAB STARTS WITH LEADERSHIP
STEP UP AND LEAD
Fire doesn't care how tough you are.
No need to type that again, because that is the simple truth!
This week I want to reach down deep. I want to spark something inside that may cause a stir. I want you to know that I care, but you need to know that the fire doesn't. Furthermore, I don't think the phrase "I'm fine" makes you any tougher.
Our Tuesday nights are full of Type A's. We know what it takes to do what we do, and for the most part, we are all tough! I say for the most part, because I learned a long time ago not to speak for everyone...
Have you ever been the guy or do you know the guy who comes out to get another cylinder of air, drenched in sweat, breathing hard, exhausted, but still insists they are ready to go back in, or what about the guy that skips water because "there's still work to do."
Have you ever ignored dizziness, headaches, or fatigue because you do not want to slow the crew down, or you don't want others to think of you as less than or weak??????
The problem is this: THE FIRE DOES NOT CARE HOW EXPERIENCED YOU ARE. THE HEAT DOES NOT CARE HOW TOUGH YOU ARE. AND YOUR BODY CAN ONLY TAKE SO MUCH BEFORE IT STARTS TO FAIL. < THIS IS EXACTLY WHY CMFR's Rehab Protocol exists.
We have to change the mindset of Rehab.
Rehab is not a break from the job. Rehab is a part of the job.
The purpose is simple, and as a member, a team player, a brother of another, We need to all ensure that the tough guy mentality shows more in those that are willing to enforce the rule, rather than blow the rule off as if it's nonsense.
Firefighting places extreme stress on the body. Just wearing the gear places a strain on our system. Heat exposure, heavy gear, physical exertion, dehydration, smoke exposure, and adrenaline all take a toll, even during shorter incidents.
Without proper rehab, the following exist:
Decision making suffers
Reaction times slow down
Risk of Injury increases
Heat related illness becomes more likely
Cardiac events become a real danger
A firefighter who is exhausted is not only putting themselves at risk, they are putting their crew at risk. And when we're responding to calls, we're all a part of the crew!
*THIS IS MORE DANGEROUS THAN SOME MAY THINK, SO RESPECT IT*
Our policy clearly outlines responsibilities at every level.
Incident Command
Team Leaders
Personal
What happens at rehab?
Rehab is designed to be a part of what we do and helps us recover before returning to operations.
According to policy:
All personnel reporting to rehab should have vital signs documented.
Personnel shall remain in rehab for at least 10 minutes
Fluids and nourishment should be provided as needed
Additional resources may be requested through Command.
This process is not about slowing operations down. It is about keeping firefighters healthy enough to continue operating safely and effectively.
Medical Evaluation Saves Lives
One of the most important parts of rehab is medical monitoring.
Personnel should receive the following:
Blood Pressure checks
Pulse rate monitoring
Respiratory rate assessment
Pulse Ocimetry readings
Two sets of vital signs should be obtained in rehab (see policy).
BE SURE TO READ THE POLICY AND MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF WHAT THE POLICY CLEARLY STATES, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO CHEST PAIN, BREATHING, AND DIZZINESS......
REMEMBER, REHAB IS NOT ABOUT COMFORT. REHAB IS ABOUTE SURVIVAL.
WHEN SOMEONE TELLS YOU THEY THINK YOU NEED SOME REHAB, REMEMBER THEY ARE NOT QUESTIONING YOUR WORK ETHIC. THEY ARE PROTECTING THEIR BROTHER (OR SISTER).
For this weeks training, take out your Red Binder (Policy Book), turn to Chapter 7 and review the rehab policy. For quick reference, see the following document :
Reminder: Log your training appropriately with our Training Form. For a description, make sure that you enter : Firefighter Health and Safety Rehab at Structure Fires with department rehab protocols review for structure fire rehab and other emergencies
When called, We Respond!
BE ELITE!
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