Emergency Incident Rehabilitation (Rehab)

TAKING CARE OF THOSE…WHO CARE FOR US

Metro Fire Agency's "Rehab" function is a vital part of any large scale, long-term emergency or training event. Rehab volunteers are called upon to provide several areas of relief to emergency responders at all hours, day and night. In a combined effort of all metro agencies, volunteer members have come together, mostly from local C.E.R.T. programs to staff the rehab response vehicles.

The rehab operation is sponsored by the South Salt Lake Fire Dept. with several areas of assistance from all agencies. Both response vehicles were donated, the first being a large cargo van (which has come to be known as the "ice cream truck") which was acquired from West Valley Police S.W.A.T. Team.

Rehab 43 is the foundation of the rehab operation. This unit carries beverages both warm and cold, tents and other shelters to provide a climate-controlled environment via misting fans and propane heaters. It also carries several types of scene lighting, "Kore Cooler" chairs, as well as high protein energy snacks and meals when requested. Occupant support services is a means to provide temporary comfort to displaced residents until other care services arrive. All too often a family is burned out of their house in the early morning hours, and all they have is what is on their back. A stock of various sized clothing and personal utilities are on board as well.

After working several remote area brush fires in the 2007 summer months, it was realized that sometimes a quick move due to wind shift is not easy for a large vehicle. Other factors such as multiple incidents, short-term incidents, and a quick response, called for an additional rehab unit.

Rehab 41 is a 2000 Ford Excursion. It is a the former battalion chief truck from West Valley Fire Department. This truck carries much of the same as Rehab 32, at a reduced amount. This unit is staffed at all times by Rehab volunteers, unlike the larger unit which requires volunteers to respond from the station where it is housed. The quick response time, size, and flexibility of Rehab 41 makes it a valuable resource for everyone.

Rehab functions have been performed at many public events, structure and wildland fires, hazardous materials incidents, as well as crime scenes.

If the members are given proper notification, there is usually a 10 to 20 minute response time, and once on-scene, rehab operations are up and running within 10 minutes, The standard right now is usually three-alarm fires or larger, however trend has shown that if the incident commander thinks they are going to be there for awhile, they will call for Rehab.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call (801) 661-4914.