At a fire scene, on of the most important responsibilities of EMS providers is to support the rehab section. it’s important to have a place for firefighters and other responders to cool off, lower their heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure, hydrate, rest and eat. Rehab is also a place for injury assessment and treatment.
We asked firefighters and EMS providers for some examples of the best and worst things they’ve seen in a rehab section. Here are some of the responses that really stood out.
1. “The best thing was bottomless Taco Bell tacos and all the water you can drink courtesy of the Red Cross. The worst was the ensuing vomit.” — Alex Bond
2. “I love seeing people trying to act tough and trying to bypass rehab. Who are you trying to impress? When did rehydrating and cooling down become a sign of weakness?” — Nick Wilson
3. “The worst thing is going to rehab in the winter time after being wet and getting cold. That is really bad.” — Jeff Darius
4. “Worst thing was probably McDonald’s on the scene. All guys stopped working. The best would be fans and chairs.” — Jill Mattingly
5. “Worst thing was a warming trailer where you could still see your breath since the heater didn’t work.” — Jesse Derby
6. “Wouldn’t know. We just put the fire out then go home.” — Dominic Drews
7. “Best: cooling chairs that you submerge your arms in cool water, food and Gatorade. Worst: cartons of cigarettes and logs of dip and soda.” — Shevais M. Shrum
8. “Best thing: ice pops!” — Josh Shank
9. “The worst thing? Watching a probie snag the last piece of pizza in his third romp through the line. He grabbed it just as our chief was reaching for it. Chief hadn’t eaten a thing yet and wanted to make sure everyone had something to eat before he took his first bite. Major party foul, especially since chief bought the pizzas out of his own pocket.” — Micahel Beane
10. “Finding out the food you just ate from the rehab unit was expired and moldy. I don’t know what’s worse — no food or moldy food.” — John Rosandich
11. “Best: mist fans and chairs with ice bags on the side. Worst: stale donuts and ice cold coffee and tea.” — Andrew Kociumbas
12. “Not having one at all.” — Nick Proctor