Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
SOUTH ORANGE RESCUE SQUAD,INC. <br /> North Carolina <br /> Standard Operations Manual <br /> Subject: Rehabilitation SOM No.: <br /> Effective Date: <br /> Revision Date: Authorization Signature: <br /> 4.12.5. An open area in which a rehab sector can be created by using tarps,fans,etc. <br /> 4,12.6. At an industrial site,the rehab sector shall be placed outside the fenced compound area. <br /> 4.13.The rehab officer shall secure all the resources required to adequately staff and supply the rehab <br /> sector. The supplies may include the items listed below: <br /> 4.13.1, Fluids such as water,activity beverage,Gatorade,and ice. <br /> 4.13.2. Food such as soup,broth,or stew in hot/cold cups. <br /> 4.13.3. Medical equipment such as blood pressure cuffs,stethoscopes,oxygen administration <br /> devices,cardiac monitors,intravenous solutions,and thermometers. (Medical supplies <br /> may be furnished by the ambulance assigned to the rehabilitation sector.) <br /> 4.13.4. Other items such as awnings,fans,tarps,smoke ejectors,heaters,dry clothing,extra <br /> equipment,floodlights,towels,traffic cones,and fir-line tape(to identify the entrance <br /> and exit of the rehabilitation area) <br /> 5. GUIDELINES <br /> 5.1. The establishment of a rehab sector shall be considered during the initial planning stages of an <br /> emergency response. The climatic or environmental conditions of the emergency scene should <br /> not be the sole justification for establishing a rehab sector. Any activity or incident,whether <br /> emergency or non-emergency,that is large in size,long in duration,and labor intensive will <br /> rapidly deplete the energy and strength of personnel. <br /> 5.2. Climatic or environmental conditions that indicate the need to establish a Rehabilitation Sector <br /> include a heat index above 95°F or a windchill index below 20°F. <br /> 5.3. A critical factor in the prevention of heat stress injury is the intake of water and electrolytes <br /> during periods of intense physical activity. <br /> 5.3.1, During these periods,an individual should drink at least one quart of water or Gatorade® <br /> per hour. <br /> 5.3.2. Adequate fluid intake is important even during cold weather operations. Despite outside <br /> temperatures,heat stress injuries may occur during rescue or other strenuous activity <br /> anytime that protective clothing and equipment are worn. <br /> 5.3.3. Individuals should avoid caffeinated and carbonated beverages because both interfere <br /> with the body's water conservation mechanisms. <br /> 5.3.4. Certain drugs also impair the body's ability to sweat. Use caution if a member has taken <br /> antihistamines,diuretics,or stimulants. <br /> 5.4. If the duration of the incident extends through regular mealtimes,the Technical Rescue Team <br /> shall provide food to the members at the scene whenever it is possible to do so. <br /> GEN-Rehabilitation.doc <br /> -3of10- <br />