Rehab - Cold Weather Operations

Article by Dr.James Augustine
Medical Director
Atlanta Fire-Rescue

As a Department develops functional Rehab procedures for cold weather operations, it must cover: time,temperature and stuff falling out of the sky.

With ongoing firefighter safety as the goal, the elements are selected to match needs. Over time at a long incident, those elements will evolve.

Note: Especially in cold weather operations as well as prolonged operations: don’t forget the bathroom facilities!

Appropriate to cold weather operations, Rehab sector must include these elements:

• Shelter to include seating
• Shield from the wind
• Fluid and Calories
• Equipment rehabilitation
• Health evaluation and therapy
• Mental decompression