Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Emergency Scene Rehab
1. Establishment of Rehab Area
Essential Items for Emergency Scene Rehab
Shelter and Comfort
1. Establishment of Rehab Area
- Location Selection:
- Choose a site upwind and uphill from the incident.
- Ensure the area is accessible but not interfering with operations.
- Provide protection from environmental conditions (heat, cold, rain).
- Setup:
- Use tents, awnings, or vehicles for shelter.
- Ensure seating is available.
- Stock the area with hydration, nutrition, and medical supplies.
- Personnel:
- Assign a Rehab Officer to oversee the area.
- Staff the rehab area with trained medical personnel (EMTs, paramedics).
- Ensure mental health support staff are available if needed.
- Equipment:
- Provide hydration stations with water and electrolyte solutions.
- Supply nutritious snacks and meals.
- Set up cooling devices (fans, misting systems) or heating equipment as needed.
- Initial Assessment:
- Log responders entering rehab with time of entry.
- Perform a quick medical assessment (check vital signs, assess physical condition).
- Record initial findings.
- Hydration:
- Encourage responders to drink water or electrolyte solutions.
- Monitor intake to ensure adequate hydration.
- Nutrition:
- Provide high-energy snacks and meals.
- Ensure a variety of food to accommodate dietary needs and preferences.
- Rest Period:
- Allocate a minimum rest period (e.g., 10-20 minutes) depending on the incident and conditions.
- Ensure responders are seated or lying down in a comfortable environment.
- Cooling/Warming:
- Use cooling measures such as fans, ice packs, or misting systems in hot conditions.
- Provide blankets and heating in cold conditions.
- Ongoing Assessment:
- Regularly monitor vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, temperature).
- Watch for signs of heat stress, dehydration, or other medical issues.
- Document all findings and actions taken.
- Medical Intervention:
- Provide first aid as needed.
- Arrange for transport to a medical facility if required.
- Reintegration Decision:
- Determine if the responder is fit to return to duty.
- If unfit, ensure they receive further medical care or rest.
- Counseling:
- Provide access to mental health professionals.
- Offer stress management techniques and counseling sessions.
- Peer Support:
- Encourage peer support and open communication among responders.
- Final Assessment:
- Conduct a final medical and mental health check before returning to duty.
- Record the time of departure from the rehab area.
- Clearance:
- Only allow responders to return to duty if they meet all health and safety criteria.
- Record Keeping:
- Maintain detailed logs of all responders entering and leaving rehab.
- Document all medical assessments and interventions.
- Incident Reporting:
- Compile a post-incident report summarizing the rehab operations.
- Include recommendations for future improvements.
- Area Breakdown:
- Safely dismantle the rehab area.
- Clean and restock equipment and supplies.
- Debriefing:
- Conduct a debrief with rehab staff to discuss operations.
- Identify any issues and plan for improvements.
Essential Items for Emergency Scene Rehab
Shelter and Comfort
- Tents or Canopies: Provide shade and protection from the elements.
- Seating: Chairs or benches for responders to sit and rest.
- Cooling Devices: Fans, misting systems, ice packs, or air conditioning units.
- Heating Equipment: Portable heaters and blankets for cold conditions.
- Ground Cover: Mats or tarps to keep the area clean and dry.
- Water: Ample supply of bottled water or water coolers.
- Electrolyte Solutions: Sports drinks or electrolyte tablets to prevent dehydration.
- Snacks: Energy bars, granola bars, fruit, nuts, and other nutritious snacks.
- Meals: Ready-to-eat meals or sandwiches for longer incidents.
- Disposable Cups and Utensils: For easy distribution and clean-up.
- First Aid Kits: Comprehensive kits with bandages, antiseptics, and basic medical supplies.
- Vital Signs Monitoring Equipment: Blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, pulse oximeters.
- Medical Records Forms: For documenting medical assessments and interventions.
- Emergency Medical Equipment: AED (Automated External Defibrillator), oxygen tanks and masks.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, masks, and other protective gear.
- Cooling Towels or Cloths: For quick cooling and comfort.
- Hand Sanitizer: For maintaining hygiene.
- Wet Wipes: For cleaning hands and face.
- Trash Bags and Bins: For waste disposal and keeping the area clean.
- Radios or Communication Devices: For coordinating with the incident command and other teams.
- Signage: Clear signs indicating the rehab area and different stations within it.
- Log Sheets and Clipboards: For tracking responder check-ins and medical evaluations.
- Incident Command System (ICS) Forms: Standardized forms for documentation and reporting.
- Resource Materials: Pamphlets or handouts on stress management and mental health resources.
- Private Area: A quiet, private space for counseling and mental health support.
- Lighting: Portable lights for night-time operations.
- Power Sources: Portable generators or battery packs for powering equipment.
- Clothing: Extra dry clothing and socks for responders to change into.
- Insect Repellent and Sunscreen: For protection in outdoor settings.
- Weather Protection Gear: Ponchos, raincoats, or sun hats depending on conditions.
- Inventory Checklists: For managing supplies and equipment.
- Restock Supplies: Additional stock of essential items to replenish as needed.
- Transportation: Carts or vehicles for moving supplies and equipment to and from the rehab area.