Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Emergency Scene Rehab 
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. 
2. Deployment and Staffing 
  • 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. 
3. Responder Check-In Process 
  • Initial Assessment: 
  • Log responders entering rehab with time of entry. 
  • Perform a quick medical assessment (check vital signs, assess physical condition). 
  • Record initial findings. 
4. Hydration and Nutrition 
  • 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. 
5. Rest and Recovery 
  • 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. 
6. Medical Monitoring 
  • 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. 
7. Mental Health Support 
  • Counseling: 
  • Provide access to mental health professionals. 
  • Offer stress management techniques and counseling sessions. 
  • Peer Support: 
  • Encourage peer support and open communication among responders. 
8. Reintegration into Duty 
  • 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. 
9. Documentation and Reporting 
  • 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. 
10. Demobilization 
  • 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. 
These SOPs ensure that emergency scene rehab is conducted systematically and effectively, prioritizing the health and safety of responders while maintaining operational readiness. 


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. 
Hydration and Nutrition 
  • 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. 
Medical Supplies 
  • 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. 
Comfort and Hygiene 
  • 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. 
Communication and Logistics 
  • 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. 
Mental Health Support 
  • Resource Materials: Pamphlets or handouts on stress management and mental health resources. 
  • Private Area: A quiet, private space for counseling and mental health support. 
Miscellaneous 
  • 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. 
Logistics and Administration 
  • 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. 
By ensuring that these essential items are readily available and properly managed, the emergency scene rehab area can effectively support the health, safety, and well-being of responders, allowing them to perform their duties efficiently and return home safely.