Mission
The mission of Rehab Five is to deliver rehabilitation support in accordance with the guidelines set out by NFPA 1584 (National Fire Protection Association) to First Responders in Southern Essex County, which makes up Massachusetts Fire District Five. Rehab Five provides all the resources necessary to protect First Responders from the physical demands associated with Fire Fighting along with the environmental hazards (extreme heat and cold) which can create conditions which have an advise impact on First Responders health and safety. The goal is to deliver exceptional support to the fire service by providing professional, efficient, high-quality rehabilitation to the local incident commander in a timely and proactive manner. .
Definition of Emergency Incident Rehabilitation
Rehab provides the First Responders a breather at the rehab sector as they become fatigued. At the sector they will have vital signs monitored, replenish fluids and electrolytes, and reduce their core body temperature so they may return to duty and continue to operate safely.
How do we do it?
Summer protocol includes misting/fog fans, shade tents, core cooler chairs, electrolyte solutions, wet cooling towels, light snacks, and most recently the introduction of occupational cancer mitigation including specialized HERO wipes and gross decontamination of bunker gear by rinsing the protective gear with detergent and stiff brushes to remove carcinogens.
How do we do it?
Summer protocol includes misting/fog fans, shade tents, core cooler chairs, electrolyte solutions, wet cooling towels, light snacks, and most recently the introduction of occupational cancer mitigation including specialized HERO wipes and gross decontamination of bunker gear by rinsing the protective gear with detergent and stiff brushes to remove carcinogens.
In all seasons, at long duration incidents, we are called upon to provide full hot meals. We do this with Rehab Five’s mobile kitchen.
The goal is to deliver exceptional support to the fire service by providing professional, efficient, high-quality rehabilitation to the local incident commander in a timely and proactive manner
Winter protocol includes all the summer protocols and adds hot beverages and a warming area inside converted school buses.
Winter protocol includes all the summer protocols and adds hot beverages and a warming area inside converted school buses.
Major Incident – Summer 2022
During 2022 Rehab Five responded to 192 calls for service. This summer was particularly busy as Rehab Five responded to over 50 calls for service during a particularly harsh brushfire season.
During this two-month period an entire pallet of Gatorade and 50 cases of water were used. At the same time we responded to several multiple alarm structure fires in 90° weather and several large scale brushfires also in 90° weather. We were in Rockport, Gloucester, Saugus, Wakefield, Marblehead, North Reading , and others.
We used our Field Kitchen at the Breakheart Reservation Fire in Saugus, MA where we cooked over 70 meals a day for five days in a row. Rehab Five coordinated and served incoming food from local food establishments.
Testimonials
“We could not have done our job this summer with out you guys. It always great knowing no matter how deep in the wood we are – you are there for us.
Thanks”
Ben Jennell
Massachusetts State Forestry,
Department of Conservation & Recreation
“For those that may not know, this is Roger Baker. Roger and his crew dedicate their lives to making sure that firefighters are getting the food, water, and care that they need while working at incidents.
He’s an icon in the fire service around here. He and his crew don’t miss an opportunity to serve. This past few weeks, he has been pretty much everywhere. Meal after meal, drink cooler upon drink cooler, he’s a machine.
Please check out his page and help him out if you can.”
Peter O’Connor
Chief
Beverly, MA