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EMSWORLD.com | JUNE 2015 19 to be applied by organizations providing rescue, fire suppression, emergency medi- cal services, hazardous-materials mitigation, special operations and other emergency services, including public, military, private and industrial fire departments. NFPA 1584 is to be applied in a broad range of circumstances, so discussions need to include the leadership of local EMS and fire support agencies. Many depart- ments find it helpful to do this planning in tandem with other regional fire and EMS providers so programs have similar ele- ments and consistency in applications, training, equipment and documentation. The program will need to include a pro- cess for implementing rehabilitation opera- tions at all types of incidents and times of day. Separate resources are needed for cold-weather rehab. As demonstrated in this case, a surveillance and rehab pro- gram is needed at training exercises and for other physically demanding duties. This will include screening and surveillance pro- grams to protect candidates and depart- ment members taking part in these strenu- ous activities. Many fire departments work with support EMS agencies. These EMS personnel must be trained and equipped to perform fire rehabilitation services. Programs should include training, equipment, methods of deployment, collection of information, documentation and integration with other critical scene responsibilities. If EMS per- sonnel are to establish and maintain the rehab program, how will that be accom- plished at incidents where there are civilian victims? Who provides rehab if a firefighter gets injured and needs to be transported to a hospital? How will rehab crews be utilized and rotated in prolonged incidents? Some departments have invested in equipment useful for personnel cooling. This may include cooling systems, fans, shades, drink dispensers, icemakers and other equipment that increases the effectiveness of the process. Fluid coolers alone are not sufficient for victim cool- ing, and Gatorade showers for incident and rehabilitation command officers are rarely utilized. Nationally Ranked. Locally Trusted. © 2015 Denver Health Denver Health Paramedic Division is hiring If you would like to work with the busiest EMS system in the Rocky Mountain region, we want to hear from you. For more information, visit our website at DenverHealth.org/ParamedicRecruiting For More Information Circle 19 on Reader Service Card James Augustine is a featured speaker at EMS World Expo, Sept. 15–19 in Las Vegas. Visit EMSWorldExpo.com.