PASCO COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two specialized units function as an adept backup for Pasco County Fire Rescue first responders, enduring the heat in extreme conditions.
Pasco County Captain and EMT Peter Arnold gave News Channel 8 a look inside ‘Rehab One.”
This support unit includes seats that can elevate to attend to first responders, monitors vital signs, and features a fridge for storing food and beverages, among other functionalities.
“We can assess them, treat them, calm them down, track their vitals, and provide a space away from the action.”
Captain Arnold noted that crews operate in intervals known as ‘bottles,’ lasting from 25 to 35 minutes or up to an hour, all while bearing 50 to 70 pounds of gear.
Once the equipment comes off, the outdoor elements begin to be felt through the body according to Arnold.
Pasco County Fire Rescue EMS Supervisor Justin Nealon described how the cool-down process begins only after crews step away from harsh conditions and remove their gear.
“Next, if they are conscious and responsive, we focus on hydration, have them drink water, use a fan, apply a wet towel, and help cool them down,” Nealon stated.
Another rehabilitation unit is also accompanied with ‘Rehab One’ at times called ‘Rehab Two.’
“Our primary bubble is the city of Zephyrhills and East Pasco,” said Pasco County Fire Rescue volunteer firefighter Timothy Cunningham. “Because we’re volunteers, it takes us time and on the smaller events, a single house fire, [or] a car fire…they’re done in an hour and a half before we can even get over here, but for the small events on the east side of the county, certainly we go to those.”
Arnold adds the specialized units have been a great addition, as years prior relief efforts looked different.
“Before, we were sitting on the bumpers in the middle of rainstorms, and now with how everything’s changed –we’ve got more people, and incidents are becoming bigger and longer,” Arnold explained. “The county saw that and used as an opportunity to say, ‘hey, we want to take care of our own.'”
Arnold adds ‘Rehab One’ is also used to assist nearby jurisdictions as well.
