Tompkins County now has its own firefighter rehabilitation unit to support personnel at emergency incidents. The Rehab Unit’s primary function is to provide hydration and nourishment to emergency personnel as needed, and can respond to all types of incidents, both fire and police.
The unit can respond to working structure fires, wildland fires, hazmat situations, heavy rescue incidents, SWAT incidents, and training exercises upon request through the 9-1-1 dispatch center. The trailer is housed at the Department of Emergency Response and will be transported to the incident either by a representative of DoER or Crash, Fire and Rescue personnel at the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.
The Rehab Unit is equipped with such things as a 4500w generator, a misting fan, a Keurig for coffee, tea and hot chocolate, an ice chest, folding tables, cooling chairs, cases of water and Gatorade, healthy snacks (i.e. PowerBars), throw blankets, and a complete first aid kit.
“We’re extremely proud to be able to provide this Rehab Unit for use on request by our county’s fire and police departments,” said Brian Robison, Director of Emergency Response. “I want to especially recognize the work of our airport firefighters, who constructed the interior of the trailer, and the generosity of the local business community for their donation of materials.”
“The McLean Fire Department had been the only agency in Tompkins County with a firefighter rehab trailer,” added Emergency Services Coordinator Justin Vann. “The addition of this unit will allow for enhanced response time when an incident requires one be sent to the scene.” Both the Ithaca Fire Department and the Enfield Volunteer Fire Company have ‘Special Operations’ units that can serve a similar purpose when necessary.