Fire Rehab Volunteers

Firefighting is a strenuous job, carried out in all weather conditions. The risk of heat stress to firefighters is critically high, so the Fire Department formed its own Fire Rehab volunteer program. The team's purpose is to ensure that the physical condition of personnel at an emergency scene or training exercise does not deteriorate to a point that affects the operation's safety and integrity.

Upon request, the team members respond to fire scenes to provide rehab support to firefighters. Rehab members respond in a specially equipped vehicle that contains fans, cooling chairs, drinks and other supplies needed to keep firefighters hydrated. The need for these on-scene rehab efforts cannot be understated: they protect the firefighters’ health and safety.

What tasks does a Fire Rehab do?

The Fire Rehab team mission is to assist and serve the Fire Department by ensuring that the physical condition of personnel at an emergency scene or training exercise does not deteriorate to a point that affects the operation's safety and integrity.

Rehab members will be assigned to a team and each team will be on call for seven (7) days.  There is a potential for call out during the day or evening hours and members need to be able to respond within one (1) hour. 

•Structure Fires: Provide rehab services to emergency personnel on the scene.

•Fire Training:  Attend scheduled training to provide rehab services.  Often the training is multi-jurisdictional and may require the team to go outside of Southlake

•Community Events:  Provide rehab services to personnel working events.  In addition, marketing our program to members of the community that may be interested in joining our volunteer programs.. 

Is there training new Fire Rehab members need to complete?

Yes!  New members are required to complete the following training:

•A one (1) day orientation that includes an overview of the program and procedures, radio training and vehicle driver training.

•A minimum of three (3) ride outs with current Rehab members.

•Ongoing safety and refresher training are offered on a variety of topics as needed.  

We recognize participation may not always be possible, but attending as many training's offered as possible will help keep members up to date with equipment, skills and procedures.

How often do I have to volunteer to remain active in the Fire Rehab program?

We ask Rehab members to complete one (1) week of on call every six (6) weeks.  A Rehab scheduled is completed one (1) year in advance so team members will be able to schedule their on call time well in advance.  In addition, we realize that team members have other commitments so we have a list of on call members that can take you on call if you are unavailable during your scheduled week.