In 1996, the DC Fire Department purchased a Rehab Bus, financed entirely with FFA contributions, and put into service on Inauguration Day, 1997. Up to that time, fire and rescue personnel had no place to come out of the cold or intense heat when ordered to "rehab."
With the "horseshoe" (or perimeter) style seating configuration in the bus, paramedics are afforded adequate access in which to perform a thorough check of vitals.
In 1998, through the good graces of Montgomery County, Maryland's Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, the Association acquired the Squad's former Air Unit. With donated equipment, the unit was fitted out and repainted by DC FIRE / EMS Fleet Maintenance Division.
Designated the "Rehab Support Unit" and displaying "patches" of both DC FIRE / EMS and Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad, the unit was placed in service in March of 2000, to be operated in conjunction with the squad, available for response in the District and lower Montgomery County.
In 2005, the DC fire department was granted a purchase of a new rehab unit, FFA was requested to draw up specifications for a new "Rehab Unit". The unit is currently housed at DCFD Engine Co. # 5 which is located on 3412 Dent Pl NW, Washington DC, 20007. The Rehab Unit, staffed by DC Fire & Emergency Medical Services personnel responds to all working fires, second alarm or greater fires or at any special requeste by any chief officer.
*In October 2017, DC Fire & EMS assumed responsibility of staffing the Rehab Unit in order to increase and improve efforts to ensure the overall health and welfare of it's members. FFA continues to support rehabilitation efforts in the field on a as-need basis. FFA members assist personeel with providing refreshments and rehabilitation efforts when the Canteen Unit is not dispatched to an incident.
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