First responders across Pinellas County now have a new resource to help them stay safe during extended emergencies, thanks to a $330,000 state grant that funded a Major Incident Support Unit.
Why it matters: Florida's heat and humidity can quickly overwhelm firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers working major incidents. Keeping responders healthy helps ensure they can continue protecting the public during prolonged emergencies, especially during hurricane season and other large-scale disasters.
Dunedin Fire Rescue recently trained on the new mobile unit, known as Rehab 62, which will be housed and staffed by the department in partnership with Pinellas County.
The climate-controlled vehicle can cool to about 50 degrees, giving emergency crews a place to recover, rehydrate and receive medical monitoring without leaving the scene.
What's inside
The unit includes:
- Air-conditioned rehabilitation space
- Hydration station
- Medical monitoring area
- Generator
- Wash station
- Self-retracting awnings
- Microwave and coffee maker
- Restrooms
The vehicle can be deployed to structure fires, hazardous materials incidents, SWAT operations, natural disasters and other large-scale emergencies throughout Pinellas County.
Bottom line: As Florida enters the peak of hurricane season, Rehab 62 gives Pinellas County another tool to improve disaster response by protecting the health and endurance of the first responders who keep communities safe.
