A specialized truck at Pioneer Hose in Brackenridge is critical for keeping firefighters throughout the region on the job.
Although, the department’s Pierce Rehab Squad, a climate-controlled box truck where volunteers can rest and rehydrate, provides little to no medical intervention, it is essential to firefighter health and safety, Chief Rick Jones said.
“It’s all about taking care of the guys,” he said.
Pioneer, established in 1902, is the only fire company in the immediate area with such an outfitted vehicle, Jones said.
Rehab trucks are a common site at emergency scenes. They provide responders a reprieve from potentially life-threatening conditions that include intense heat or cold and thick smoke. In collaboration with medics, Pioneer’s truck provides a place where firefighters can get their vitals checked, chug a Gatorade and catch their breath.
“It’s kind of a specialized thing,” said Michael Mollick, director of the Armstrong County Department of Public Safety.
“The responders are exerting themselves and the conditions are less than favorable. They can get in, get checked out and get hydrated. It gives them time to rest so they can get back into response.”
Jones said the squad regularly responds to two- and three-alarm fires in the Alle-Kiski Valley portions of Allegheny, Westmoreland, Armstrong and Butler counties. Last week, the unit was used during a fatal fire along Strawn Avenue in New Kensington.
Several departments responded to the intense blaze on April 3 that killed a woman and sent multiple firefighters to the hospital for burns. There were two cats rescued and rehabbed in the truck as well.
Brad James, Eureka Fire-Rescue-EMS chief in Tarentum, said firefighter rehab has become an urgent priority as the average age of responders climbs and volunteerism dwindles.
“We have less people on scene and the work is strenuous,” James said. “Paying attention to health and well-being is paramount.”
A report by online journal Taylor & Francis showed core body temperatures and heart rates of first responders can rise significantly during operations, putting them at risk.
A collaboration with EMS is important for evaluation, Allegheny County Fire Chief Matthew Brown said, because it can catch health concerns that require more attention or keep responders from returning to the scene.
“Generally, the rehab units provide a temporary shelter in extreme weather, comfortable seating, water and other appropriate hydration products and snacks,” Brown said. “They have towels or cleaning materials for dirty hands and faces.
“I have seen rehab units provide support and immediate care for others on scene, and rescued animals in some cases.”
Jones said a customized truck can cost up to $400,000. At Pioneer, the truck is equipped with strategic support materials, including an awning, portable heater, refrigerator, chairs, coolers, air conditioning and more.
The idea for the truck was born 20 years ago, he said, “because my dad, Bob, always needed coffee on the scene. This all started because of him.”
Summit Hose Chief Josh Fox said his department in Tarentum is grateful for the service Pioneer provides.
“It plays a critical role at the scene,” Fox said. “Especially when it’s hot. It’s a huge relief in the summer.”
Jim Erb, president of Citizens Hose in Harrison and a township commissioner, said he’s come to realize how essential every department and volunteer is to the larger community.
“Pioneer’s rehab unit is requested all along the Alle-Kiski corridor for all types of emergencies,” Erb said.
“The best part is they show up at all times of the day or night, ready to help their neighbors. They have found a needed service, with no local duplication, keeping them busy all year long.”