West Haven Fire Department to get mobile rehab unit

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — When emergency strikes, firefighters jump into action to help.  They put their own lives on the line to protect the lives of others.

“This unit is going to help these firefighters get through those difficult situations,” Ron Pisani, deputy chief of operations at the West Haven Fire Department, said.

West Haven will be among the first communities in the state to get a Mobile Rehab Unit.  Firefighters will be able to receive critical care on-site such as, checking their oxygen levels, monitoring their vitals and making sure they’re not getting too hot or cold.

“West Haven is going to be at the forefront of modern technology with this rehab unit,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) said.

This unit was made possible through a federal grant. While they don’t have it just yet, the West Haven Fire Department told News 8 they’re in the early stages of the design phase — adding it will look similar to an RV-style camper.

“It’s so important for firefighters’ health and well-being and safety early on in the fire ground,” State Rep. Bill Heffernan (D-Conn) said. “I wish they had this back in the day when we were doing this.”

The goal is to keep everyone on scene safe and to prevent tragedies from happening through this quick, and more immediate, response for care.

“There is no doubt there have been circumstances where these rehab units could have been in effect and saved firefighters lives, that we’ve unfortunately already lost,” West Haven Fire Department Deputy Chief Bill Johnson said.

There’s hope other departments across Connecticut can get one, as well.

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