The Function of Box 15 Today

Box 15’s primary role in the fire service is that of firefighter rehabilitation, a.k.a. rehab. Rehab, in the fire service provides essential nutrients and liquids for the re-hydration of exhausted firefighters, as well as assisting them return to normal “core” body temperatures. Mandated by NFPA 1584, rehab has become an essential function within the fireground operation.

We provide weather-appropriate beverages, including bottled water (generously underwritten by Thompson Building Associates, a regional restoration contractor). We also carry tents and propane heaters, misting units and box fans as well as a host of other support equipment. A recent addition to the Sentinel, a Vanner Inverter, allows us to preheat water so we can dispense cold weather beverages as soon as we arrive on-scene.

Box 15 responds automatically to most greater alarm fires within the City of Columbus, as well as most other area fire departments in Central Ohio. Our units are available to respond to special duty assignments, haz-mat and other long-term incidents as well. In fact, Box is an official resource for the Northwest Area Strike Team (NAS-T), a collaboration of several regional fire departments in Franklin and neighboring counties. We are also a resource member to the Central Ohio Strike Team, an Urban Search & Rescue unit organized under Homeland Security.

Box 15 responds to an average of 45 incidents and training exercises per year, providing beverage (and in some instances food) service for both fire and police personnel. Box 15is considered an integral part of fireground rehab operations throughout the area and is named in the SOP’s of several area fire departments.