How often should vital signs be checked during rehabilitation for firefighters?

Vital signs should be checked every 15 minutes during rehabilitation for firefighters to ensure their health and safety after exposure to stressful and potentially dangerous situations. This interval is considered appropriate as it allows for sufficient monitoring of changes in physiological status, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature, without being overly frequent to the point of causing disruption.

Checking vital signs too frequently, such as every 5 or 10 minutes, may not provide any additional benefit and can result in unnecessary stress for the firefighter being monitored. Conversely, waiting too long between checks, such as every 20 minutes, may miss crucial changes that could indicate the need for further medical intervention. The 15-minute interval strikes a balance, allowing for proper observation while minimizing disturbance during the rehabilitation process. This approach aligns with best practices in emergency responder health monitoring and rehabilitation protocols.