Who is responsible for determining the setup of rehab areas at an incident?

The responsibility for determining the setup of rehabilitation (rehab) areas at an incident typically falls on the rehab personnel. These individuals are specifically trained for this role and possess the expertise to create a space that effectively meets the needs of personnel who require recovery after intense physical exertion. They consider factors such as safety, accessibility, and the provision of necessary resources, such as hydration and medical support.

While the Incident Commander (IC) oversees the entire incident and might set the overall goals and objectives for the incident management system, they generally delegate specific operational tasks, including the establishment of rehab areas. The Incident Safety Officer (ISO) plays a crucial role in monitoring safety conditions, but not necessarily in the specific setup of rehab. Assistant Safety Officers (ASOs) may support the ISO but are also not primarily responsible for establishing rehab areas. Therefore, rehab personnel are the most qualified to determine how these areas should be specifically organized to ensure the well-being of responding individuals.