Box 55 ASSOCIATION
Our Mission
Our mission is to serve our Nashville Heroes with on scene hydration, nutrition, and body temperature regulation. Our services minimize the risk of injury, illness, or death from the physical exertion of their body while performing their duties.
According to the NFPA an estimated 65,650 firefighter injuries occurred in the line of duty in 2022. Overexertion or strain injuries accounted for three in ten fire ground injuries (31%), *
Rehab can vary from simple temperature management and oral rehydration to aggressive medical treatments and transport to a higher level of care. Responder Rehab is continually evolving as our understanding of physiologic responses to exertion and exposure change, technologies evolve, and risk tolerance adjusts. **
History of Box 55 Association
Chief John D. Ragsdale of the Nashville Fire Department organized the Nashville Fire Buff Club in 1952. Throughout our 72 years of service, the mission of our club has remained the same: To serve Nashville's Heroes.
We provide on scene Rehab Services to all First Responders including Nashville Fire and EMS, Metro Nashville Police, Nashville OEM, and any other Middle Tennessee public safety agency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Currently, Box 55 responds to all Working Fires, Search and Rescue, SWAT, Haz-Mat, Fatality MVA’s and other extended operations. Box 55 is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization of volunteers and operates solely on donations and contributions.
How we operate today
Currently we have two response vehicles in our fleet. Each truck is equipped with a microwave, coffee makers, misting fans, tents, folding chairs, propane heaters, several coolers with cold drinks, snacks, and more to provide on scene hydration, nutrition, and body temperature regulation.
Box 55 members are alerted by pages from Metro Dispatch and respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when needed. Based on protocol, one or two members drive the rehab unit to the incident scene, while other members will arrive in their personal vehicle.
As the demands and definitions of rehab continue to change, Box 55 is dedicated to changing and growing with them. Our goal—to respond quickly when called and to provide rehabilitation and re-hydration to first responders—remains the same.