A mobile ad hoc network is a temporary, self-configuring network composed of nodes that communicate through wireless interfaces that can change their geographic location randomly. It is ideal for emergency and rescue scenarios in which an immediate action is necessary and when it may be the first form of communication available. Therefore, it is necessary for the network to be active as long as possible. Additionally, the communication between network nodes must be efficient. The present research demonstrates, EBCHP, a proactive, hierarchical routing protocol in which, by using the association and support strategies of the main nodes, the performance of the mobile ad hoc network improves and its lifetime is extended compared with BCHP.