Firefighting RIT Team Operations

Questions and Answers

What is the minimum composition of a RIT team?

A RIT team must consist of at least 4 firefighters, including one company officer or acting company officer.

Name two primary objectives of engine companies during initial fire suppression operations.

Engine companies aim to locate and extinguish the fire and conduct a rapid primary search of the fire room.

What is the role of a Standby Team in fire operations?

A Standby Team consists of at least two firefighters who remain outside the hazard area and are available for immediate assistance or rescue.

List two tactical objectives of a Ladder Company.

Two tactical objectives of a Ladder Company are Search & Rescue and Ventilation. Signup and view all the answers

What technique can be used for Forcible Entry during fire operations?

Techniques for Forcible Entry include using tools to break down doors or windows to gain access to a building. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration for a Standby Team Member when engaged in other activities?

To ensure their ability to assist in rescue and not endanger other firefighters. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the third arriving Engine Company at a fire scene?

To be responsible for the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), usually positioned on the A side of the structure. Signup and view all the answers

How should the fourth arriving Engine Company position itself relative to the first engine?

It should position opposite the first engine when possible. Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary tactical objectives of Truck Companies during a firefighting operation?

Rescue, Coordinated Ventilation, and/or Primary Search. Signup and view all the answers

What should be the primary objective of the first arriving Truck Company?

Life safety. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

RIT Team and Fire Operations

RIT (Rapid Intervention Team) requires a minimum of 4 firefighters, including a company officer.
Engine companies focus on fire suppression and perform initial critical tasks like locating, confining, and extinguishing the fire.
Rapid primary search of the fire area is crucial.
Water supply and the establishment of a Two-Out system are benchmarked on the radio for situational awareness.
A Standby Team of at least two firefighters is assigned prior to RIT establishment for immediate assistance.

Standby Team Duties

Standby Team must remain outside the hazard zone, providing rescue support if needed.
Once RIT is positioned, Standby Team may transition to becoming a Backup Team.
They assist with initial fire attack and hoseline advancement as needed.
Must maintain door control during ventilation-limited fires to manage airflow.

Engine Company Responsibilities

3rd arriving Engine Company typically assumes RIT responsibilities, positioned on the A side of the structure.
4th arriving Engine Company should assess the opposite side of the first engine, focusing on exposure protection.

Ladder Company Tactical Objectives

Primary duties include rescue, coordinated ventilation, and primary search.
Ladder Company responsibilities expand to provide access and egress using ground and aerial ladders.
Forcible entry techniques are essential for enabling firefighting operations.

Safety and Incident Command

Life safety is the top priority; officers must ensure the safety of their teams.
An Incident Safety Officer is assigned to assess hazards at significant incidents.
RIT is established when crews enter the hot zone; communication model structured for clarity.

Communication Protocols

Use the NATO phonetic alphabet for identifying building sides (A, B, C, D).
Initial Radio Reports (IRR) should communicate vital incident details using the IDEAL framework: Identify units, Describe observations, Establish Command, Actions taken, and Let units know next steps.

360° Assessment

Conduct a complete 360° prior to engagement to evaluate conditions, potential rescues, and hazards.
Follow-up Report (FUR) updates on conditions, confirmed fire location, operational mode, and resource needs.

Fire Attack Techniques

Use initial application through smoke holes for steam conversion; focus on decking underside.
Open roofs for complete extinguishment where necessary.
Coordinate vertical ventilation with fire attack efforts; avoid Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) until the fire is under control.

Garage Fire Considerations

Attached garages can have high fuel loads leading to quick fire spread to living areas.
Fire-rated doors offer protection but must be assumed intact until proven otherwise.
Caution is needed with open garage doors to prevent potential collapse and hazards from overhead storage.

Description

Test your knowledge on the essential components of a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) in firefighting. This quiz covers the roles and responsibilities necessary for effective fire suppression operations, including teamwork and communication protocols. Prepare to demonstrate your understanding of critical firefighting operations and safety measures.