Rapid Intervention Team (medium)

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) guideline?

To define the roles of the Fire Chief and their responsibilities.

To enhance communication among department personnel.

To provide a standard approach for the response and operations of RIT during emergencies. (correct)

To establish recruitment protocols for new firefighters.

Who is responsible for reviewing the Rapid Intervention Teams guideline annually?

Company Officer

Division Officer

Incident Commander

Fire Chief or designee (correct)

In what scenarios is a RIT assigned, as per the guideline?

When there are firefighters placed in hazardous areas or IDLH atmospheres. (correct)

When the fire department responds to non-emergency calls.

Only during training exercises.

When a fire is confined to a single structure.

What does the acronym IDLH stand for?

Immediate Danger to Life and Health Signup and view all the answers

What is a hazard area as defined in the guideline?

A place where members may be struck by flying or falling objects. Signup and view all the answers

Which role is defined as the supervisor of multiple company officers?

Division Officer Signup and view all the answers

What responsibility does all personnel of the Spring Fire Department have regarding the RIT guideline?

To understand and comply with the guideline. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a hazardous atmosphere?

An atmosphere that contains toxins or is oxygen deficient. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT)?

To search for, locate, and extricate firefighters in a MAYDAY situation Signup and view all the answers

How many firefighters are recommended to be on a RIT?

Three to four firefighters Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for the establishment and activation of RIT during operations?

The Incident Commander Signup and view all the answers

What equipment must RIT members have during operations?

Portable radios capable of communication on the primary channel Signup and view all the answers

In case RITs are deployed, what should Command do?

Assign additional RITs for relief or assistance Signup and view all the answers

When should RITs be assigned to the scene?

As soon as feasible following the entry of firefighting personnel Signup and view all the answers

What must the company officer of the RIT ensure concerning the call sign?

That the radio traffic is monitored and they are aware of their assigned call sign Signup and view all the answers

What should RIT members wear during operations?

Full PPE with SCBA and face pieces Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of Rapid Intervention Teams (RITs)?

Assembling equipment and tools for potential rescue Signup and view all the answers

Why should the tools be placed on a tarpaulin?

To ensure they are accessible without congesting operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is required equipment for Rapid Intervention Teams?

Thermal Imaging Camera Signup and view all the answers

What should Rapid Intervention Teams do after setting up their equipment?

Check for alternate escape routes and door layouts Signup and view all the answers

How should equipment and tools be transported to the incident scene?

From other apparatus when possible Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the recommended tools RITs should have readily available?

Sledge hammer Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for RITs to verify that the scene is adequately illuminated?

To ensure safe evacuation of personnel Signup and view all the answers

What action should RITs take regarding rear and/or side doors?

Verify they are available and unlocked Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) during a MAYDAY situation?

Determine the last known location of the MAYDAY firefighter. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions should NOT be performed by RIT members?

Perform lighting installation outside the structure. Signup and view all the answers

What should a MAYDAY firefighter do to increase their chances of being located?

Tap on a hard surface to make noise. Signup and view all the answers

Where should lights be placed in large structures for optimal safety?

Inside, at each primary and secondary doorway. Signup and view all the answers

What must the RIT(s) do after locating the MAYDAY firefighter(s)?

Silence any alarming pass devices immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What should be reported to the scene Safety Officer during the 360-degree size up?

Changes in fire conditions and structural integrity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following self-survival actions is recommended for a MAYDAY firefighter?

Assume a horizontal position to avoid heat or smoke. Signup and view all the answers

Who can perform the task of installing additional lighting on large structures?

Other arriving apparatus/operators. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose

To establish a standard approach for Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) response, organization, and operation during emergency operations.

Scope

Applies to all department personnel
Established by the Incident Commander on incidents where members are placed in a hazard area, hazardous atmosphere, or IDLH atmosphere.

Responsibility

All Spring Fire Department personnel are responsible for knowing and complying with the guideline.
The Fire Chief or designee is responsible for reviewing this guideline annually and ensuring its accuracy.

Definitions

CAN Report: Firefighter reports conditions, actions taken, and needs from their position to mitigate the emergency.
Company Officer: Supervisor of one or more firefighters
Division Officer: Supervisor of multiple company officers in a specific area
Hazard Area: Area where members may be struck by flying/falling objects, including the immediate area around a structure or operation.
Hazardous Atmosphere: An atmosphere that is deficient of oxygen, contains toxins, or disease-producing contaminants. It may or may not be considered an IDLH atmosphere.
IDLH atmosphere: An atmosphere that's immediately dangerous to life and health, likely to cause death or immediate or delayed adverse health effects or prevent escape.
Incident Commander (IC): The individual responsible for all incident operations management.
RIT: Rapid Intervention Team; exclusively used to rescue firefighters in distress.

RIT Duties

Search for, locate, and extricate any firefighter(s) in a MAYDAY situation.

Guideline

The Incident Commander is responsible for establishing & activating Rapid Intervention Teams (RITs) during emergency operations.

Team Formation & Composition

RITs should be assigned by the Incident Commander as soon as practicable following the entry of firefighters into the hazard area, hazardous atmosphere, or IDLH atmosphere.
Minimum of three (3) firefighters, preferably four (4) firefighters, should comprise each RIT.
Each RIT member should possess a portable radio capable of communicating on the primary fireground channel. If radios are unavailable, the company officer must have one.
Incident Commander assigns a "call sign" to each RIT. The company officer must monitor radio traffic and be aware of the assigned call sign.
RIT reports directly to the Division Officer (if assigned) or the Incident Commander if no division is established.

RIT Equipment & Tools

All members wear full PPE with SCBA, including constant face piece use.
RITs may utilize the cab of the closest apparatus at the scene to "cool off" for rehabilitation.
Command must be aware of the potential for RIT fatigue from standing by in full PPE and may rotate crews as needed.
One (1) additional engine company should be dispatched automatically on all confirmed structure fires, ensuring enough manpower for critical fireground activities and at least one (1) RIT.
Additional or relief RITs should be assigned immediately if RITs are deployed. Assigning a Division Officer to command multiple RITs is advisable.
RITs should assemble as close to firefighting operations as possible without hampering or congesting the operation.
RITs should assemble equipment and tools that could be used in a rescue operation. Tools should be placed on a tarp in the immediate area but not blocking the operation.
Equipment and tools (other than those on the primary or secondary attack apparatus) should be removed from apparatus immediately upon arrival and made ready for use.
Required equipment and tools:
- Search/Tag line
- Individual tag lines
- Thermal Imaging Camera(s)
- Gasoline-powered chain saw/circular saw with metal blade
- Axes - pick head/flat head
- Halligan tool
- RIT bag
- Portable lights
- Exit locator light
Recommended equipment and tools:
- Rescue rope
- Sledge hammer
- Air bags
- Porta power

RIT Responsibilities

RITs should check all sides of the fire building to identify alternate escape routes, window and door layouts, and potential high-risk situations.
Verify rear and/or side doors are available (unlocked) and usable as a secondary exit. RITs should notify the Safety Officer and/or Incident Commander.
Verify adequate scene illumination. Exterior lights on opposite corners of the building should illuminate all four sides, particularly at night. Additional lighting may be necessary for large structures. Internal lights should be placed at each primary and secondary doorway (this can be done by other arriving apparatus).
Conduct a continuous 360° size-up of the fire building noting changes in fire conditions and structural integrity, reporting concerns to the Safety Officer and/or Incident Commander.
Monitor primary fireground radio traffic and maintain communication with the Accountability Officer(s) at all times.

RIT Actions During MAYDAY

Immediately communicate with the Incident Commander to determine the MAYDAY firefighter(s) last know location.
Communicate with Incident Command and the Safety Officer, if established, before entering the structure.
Enter the structure at the closest possible point to the last known location and begin RIT duties.
Provide a regular CAN report to the Division Officer or Incident Commander.

Self-Survival actions for MAYDAY Firefighters

Manually activate T-Pass and PASS device after a radio transmission.
Assume a horizontal position; this is a more habitable space due to heat and smoke conditions.
Use any tool or object to produce tapping noises on a hard surface; this increases your audible signature.
Use any available flashlight and direct it towards the ceiling to illuminate your location.
Find an area of refuge along an exterior wall or in an adjoining room not immediately threatened by fire.
Identify any means of possible self-rescue.

Upon Locating the MAYDAY Firefighter(s)

Immediately silence any alarming pass devices.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the standard approach for Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) responses during emergency operations. It covers key responsibilities, definitions, and guidelines necessary for all personnel during hazardous situations. Test your knowledge on the roles and protocols established by the Incident Commander.