RIT Teams and Firefighter Safety

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary task of any RIT team on the fire ground?

Firefighter rescue only

Scene management and control

Firefighter safety and firefighter rescue (correct)

Firefighting operations only

What is the minimum number of personnel required for a RIT?

4 firefighters (correct)

2 firefighters

6 firefighters

3 firefighters

What is the situation where a RIT must be established?

When a firefighter is lost or trapped at the incident

When a fire is fully extinguished

When the Incident Commander is unavailable

When there is an immediate danger to life and health of fire crews (correct)

What is the minimum number of firefighters required for an Initial Rapid Intervention Team (IRIT)?

2 firefighters Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the first designated RIT Apparatus arrives on scene?

The IRIT transfers their responsibilities to the first designated RIT Apparatus Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of supplying select apparatus with a RIT Kit?

To go beyond the Provincial standard for RIT Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is a RIT Apparatus designated to a dispatch?

A reported working fire, requested by an IC, a structural collapse, or deemed necessary by Toronto Fire Communications Signup and view all the answers

Where should the RIT be located at a high-rise incident?

One floor below the fire floor or just outside the controlled area Signup and view all the answers

When should a RIT be deployed?

Upon activation of an emergency button, receiving a ‘MAYDAY’, or as the result of a PAR identifying a trapped or injured firefighter Signup and view all the answers

How many RITs are required per downed firefighter?

One RIT (a team of 4) per downed firefighter Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a RIT is deployed or a MAYDAY is called?

Toronto Fire Communications automatically dispatches an additional alarm level to the base location, including another RIT Apparatus Signup and view all the answers

Who monitors the channel of the rescue when a RIT is deployed?

A member of the Command Post Staff and Toronto Fire Communications Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action a RIT takes to locate a downed firefighter?

Attach a search line to the exterior of the IDLH in an obvious location Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Search/Rescue Plan?

To coordinate search efforts for a downed firefighter Signup and view all the answers

What should a RIT do if they encounter a downed firefighter?

Provide emergency air or medical aids if needed and incident conditions allow Signup and view all the answers

What is a key consideration for a RIT when preparing to deploy?

Familiarizing themselves with the structure/incident and conducting a 360, if possible Signup and view all the answers

What should a RIT do upon arriving at the incident scene?

Be briefed by IRIT and the ISO Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the RIT's role during a MAYDAY scenario?

Providing situation reports to Command or RITSO Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step a RIT team should take when they are called to deploy during a 360?

Return to the RIT tarp to gather their tools and member(s) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the RIT Sector Officer in regards to the RIT team?

To ensure the RIT is fully equipped and briefed prior to entry Signup and view all the answers

What should the RIT Sector Officer announce on-air upon deployment of the RIT?

The RIT is deployed Signup and view all the answers

When can a RIT be stood down by Command?

When conditions dictate or advised by the ISO Signup and view all the answers

What should the Command do when an IRIT or RIT is deployed on a MAYDAY?

Notify Toronto Fire Communications who will make an announcement on all channels Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the RIT Sector Officer regarding the RIT search lines?

To ensure one RIT search line per downed firefighter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

RIT Apparatus Designation

A RIT Apparatus is designated for dispatches that involve a reported working fire, requested by an IC, structural collapse, or deemed necessary by Toronto Fire Communications
A RIT Apparatus in its normal first-run area should not be designated as the RIT Apparatus

Location of a RIT

Initial RIT location may change due to the nature of the incident and any relocation must be radioed to the RITSO or IC
At high-rise incidents, the RIT should be located one floor below the fire floor or just outside the controlled area with easy access to a stairwell for rapid deployment
Access to the Entry Control board is preferred so that the RIT can determine task assignments and location of personnel

Deployment of a RIT

A RIT shall be deployed by Command in the following situations:
- Upon activation of an emergency button and Toronto Fire Communications are unable to establish radio contact with the crew(s)
- Upon receiving a ‘MAYDAY’
- As a result of a PAR identifying that a firefighter or crew is trapped, missing, or has sustained a life-threatening injury
- At any time there is doubt as to the safety of personnel in the controlled area
The IC/RIT Sector Officer should brief the RIT prior to deployment, providing information on the identity of missing personnel, their last location, general operations in the vicinity, and any known hazards
One RIT (a team of 4) is required per downed firefighter
One RIT search line is required per downed firefighter

Composition of a RIT

Initial Rapid Intervention Team (IRIT) consists of a minimum of two firefighters assigned by the Incident Commander
IRIT must be fully equipped with appropriate protective clothing, portable radios, and SCBA
RIT consists of a minimum of four personnel

RIT Responsibilities

Utilize an entry control board (including search line tag)
Develop and communicate a Search/Rescue Plan
Provide timely reports to Command or RITSO
Locate, identify, and assess the firefighter involved with the MAYDAY
Provide emergency air or medical aids, if needed and incident conditions allow
Utilize a search line and attach to the exterior of the IDLH in an obvious location
Remove the firefighter involved with the MAYDAY
Announce benchmarks as they are achieved
Call for assistance if needed

RIT Sector Officer (RITSO) Responsibilities

Ensure the RIT is fully equipped
Thoroughly brief the team prior to entry
Be the primary radio contact for the RIT
Provide a regular timeline (on-air time) to the deployed RIT
Request additional personnel and/or resources as required
Provide updates to Command, RIT, and Toronto Fire Communications

RIT Communications

Command shall notify Toronto Fire Communications to make an announcement with alert tones on all channels operating at the incident when an IRIT or RIT is deployed on a MAYDAY
RIT operates on the channel the MAYDAY was transmitted on, unless otherwise directed by Command
Benchmarks to be communicated via radio include:
- RIT DEPLOYED
- FIREFIGHTER LOCATED
- FIREFIGHTER OUTSIDE
- RIT STOOD DOWN

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Description

Learn about the primary tasks of Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) on the fire ground, including firefighter safety and rescue. Understand the Provincial standard for RIT and how TFS goes beyond it with enhanced training and equipment. Test your knowledge of RIT responsibilities and operations.