24 Questions
What is the primary task of any RIT team on the fire ground?
Firefighter safety and firefighter rescue
What is the minimum number of personnel required for a RIT?
4 firefighters
What is the situation where a RIT must be established?
When there is an immediate danger to life and health of fire crews
What is the minimum number of firefighters required for an Initial Rapid Intervention Team (IRIT)?
2 firefighters
What happens when the first designated RIT Apparatus arrives on scene?
The IRIT transfers their responsibilities to the first designated RIT Apparatus
What is the purpose of supplying select apparatus with a RIT Kit?
To go beyond the Provincial standard for RIT
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
Where should the RIT be located at a high-rise incident?
One floor below the fire floor or just outside the controlled area
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
How many RITs are required per downed firefighter?
One RIT (a team of 4) per downed firefighter
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
Who monitors the channel of the rescue when a RIT is deployed?
A member of the Command Post Staff and Toronto Fire Communications
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
What is the purpose of a Search/Rescue Plan?
To coordinate search efforts for a downed firefighter
What should a RIT do if they encounter a downed firefighter?
Provide emergency air or medical aids if needed and incident conditions allow
What is a key consideration for a RIT when preparing to deploy?
Familiarizing themselves with the structure/incident and conducting a 360, if possible
What should a RIT do upon arriving at the incident scene?
Be briefed by IRIT and the ISO
What is a key aspect of the RIT's role during a MAYDAY scenario?
Providing situation reports to Command or RITSO
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)
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
What should the RIT Sector Officer announce on-air upon deployment of the RIT?
The RIT is deployed
When can a RIT be stood down by Command?
When conditions dictate or advised by the ISO
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
What is the responsibility of the RIT Sector Officer regarding the RIT search lines?
To ensure one RIT search line per downed firefighter
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
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.
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