Spring Fire Department Guideline - Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT) PDF

**[PURPOSE]** To provide a standard approach for the response, organization, and operation of Rapid Intervention Team(s) (RIT) when assigned during emergency operations. **[SCOPE]** This guideline applies to all department personnel. It will be established by the Incident Commander (IC) on all in...

**[PURPOSE]** To provide a standard approach for the response, organization, and operation of Rapid Intervention Team(s) (RIT) when assigned during emergency operations. **[SCOPE]** This guideline applies to all department personnel. It will be established by the Incident Commander (IC) on all incidents where members are placed into a hazard area, hazardous atmosphere or an IDLH atmosphere. **[RESPONSIBILITY]** All Spring Fire Department personnel are responsible for knowing and complying with this guideline. **[REVIEW]** The Fire Chief or designee is responsible for reviewing this guideline annually and insuring its accuracy. **[REFERENCES/DEFINITIONS]** [CAN Report:] The firefighter will report the **conditions** they have, the **actions** they are currently taking, and the **needs** they have 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]: An area where members may be struck by flying/falling objects. This area would include the immediate area around a structure or operation. Hazardous atmospheres, particular substances, devices, events, circumstances or conditions that present a safety hazard to members of the fire department or public. [Hazardous Atmosphere]: Any atmosphere that is deficient of oxygen, contains toxins or disease-producing contaminants. A hazardous atmosphere may or may not be considered an IDLH atmosphere. [IDLH atmosphere]: An atmosphere that is immediately dangerous to life and health. This atmosphere is likely to cause death or immediate or delayed permanent adverse health effects or prevent escape from such an environment. [Incident Commander (IC):] Individual who is responsible for the management of all incident operations. [RIT:] Rapid Intervention Team, used exclusively to rescue firefighter(s) in distress. [RIT Duties:] To search for, locate and extricate any and all firefighters that are in a MAYDAY situation. **[GUIDELINE]** The Incident Commander is responsible for the establishment and activation of Rapid Intervention Team(s) during emergency operations. **Teams** 1. RIT(s) should be assigned by the Incident Commander as soon as feasible following the entry of fire fighting personnel into the designated hazard area, hazardous atmosphere or IDLH atmosphere. 2. RIT(s) shall be composed of at least three (3) firefighters, preferably four (4) firefighters. 3. Each RIT member should have a portable radio capable of communicating on the primary fireground channel. If portable radios are not available for all crewmembers, the company officer shall have a radio. 4. RIT(s) will be assigned a "call sign" by the Incident Commander. The company officer of the RIT(s) must assure that radio traffic is monitored and is aware of their assigned "call sign". 5. RIT(s) will report directly to the Division Officer to which they are assigned or Incident Commander if no division has been created. 6. RIT(s) will be in full PPE with SCBA, including the constant wearing of face pieces. If necessary, the RIT shall utilize the cab of the closet apparatus to the scene to "cool off" for periods of rehabilitation. Command must remain cognizant to the fact that the RIT(s) will become fatigued standing by in full PPE and may rotate out crews at their discretion. 7. On all confirmed structure fires, one (1) additional engine company should be dispatched automatically to assure enough manpower is on location to accomplish all critical fireground activities and maintain at least one (1) RIT. 8. If RIT(s) are deployed to perform RIT duties, Command should immediately assign additional RIT(s) to relieve a deployed RIT(s) as necessary or assist with the rescue portion of the operation. Assigning a Division Officer to command multiple RITs is advisable, this allows the Incident Commander to focus on the overall incident operation. **Team Responsibilities** 1. RIT(s) should assemble as close to firefighting operations as possible yet not hamper or congest the operation. 2. RIT(s) assemble equipment and tools that could be used in a rescue operation. Tools should be placed on a tarpaulin. The tarpaulin should be in the immediate area but not congest the operation. Should an emergency arise, tools will be readily accessible. 3. Equipment and tools should be removed from apparatus and made readily available for use as soon as the designated team arrives on location. Tools should be taken from apparatus other than the primary or secondary attack apparatus when possible. Required equipment and tools RIT(s) should have immediately available: a. Search/Tag line b. Individual tag lines c. Thermal Imaging Camera(s) d. Gasoline powered chain saw/circular saw with metal blade e. Axes -- pick head/flat head f. Halligan tool g. RIT bag h. Portable lights i. j. k. Exit locator light a. Rescue rope b. Sledge hammer c. Air bags d. Porta power 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. a. Immediately communicate with the Incident Commander and determine the MAYDAY firefighter(s) last know location. b. c. Communicate with Incident Command and the Safety Officer, if established, prior to entering the structure. d. Enter the structure at the closest area possible to the last know location of the MAYDAY firefighter(s) and begin RIT duties. e. f. A CAN report should be given on a regular basis by the RIT Officer(s) to the Division Officer or Incident Commander. Self-survival actions taken by a MAYDAY firefighter(s) that will assist RIT(s) with their duties: 1. Manually activate T-Pass and PASS device [after] your radio transmission. 2. Assume a horizontal position, this is a more habitable area due to heat or smoke conditions. 3. Use any available tool or object to make tapping noises on a hard surface, this increases your audible signature. 4. Use any available flashlight and direct it towards the ceiling to illuminate your location. 5. Find an area of refuge along an exterior wall or adjoining room that is not immediately threatened by fire. 6. Identify any means of possible self-rescue. 7. Crews shall always stay together. Upon locating the MAYDAY firefighter(s): 1. 2. Immediately silence any alarming pass devices. 3. Determine if the MAYDAY firefighter(s) need to be rapidly extricated due to deteriorating conditions. 4. Verify the lost firefighter(s) has(have) an adequate air supply and establish an air supply using the RIT Pack if necessary. Both MAYDAY firefighter(s) and RIT members must be closely monitored throughout the rescue operation. 5. 6. Notify Command that the MAYDAY firefighter(s) has(have) been located. This notification will include current CAN report, **C**onditions in the area, **A**ctions taken so far, and any additional **N**eeds to free/extricate the MAYDAY firefighter(s) from the hazard area. 7. Extricate the MAYDAY firefighter(s). Demobilizing Rapid Intervention Team(s): a. b. c. d.