Chesapeake Fire Department
QA  Program   

Fire Training Topic  3

RAPID INTERVENTION TEAMS (RIT) 

1.         Before initiating any operation in an atmosphere where conditions are considered to be immediately dangerous to life and health, the Incident Commander shall first assemble a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).  The (RIT) shall consist of a minimum of two personnel.  The purpose of the RIT is to monitor and maintain constant communication, primarily via the radio system, with personnel entering into the hazardous atmosphere and to affect an immediate rescue should they become distressed, disoriented or incapacitated.  The RIT team shall be fully equipped with protective clothing, SCBA, and specialized rescue equipment (kit) which may be needed to affect a rescue.  The Incident Commander shall locate the RIT near the Command Post or at an assigned location.     

            (Note: Rescue equipment kit should consist of the following: 2 flashlights, 3 door straps, 1 small bolt cutter, 1 life line, 1 utility rope, 1 channel lock pliers, 1 phillips & 1 straight head screw driver, 1 folding knife (3 to 4” blade), 1 wire cutter.  In addition to the kit, a haligan tool, flat head axe and a spare SCBA cylinder should be at the RIT staging area.  NOTE: In process of being developed. 

2.         The RIT will remain in service until the Incident Commander has determined that an incident is under control and no longer requires the use of SCBA.  Care should be given not to prematurely eliminate the use of RIT during overhaul operations, which could potentially involve equally dangerous environments for firefighters to work in.  The RIT shall not be deployed or used for fire suppression or any other purpose during the incident, unless a replacement team is immediately provided.   

3.         As an incident expands, the Incident Commander shall deploy additional teams depending upon the number of interior teams which are operating and/or the complexity of the physical arrangement of the property. 

                                

Response Prescription 

One (1) additional engine company will be dispatched on all structural fire alarms to provide sufficient personnel to staff rapid intervention teams.  (Note:  This is the Third Engine)

                                                                                   

Life Saving Rescue  

Exemption From the Use of an RIT Incident Commanders may set aside the use of RIT and initiate interior operations in an IDLH atmosphere if there is an immediate life threat present on the scene which would require a life saving rescue. 

 

  (RIT) PROCEDURE

 General 

1.         The Incident Commander shall establish a RIT before interior operations are initiated on a working structural fire.  The RIT must be placed in a location where they can be immediately deployed to provide search and rescue of firefighters who may be lost, disoriented incapacitated.  This location may be adjacent to the Command Post, in a particular sector or other area determined by the Incident Commander. 

2.         Crews on the scene shall engage only in exterior suppression operations until sufficient personnel are on the scene to provide a RIT.   

3.         Incident Commanders or Driver Operators actively engaged in pumping operations should not be deployed as RIT members, when such service would remove them from their principle responsibilities and jeopardize the life and safety of other firefighters operating on the scene.   

4.         The RIT should maintain radio communication with teams operating in the structure and the Command Post at all times.           

5.         Driver Operators engaged in supplying attack lines shall have a secondary hand line extended to the point of entry where attack lines enter the structure.  These secondary lines must be available for use by the RIT in the event rescue becomes necessary. 

6.         The RIT must be maintained at all times; until such time the Incident Commander determines an IDLH atmosphere no longer exists.