Training On Demand
Purpose
 To provide fire fighters at an emergency incident a
team with pre-assigned duties aimed at rescuing
downed, lost or trapped firefighters.
 A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) should be established
when significant risk is present to firefighters or when
Incident Command (IC) deems necessary.
RIT Structure
 The RIT should consist of 4 members. The minimum
number of members assigned to RIT shall be 2.
 The crew should be completely fresh and standing by in
a location that would allow quick access to the hazard
area.
 RIT should always have the designation of RIT
Group.
 The IC may assign RIT I, RIT 2, or RIT 3 groups when
necessary.
RIT Pack/ Location
 All apparatus carrying a RIT pack shall have a
reflective sticker mounted on the exterior of the
compartment door indicating its location on the rig. The
RIT pack should be clearly marked with the letters RIT.
 A RIT pack is a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA) or air equipment specifically meant to provide
emergency air supply to trapped firefighters.
RIT Assignment
 Upon arrival or assignment as the RIT, members will
report directly to the IC.
 The RIT will remain in contact visually or verbally (by
radio is acceptable) with the IC at all times during the
incident.
 Should the IC require the use of the RIT for a tactical
assignment, a new RIT should be formed immediately.
RIT Equipment
 The rapid intervention team members will have the following equipment. If
possible, this equipment should be laid out on a labeled tarp and be dedicated
for the RIT only.
 Full protective gear including SCBA donned with the cylinder valve turned on.
When available, the entire RIT should utilize 1 hour cylinders.
 Portable radios with all members monitoring the tactical channel to listen for a
MAYDAY or pertinent information which may affect firefighter safety.
 Flashlights
 RIT pack or if none is available an extra SCBA and bottle for the victim.
Consideration will be made when firefighters from other departments are on
scene to assure there are compatible RIT packs or SCBA available.
 Forcible entry tools.
 Rope bag.
 Thermal imager and spare battery.
 Any additional equipment that may be needed based on the type of incident or
occupancy (i.e.: hose line with separate water supply, saws, extrication equipment,
backboard, etc.)
RIT Preparations
 Once the RIT gathers its equipment, the members will
conduct a size-up of the structure or incident.
 The size-up includes
 A walk-around of the structure to locate any potential
problems
 S u r v e y and to open accesses or provide egress where
necessary.
 RIT Group will then stage in an area near the hazard
zone that affords the best access to the majority of the
members who may need assistance.
 Size-up of the structure and the monitoring of fire
conditions should be on going. This can include
periodic 360's of the structure.
RIT Deployment
 If anyone suspects a firefighter may be missing, they
should immediately notify IC. An absent member of any
crew will automatically be assumed lost or trapped in
the hazard zone until otherwise determined safe.
 A member or crew that is lost, trapped, disoriented or
facing imminent danger, injury or death shall call on the
radio "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY". Radio
traffic should then be limited to the IC and the member
calling MAYDAY. After necessary communications
with IC, the member calling MAYDAY should activate
their PASS device.
RIT Deployment
 Division/Group/Company Officers will be asked for a Personnel
Accountability Report (PAR) and/or receive task assignments.
The use of a PAR may not be adequate to account for all
personnel and the IC may need to recall all personnel out of the
hazard area to get an adequate roll call. The accountability
system should be helpful in determining the number of missing
fire fighters and their last known location.
 The IC needs to find out:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Who is missing.
The missing firefighter's last known location.
Who was working with the firefighter.
Was there an explosion or collapse.
What is the state of the firefighter's air supply.
What are the fire/smoke and heat conditions in the structure
RIT Deployment cont.
 RIT will report to IC and a Rescue Action Plan developed. A Safety
Officer shall be assigned to RIT and a second Safety Officer assigned to
the remainder of the fire ground incident.
 RIT will be deployed at the best-determined location. All other fire
ground operations should be assigned another radio frequency and IC
should delegate an operation chief to conduct all other fire ground
operations. Additional resources (mutual aid) may be needed. Ventilation
and lighting may be priorities in the rescue zone.
 The hospital should be put on standby. A helicopter service may be
needed. Medic units should be standing by and ready for any victims.
 Division/Group/Company Officers need to maintain good control of
personnel in their assigned areas. All firefighters may want to help with
the rescue, but continuing to fight the fire or performing other tasks may
be just as important to the rescue effort.