Rapid Intervention Teams

Having a rapid intervention team at the ready at the scene of a working structure fire is essential to the safety of the firefighters attacking the fire. It is not necessarily a popular job, because, fortunately, a RIT team won't usually be deployed and then there is a crew on the fireground just waiting, wanting to go put the fire out and definitely not wanting to stand around watching others work. However, how can not having a RIT team in place be justified? 

If a Mayday would be called during an incident, suddenly RIT just got a lot more prevalent. Instinct and concern for your brother firefighter would have many wanting to stop what they are doing and go help. Discipline, however, dictates that you keep doing your job and put your trust in the RIT team-that's what they are there for! Additionally, freelancing during an already bad situation is not going to help anyone and might just put more people at risk. 

I find RIT to be a fascinating form of rescue. It requires a proficiency, and honestly, when you're completing RIT drills, you're using other firefighting skills that could be used in other roles. Additionally, you need to be proficient in the tools that may be required for extrication of a firefighter should a mayday be called. Rescuing a civilian can be difficult enough, now you have to consider that your victim is a fellow firefighter wearing turnout gear with an SCBA which adds weight and makes the victim bulkier. 

There are a variety of tools that can be required for RIT operations. A TIC is extremely useful in locating victims. Rope bags, hand tools, chain saws (along with fuel!), stokes basket, backboard, first-in bag and a spare SCBA with a corresponding face piece are just a few examples of tools that may be necessary to extricate a firefighter.It is a lot to take in. There are a variety of skills required. When the RIT team gets on scene, they should be staging and at the ready, knowing what their job is. It is not an easy one, but we have to make the extrication as quick and safe as possible. This requires skill, critical thinking, and composure. It is not just another victim; it's someone who is apart of the brotherhood. You can't let your emotions take over. 

Another important aspect of RIT is that it is more than these variety of firefighting skills. You have to have situational awareness. 

RIT is more than just standing around watching others do work. You sure as hell better be paying attention to what is going on during operations. What methods of egress are there? Are ladders set up, ready and available if need be? The RIT team, which may be broken down into smaller teams dictated by duties assigned by the RIT officers, should be performing 360s around the structure so that they are keeping up to speed on operations and the situation at hand. RIT requires you to be ready at all times. It is something that we cannot take lightly because that one time a crew doesn't take it serious is the time that someone could get hurt or die. Everyone goes home, right? 

Keep fire in your life. Stay safe.