PURPOSE

Red Oak Fire Rescue often responds to incidents that present a high risk to firefighter safety. This procedure identifies the requirements and operation of Rapid Intervention Teams (RITs). Other related procedures are Lost/Trapped Firefighters Basic Self-Survival and Rescue-Lost Firefighters Command Responsibilities.

This procedure increases firefighters safety at emergency incidents by providing for fire fighter rescue at the outset of an event before a team enters an unknown atmosphere, potential or actual IDLH (immediately dangerous to life and health). It should integrate with procedures that are already in effect, such as the requirement for a back-up rescue team for hazardous materials entry. The objective of a R.I.T. crew is to have a fully equipped rescue team on-site, in a ready state, to immediately react and respond to rescue injured or trapped firefighters or civilians.

REQUIRED USE OF RIT

This procedure shall be implemented at all “working” structural fires beyond the incipient stage and other incidents where fire department members are subject to hazards that would be immediately dangerous to life and/or health in the event of an equipment failure, sudden change of conditions, or mishap.

Examples of special hazards include, but are not limited to:

• Offensive Fire Operations (assumed to be IDLH)
• Hazardous Materials Incidents (IDLH, potential IDLH, or unknown atmosphere)
• Trench Rescue
• Confined Space Rescue

Standard Exceptions to the RIT Requirement at Structure Fires

1. When the fire is in an incipient stage that could be controlled by a portable fire extinguisher