The unit assigned to RIT should stage in a location to maximize their options and await instruction from Command. This company should be prepared for a RIT assignment if an emergency occurs. During  operations, RIT will normally be assigned a standby position near the Command Post or the rehab operation. A minimum of one company will be required.

Command may assign more than one company as a RIT if necessary. Operations of a large or more complex nature may call for multiple RIT units to standby at different entry points. After dispatch of a company, Command has the following options for use:

1. Assign the company to RIT duties and be designated Rescue Sector.
2. Cancel the company en-route after the declaration of fire under control AND PAR’s have been obtained from all crews and the IDLH atmosphere no longer exists.
3. Assigned other duties, such as heat relief for working crews overhaul duties, etc.
4. If assigned anything other than RIT duties, Command must request an additional company as a RIT unit to be available for emergencies affecting firefighters.

En-route potential RIT crews should monitor the radio channel and noting location of operating companies. Upon assignment of RIT responsibilities, the RIT officer should obtain a detailed briefing from Command or the safety officer on the operation of all assigned companies with in the IDLH atmosphere. 

All RIT crew members will assume a ready state, including full protective clothing and SCBA. For other types of incidents the protective clothing and equipment will be appropriate for the hazards. The RIT officer will closely monitor the radio at all times.

In some cases the RIT may need to conduct a recon to maintain awareness of working companies and conditions. The team must be able to react immediately to sudden emergency events at the incident site. In all cases, the RIT must have the ability to rapidly deploy.

In some situations, protective hoselines may need to be pre-deployed. RIT companies should assess the need for other access points to provide for egress, rescue, and ventilation. Forcible entry may be necessary. When companies are operating on floors above ground, the RIT should consider pre-positioning ground ladders to allow for emergency egress and rescue.

If a firefighter gets in trouble or an emergency occurs Dispatch should immediately be contacted with a declaration of “May Day”. Command will sound emergency traffic and declare the “May Day” and advise responding units. Whenever a RIT is deployed it should be replaced as soon as possible to back up the crews involved in a rescue operation.

If RIT units are needed to respond to a sudden emergency, in which the Sector Officer is incapacitated (physically or emotionally), the RIT Company Officer will assume sector responsibilities for the area in which the emergency exists. Rescue sector should coordinate their activities with the involved sector to maximize the rescue operation.

If not deployed as a RIT unit, Command may assign this company as a relief unit and rotate them with interior companies. RITs can be used for any appropriate assignments after all crews are out of danger, PAR’s have been obtained, and an IDLH atmosphere no longer exists.

RIT–SCBA RESCUE KITS
Once assigned to RIT , the assigned company must obtain SCBA Rescue Kits. Each kit should be checked for air supply and tools (See Appendix A). Upon a report of a lost or trapped firefighter, the kit (or more than one kit) must be taken to the rescue area.

COMMITMENT TO RESCUE OF A LOST OR TRAPPED FIREFIGHTER
Upon a report of a lost or trapped firefighter, Command should deploy the RIT(s) to the last reported location of the lost/trapped firefighter(s).The RIT will be then be given the designation of Rescue Sector.  The RIT–SCBA kit(s) must be taken. The RIT Officer may be assigned a “Rescue Sector” designation. Appropriate rescue equipment and crews must be quickly assembled and organized