The Incident Commander shall establish rapid intervention teams as soon as possible during emergency incidents. For further guidance on RIT see section 800. 

RAPID INTERVENTION TEAMS

• Rapid Intervention Teams are used to provide dedicated personnel to the Incident Commander in the event of a rescue in an IDLH environment
• The RIT should be comprised of at least four personnel from an engine, ladder, or rescue if possible. Remember staffing and deployment requirements for the incident and request resources early to accomplish the RIT.
• RIT assignments as outlined in 800.

RIT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Face-to-face with command/assure adequate staffing assigned to RIT
• Complete a walk around reconnaissance (Team Leader)
• Assign team responsibilities
• Establish an appropriate tool cache
• Remove any obstructions from doors and windows
• Note egress points
• Place additional egress ladders
• Always maintain unit integrity
• Command shall only assign the RIT duties aiding in RIT operations
• After these tasks and any other given by incident command have been accomplished, the RIT should take a restful posture until deployed or reassigned.

HOT, WARM, AND COLD ZONES

Hot, warm, and cold zones should be established with specific color tape when conditions dictate per OSHA:

• Red tape - hot zone, all personnel on scene will avoid this area unless given a direct assignment by the officer-in-charge to enter
• Yellow tape - warm zone, used to keep bystanders, news crews, and non-essential personnel away from scene
• No identifier is needed for the cold zone