The Fire Scene: The Three Stages of RIT Operations
When firefighters talk about rapid intervention and the necessary skills and abilities that are required, it becomes obvious that there is more to RIT (rapid-intervention team) operations than removing firefighters from danger. In fact, if you take a close look at a complete RIT operation during which a distressed or otherwise endangered firefighter was rescued or removed, you will see that RIT operations were made up of three separate sets of tactics.
Stage One
So, a ladder company arrives at a working house fire and is designated for the RIT assignment. This is the beginning of Stage One, or the prevention stage. The word “prevention” is used because most of the duties that apply during this initial stage help to prevent a firefighter from either calling a mayday or needing one.
One of the first actions of the crew should be to assemble the RIT tools and equipment. This prescribed list of specific tools should be assembled at the RIT team’s location. Some crews use a tarp for laying out the tools; some place the tools into a stokes basket; others simply keep their tools on the ground where they are staged.
Placing ladders at various points around the involved building, where firefighters can use them to make a rapid escape from the building if conditions dictate that, is next. A firefighter who is escaping a deadly condition inside of the building and reaches a second-floor window will be quite happy to find a ladder already positioned there.
The removal of window bars or other difficult barriers that could prevent a retreating firefighter from getting out through a window is another tactical operation that can be performed in Stage One. These barriers can take time to remove, and you don’t want to be working on them with a firefighter just inside waiting to get out.
Stage Two
The second stage of RIT is deployment. (Many teams operate as the RIT and never get the opportunity to be deployed.) Once the call is made, the RIT must perform. Deciding how many members of a four- or five-person team enter the building and how many stand ready to assist is important. Even a three-firefighter team can enter with two members and have the third member monitor the tools and be ready to team up with another firefighter to enter as a second, or backup, RIT team.
What tools to bring in initially must be known, so the team isn’t bogged down with equipment.
Obviously, air must be carried in immediately as should basic hand tools and a thermal imaging camera. Some teams deploy a search rope as they enter the building to establish a direct route for any future team members or units that will assist them.
Stage Three
RIT removal is the last stage. By the time that you get to this stage, a lot of work was completed, and some time passed. If the team is well-trained and disciplined, it should be able to perform a long list of specific RIT tactics to complete the firefighter rescue. These tactics include: getting air to a firefighter who ran out of air; operations via saws and hand tools to free a trapped or otherwise pinned firefighter; converting an SCBA waist strap to a rescue harness; one- and two-person drags and carries, including moving up and down stairways, ramps and other elevation variables; and rope, knot and harness use for an operation that includes a drag, a lift or lowering.
Another RIT skill, which often isn’t discussed or practiced, is the transfer of operations from a primary RIT to a secondary team that arrives later to assist.
Radio terminology and unit identification assignments also are important for a successful operation and must be included in RIT team training.
Total proficiency
RIT operations aren’t only physically difficult but are mentally and operationally challenging, too. Deciding to take on RIT operations requires a commitment of considerable special equipment, skills, training and dedication. To join the teams that perform RIT operations requires you to master each of the three stages to assure a successful operation. Are you ready?
John J. Salka, Jr., will present “Fireground Responsibility” and “RIT Gone Wrong” at Firehouse Expo. To register, visit firehouseexpo.com.
John J. Salka Jr. | Battalion Chief
JOHN J. SALKA JR., who is a Firehouse contributing editor, retired as a battalion chief with FDNY, serving as commander of the 18th battalion in the Bronx. Salka has instructed at several FDNY training programs, including the department’s Probationary Firefighters School, Captains Management Program and Battalion Chiefs Command Course. He conducts training programs at national and local conferences and has been recognized for his firefighter survival course, “Get Out Alive.” Salka co-authored the FDNY Engine Company Operations manual and wrote the book "First In, Last Out–Leadership Lessons From the New York Fire Department." He also operates Fire Command Training, which is a New York-based fire service training and consulting firm.
