This program is designed to better prepare members who are assigned to the RIT function to respond to the worst possible event on the fire ground.

Fire ground size up Tools & Equipment for RIT RIT Tactics

Performed by all members of the RIT Use organizations SOP's Size up is the gathering of critical information for

planning your operation. Not just an elegant radio report

Type of structure, roof construction and age of the structure

Size of the structure remember L x W x H Number of floors (high rise or large commercial

structure may require more than one RIT) Is there a basement ?

Security bars, Chained entry or exit points are windows nailed shut?

Fire & smoke conditions Location of the fire Location and number of personnel operating on

the interior. Possibility of structural collapse (Smoke seeping

through the mortar, Spalding, popping & cracking noises.)

Once assigned to RIT conduct a three-sixty of the structure. This will allow for development of your teams tactics if a mayday is declared.

During benchmark times another three-sixty should be conducted to note a changes in fire conditions or structural changes.

If SOP requires hose line for RIT utilize it. When practical utilize engine and water supply not

involved in fire attack. May day maybe result of loss of water during

attack.

Multiple scenarios for firefighters transmitting Maydays! !

RIT must be equipped to mitigate the various situations

Choose tools based on your size up anticipated RIT scenarios and on the mayday transmission.

Remember the Idea of RIT is to be rapid Assemble and stage RIT equipment in designated

area usually on salvage cover “A” side.

SCBA with mask Search rope Forcible entry tools

Irons, sledge hammer bolt cutters.

Become familiar with the proper operation of all tools and equipment

Hose line Complement of ground

ladders Consider aggressive laddering of structure

TIC Hand lights also

consider exterior lighting

Portable radios

Monitor interior fire conditions from exterior of the structure.

Utilize organizations SOP's Monitor smoke conditions Monitor fire ground radio traffic and progress of

interior crews. If RIT visualizes conditions that could jeopardize

personnel notify incident command. (Example: Structural collapse)

Upon receipt of mayday IC must act swiftly and deploy RIT.

All non emergency radio traffic should be silenced unless another emergency is transmitted.

Switch all other operations to a different tactical channel

This will allow RIT to communicate with the company or firefighter who has declared the mayday

Once RIT has located the downed firefighter the PASS device should be silenced if sounding.

This will allow RIT to hear if other PASS devices are activated.

RIT should rapidly assess the downed firefighters breathing and pulse. If downed firefighter is not breathing with no pulse immediate extrication is paramount.

While assessing breathing and circulation RIT should also determine PSI in downed firefighters SCBA

Next RIT should assess the downed firefighter for any entanglements that would hinder the extrication.

Wires structural materials from collapse Notify command of situation, location, intent and

par (SLIP) Provide the downed firefighter a continuous air

supply Consider aggressive ventilation for removal of

smoke and heated gases.

RIT should determine length of the extrication. Will relief teams be needed Brute strength versus a mechanical advantage

system . Consider interior structural conditions. Consider providing hose line to conscious

firefighter for protection in prolonged extrications.

Will the downed firefighter have to be moved up or down stairs, through a collapsed floor or through a hole in the floor.

Will the downed firefighter need to be removed from an elevated location.

Will existing openings need to be enlarged like making a window a door.

Has primary route become obstructed you may have to breach a wall into adjoining room.

It is up to us to make everyday a training day so that we may equip ourselves with the knowledge, skills and abilities, That will allow us to perform when our brothers and sisters need us the most.

www.firefighterclosecalls.com www.fireengineering.com www.everyonegoeshome.com www.vententersearch.com http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/fire/

VDFP May Day Firefighter Down ! Curriculum USFA Technical Report Series: Rapid

Intervention Teams and How to Avoid Needing Them.

Calling the Mayday: Hands On Training from USFA and National Fire Academy.

Program created by Lt. Brad Dougherty Naval Station Norfolk Fire & Emergency Services