Full Text
300-004 Rapid Intervention Team Policy Effective Date: 3/1/08 Reference: April 23, 2025 change in name from FAST to RIT. Next Review: Modified Date: 4/23/25 CLASSIFICATION: POLICY STATEMENT Issued By: Scott Roman, Fire Coordinator Preface: All personnel assigned to a RIT Team should meet the minimum standards set forth in this document. All personnel should be proficient in rapid intervention and capable of utilizing their training to their fullest extent. RIT is not a substitute for OSHA’s two in two out. The fire departments in Cortland County are still obligated to have two people on the outside of the building on arrival to protect all firefighters entering the building. Firefighters assigned to two out may be relieved of their duties when the RIT team arrives. Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to insure that a RIT team, which at a bare minimum would consist of two firefighters working as a team who are assigned to eliminate and reduce any and all hazards that may trap or hinder a firefighter’s escape from a hazardous environment, immediately assist firefighters in need of assistance, and rescue missing, lost and / or trapped firefighters. Policy: 1. It is recommended that a RIT Team be assigned any time an incident is declared a “Working Fire” or “All Hands”, or at any incident where a firefighter’s safety is at high risk. Examples of this but not limited to are: a. Structure Fire b. Structural Collapse c. Confined Space 2. Depending on the size of the incident, multiple RIT Teams may need to be assigned. 3. The RIT Team(s) will remain on the scene until released by the Incident Commander. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4. Companies designated as a RIT Team will report directly to the Incident Commander. 5. The Incident Commander shall provide the following information to the RIT Team: a. the location of the fire b. numbers of companies / departments operating inside c. number of firefighters operating inside d. the operations being performed e. the entrance(s) being used for operations f. radio frequencies being utilized g. preplan of the building (if available) 6. Companies designated as a RIT Team should respond on apparatus equipped for Rapid Intervention. 7. It is recommended that each member of the RIT Team have the following equipment on their person: a. Turnout Gear b. SCBA c. Portable Radio d. Portable Flashlight e. Personal life safety rope (minimum of 8mm life safety rope) f. Door chocks g. Wire cutters / snips 8. The RIT Team shall have the following equipment readily available: a. protective hose line b. two sets of irons c. pick head axe d. spare SCBA bottles ---PAGE BREAK--- e. saws f. sledge / maul g. additional hand lights h. additional air packs i. life safety ropes j. rapid intervention bags k. two six foot hooks l. stokes basket m. ladders n. thermal imaging camera o. trauma bag p. defibrillator 9. In addition to this basic equipment, the following equipment should be readily available for extrication of a trapped firefighter: a. airbags b. hydraulic / hand / air extrication equipment c. cribbing d. torches e. ventilation fan 10. The RIT Team shall perform the following duties while standing by in the event of a firefighter(s) emergency occurs: a. Complete an immediate 360 degree walk around of the structure(s) b. Eliminate any and all hazards on the 360 degree walk around immediately and notify command of these situations c. size up of the structure d. setting up ladders ---PAGE BREAK--- e. removing obstruction from windows or doors f. assisting with exterior hose line advancement g. coordinated exterior horizontal ventilation h. assess firefighter locations i. monitor radio transmissions j. anticipate fire ground changes k. take notice of the products of combustion l. take fencing down 11. If the RIT Team is placed into service for a lost / missing / or trapped firefighter(s) or provided with another tactical assignment, it is recommended a second RIT Team be dispatched. ISSUED BY FIRE COORDINATOR Scott Roman