Fire Scene: Rapid Intervention Options
Rapid intervention is a gigantic topic that involves numerous skills, abilities, tactics and tools. We’ve discussed many of those before, but this month I’d like to review a few specific elements of a rapid intervention operation that can be used by both departments that have adequate staffing and units as well as departments that have more limited resources.
Numbers matter
The first issue to examine is the actual numerical make-up of the team. Obviously the minimum number of firefighters needed for a rapid-intervention team (RIT) is two. Two certainly limits the number of RIT tactics that a team can perform, but it is a reality for many departments. Two firefighters can initiate a RIT operation, but many times they will be unable to complete it. Sometimes a later-arriving unit can be pressed into service to relieve or augment the RIT, and the operations can be successful.
When a RIT is staffed with three firefighters, the game changes. Three firefighters can be divided into an entry team of two, and the third member can stand by outside with tools, prepared to deploy to assist the entry team. If the RIT is deployed and the two-person entry team enters, the incident commander (IC) or other officer can begin the process of augmenting the single remaining member of the team.
In departments that have trained all members in RIT tactics, just about any member can be reassigned to the RIT operation so the single firefighter can be part of a second two-firefighter team. This second pair of firefighters is now the “backup” team and can be used for a number of different purposes. This backup team can carry in specific tools requested by the entry team, they can enter to physically assist the entry team, and they can be used to relieve the first two firefighters if they run low on air or need to leave for any other reason.
Search ropes
One tool that can greatly assist a RIT operation is a search rope. When conditions require the RIT to deploy into the hazard area, they can place the search rope into operation. Just as it might be used for a search operation, the RIT entry team can deploy the search rope as they enter and attempt to locate a lost, missing, downed, injured or distressed firefighter. The benefit here is that after they locate the firefighter who needs assistance, they can request tools or assistance or a hoseline, and the backup team would simply need to rapidly follow the search rope directly to the location of the entry team. This relieves the backup team from having to follow verbal instructions or search themselves for the entry team, not to mention it will dramatically speed up the rescue operation.
Radio ops
Another tactic that needs to be considered is the use of radios during the RIT operation. Specifically, when a RIT is deployed into a structural fire, they are not simply an engine or ladder company anymore. Once designated and deployed as the RIT, the unit’s radio identity needs to be updated. For example, L-58 is the assigned RIT at a fire. The IC deploys them for a reported firefighter down on the second floor. The entry team can enter, deploying the search rope and communicating with the IC, the member who transmitted the mayday and possibly even the downed firefighter.
When they locate the downed firefighter, they should contact the IC. The transmission should sound like this: “L-58 RIT to IC.” They are still their original identity but they are also now the RIT. Simply adding the “RIT” designation to their original unit identity will keep it clear to all units on the frequency that they are the responding RIT.
Additionally, if a second RIT team arrives—for example, L-56—and is deployed for a second but separate mayday, they can simply identify themselves as “L-56 RIT.” This simple combination of unit number and the RIT designation will dramatically assist the IC in keeping his RIT operations clearly and correctly identified.
Another radio-related issue is the changing of channels for a RIT operation. I must underscore the importance of keeping all of your resources on the primary tactical channel. Recent studies have revealed that in more than 85 percent of mayday situations, it is the distressed firefighter’s own unit members or other units in the area that remove them. Changing channels will only isolate the distressed firefighter from the members who can best assist them.
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.
