FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL

1

FIREFIGHTER SURVIVAL
THE RAPID INTERVENTION TEAM
2
Background

• 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.

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
3
OBJECTIVES

• Fire ground size up
• Tools Equipment for RIT
• RIT Tactics

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
4

FIREGROUND SIZE UP

• 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 ?

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
5
FIREGROUND SIZE UP

• 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.)

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
6
FIREGROUND SIZE UP

• 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.

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
7
FIREGROUND SIZE UP
Water Supply

• 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.

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
8
RIT TOOLS EQUIPMENT

• 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.

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
9
RIT TOOLS EQUIPMENT

• Hose line
• Complement of ground ladders Consider aggressive
  laddering of structure
• TIC
• Hand lights also consider exterior lighting
• Portable radios

• SCBA with mask
• Search rope
• Forcible entry tools Irons, sledge hammer
  bolt cutters.
• Become familiar with the proper operation of all
  tools and equipment

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
10
RIT TACTICS STRATAGIES

• 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)

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
11
RIT TACTICS STRATAGIES

• 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

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
12
RIT TACTICS STRATAGIES

• 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

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
13
RIT TACTICS STRATAGIES

• 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.

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
14
RIT TACTICS STRATAGIES

• 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.

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
15
RIT TACTICS STRATAGIES

• 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.

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
16
TRAINING

• 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.

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
17
WEB-SITES OF INTEREST

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

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
18
CREDITS

• 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

BOTTLE ON, PASS ON !!
STAY SAFE ! !