standard operating procedure college station fire department

SUBJECT: Rapid Intervention Teams POLICY: 300.1.11
CATEGORY: Operations PAGE: 3 of 4
Rapid Intervention Teams continued:
e. In some cases the RIT may need to conduct a re-con to maintain awareness of working companies
and conditions. The team must be able to react immediately to sudden emergency events at the
incident site. In all cases, the RIT must have the ability to rapidly deploy.
Prior to initiating interior fire suppression operations, a minimum of four firefighters shall be on
the scene. They shall work in compliance with RIT guidelines requiring a minimum of a two person
entry team and a minimum of a two person RIT outside the structure.
Exceptions
Incipient Stage Fires
Entry may be made while a fire is in the incipient stage. Refer to incipient stage definition.
Known Life Hazard
A “Known Life Hazard” exists when there is reasonable expectations that people are currently
occupying the structure and are in danger of injury or death. Where initial arriving personnel find a
known life hazard or known rescue situation and immediate action could prevent the loss of life or serious
injury, deviation from this procedure is permitted within the following parameters:
a. The Incident Commander / Initial Officer shall notify by radio that a rescue is being attempted
without a RIT on the scene (Example: 721 on the scene and in command of a one-story structure.
Unit 721 will be making entry without a RIT).
b. Dispatch shall notify all other responding units that entry is being made without a RIT on the
scene. (Example: Dispatch to all units responding. Unit 721 is on scene attempting rescue
without a RIT).
c. After completing a search of the structure or rescue of the occupants, firefighter are to withdraw
from the structure until RIT procedures can be implemented with the arrival of additional
personnel. Completion of the search is accomplished when search teams issue an “All Clear.”
d. All deviations of the RIT policy shall be documented and a written report submitted by the
company officer through the chain of command to the Assistant Fire Chief.
Commitment to Rescue of a Lost or Trapped Firefighter
Upon a report of a lost or trapped firefighter, Command shall deploy the RIT to the last reported
location of the lost/trapped firefighter(s). The RIT leader will be assigned a Rescue Sector designation
such as RIT 1. Appropriate rescue equipment and crews must be quickly assembled and organized.