Tac #18: RIT

Vocabulary terms and definitions based on Baltimore County Fire Department Tactical Operations SOP #18 regarding Rapid Intervention Teams.

MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY

The radio term used to notify the Incident Commander that Fire Service Personnel are lost, trapped, or in need of immediate assistance where life-threatening conditions may exist.

LUNAR

The acronym for Location, Unit number, Name, Assignment, and Resources needed for rescue; used to relay necessary information during a MAYDAY.

Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)

Any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects or that would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape unaided from a dangerous atmosphere (NIOSH/29 CFR* 1910.120).

Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)

A company of at least 4 entry level (white tag) Fire Service Personnel established, equipped, identified, and solely committed to locating and rescuing lost or trapped firefighters.

Rapid Intervention Task Force (RITF)

A group consisting of the next due Engine Company, Truck or Rescue Company, and an Advanced Life Support Medic Unit.

Incident Commander (IC)

The individual responsible for overseeing and coordinating the incident operation.

Personnel Accountability Report (PAR)

A report given by a company officer or member indicating whether or not they have visual contact with the remaining members of their crew.

Personnel Alert Safety System (PASS)

An alerting system common to Self Contained Breathing Apparatus assemblies that indicates a motionless or distressed member by audible tone.

2-In/2-Out

A federally-mandated procedure where initial crews operate in a buddy system with a minimum of two entry personnel (white tag) and a dedicated standby team of two for rescue/assistance.

RIT Staging Area

A separate apparatus staging area where all companies assigned to RIT report; distinct from Level 2 Staging Areas.

RIT Group

The radio designation of the Rapid Intervention Team once established.

Objective Based Deployment tasks

The three specific tasks assigned to RIT companies: Locate and maintain, Extrication, and Resources.

MSA ExtendAire II

An equipment option mentioned for buddy-breathing during the exit of a trapped firefighter.

Orange RIT tarp

The item used to designate the Tool Staging Area where gathered RIT tools are placed.

Reconnaissance Tools

Tools needed immediately for RIT operations including the orange tarp, RIT bag, thermal imaging camera, search ropes, axes, Halligan tools, and handlights.

Rescue Tools

Tools needed as the RIT effort escalates, such as Stokes Baskets, saws, hydraulic/pneumatic rescue tools, Port-o-powers, and Confined space Air-Carts.

RIT Entry Control Worksheet

A tracking document that records unit numbers, names, air pressure, and time increments (10, 20, and 30 minutes) to manage personnel safety.

Fourth Engine

RIT

RIT Bag Inventory Highlights

Contains items including an MSA SCBA Frame, MMR Pigtail, 2 green strobe lights, 5 lime green light sticks, linesman pliers, and a stopwatch.

Entry Personnel (White Tag)

The minimum qualification required for the four members of a Rapid Intervention Team.

RITF wil automatically be dispatched in addition to to to the ___________.

Additional alarm

RIT Group supervisor will be identified as

RIT Group

RIT Group officer as soon as possible est:

RIT entry control

RIT Action Plan

1. Lunar

2. Listen for radio communications

3. Listen for PASS Device activation

4. Inform other units

5. Use TIC

6. Physical search

7. Utilize the accountability system

#1 priority of a downed FD

Air Supply