"We're RIT"

Many times while performing RIT duties such as a recon of the structure or staging outside the structure the Rapid Intervention Team are often asked, "who are you with? or what are your assignments? or can you handle a certain task?" It is obvious in the pictures above who is assigned to RIT. If Command or a Division officer can easily I.D. the RIT then any confusion would be eliminated.

For a quick review of the Top 5 Initial RIT Actions

(info below from the Fairfax Fire Dept. RIT Manual)

1. Recon of the structure to take note of building construction, access and egress points. Problems such as bars on windows, etc.

2. Confirm location of all units working in IDLH.

3. Perform the initial actions needed for rapid access/egress i.e. place ladders, force doors, remove window/door bars. (editor's note - The RIT should be able to assist in coordinated exterior ventilation and control of exterior utilities)

4. Establish an appropriate tool cache based on the findings of your recon, occupancy type and construction.

5. Monitor radio traffic. Perform periodic secondary reconnaissance.

Be prepared to go to work!

Is there anything else that you would like to add? Do you agree with the above...? Thanks to Tom Griffin 18/A on his assistance with the above information.

editor's note - The pictures above were taken from a recent fire in Sharon Hill, PA. A FF was critically injured along with two other FFs that suffered non-life threatening injuries. According to various reports units were fighting a garage fire when an exterior wall collapsed trapping the three FF's. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and their families.
Pictures courtesy of Brian Feeney from Feeney Fire Films.