Rapid Intervention Teams
(RIT)

Knightdale Public Safety Fire - Rescue


Rapid Intervention Teams , or "RIT" are not a new
phenomenon to the fire service. Also termed "RIC's"
(Rapid Intervention Companies), these teams are assigned
on any fireground or emergency scene where an "IDLH"
atmosphere (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health)
exists. This may include but is not limited to structural
fires that require entry by suppression crews, Toxic or
Hazardous Materials spills or leaks, or Confined Spaces.
These teams are assigned or designated by the Incident
Commander (IC) upon arrival at an incident with an IDLH.
Just as Important as the Safety Officer, Staging Officer,
or Operations / Division Officer; a RIT is a trained team
who is ready to act should an emergency responder
become injured, lost or disoriented. Sad enough to say,
emergency response teams sometimes need rescuing
themselves. Because of many contributing factors,
Firefighters are often injured or killed when they enter a
burning structure or HazMat environment (Polystyrene
Foam furniture, larger buildings, building construction
features, widely accepted use of pre-fabricated truss
systems,  plastic and silicone conductor production
facilities). Fire Departments and outside training agencies
are rapidly taking an aggressive approach to Firefighter
Safety through training of RIT. Knightdale Public Safety is
dedicated to the safety and well-being of it's members,
therefore this type of training is conducted every fourth
month, on the second Thursday - which is "All-Hands
Training" Please see below for more information and
pictures related to RIT .
Houston, TX 2-14-2000

Fire at McDonalds Claims 2 Houston
Firefighters. Arson is the cause, firefighter
fatalities due to early roof collapse, unable
to locate or account for firefighters upon
evacuation order. View more HERE


View the Fire Chief article "Houston, We
Had A Problem" on how Houston Fire
Department corrected personnel and
training deficiencies HERE
The Picture Below shows equipment often
used by a RIT Team. This Equipment is often
laid out on a tarp upon arrival or assignment of
the RIT Team. Laying the Equipment out on a
tarp on the fireground allows for ease of
access and deployment.