RIT/RIC responsibilities

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mike Gagliano on December 12, 2009 at 1:55pm

Hey Mark...

Thanks for the question brother and here's some thoughts. I don't see justification for the notion of "conserving energy" on the part of the RIT. To the contrary, when our crews drill we emphasize the following:

Stage your equipment (You don't want to running back to the rig trying to find what you need while a brother/sister is screaming for help inside). This would include all necessary forcible entry equip, hose to reach 180 degrees around each side of the bldg(min), TIC, RAK(air kit) etc...

360 bldg survey - Know where problems may occur and eliminate any potentianl problems such as security bars, forcing exits etc(soften the building to use your term)...

Monitor radios closely - Including what companies are assigned on the interior and where. We train for the time when a crew will be getting a rapid message out that may or may not be clear. If we're tracking where everyone is, we have a better chance of starting the in the best place possible to find them.

As for the ROAM, it has never been a tool to hinder aggressiveness. In fact, the improved elements of teamwork and situational awareness tend to give the well trained fire crews an enhanced ability to do their job without sacrificing their safety.

Keep getting better brother...


Mike

Permalink Reply by Pascal Marchand on January 19, 2010 at 11:03pm

Hello Mark

I Agree with M. Gagliano, i think, to patiently wait and practice the energy conserving techniques is the last thing to do. We wanted RIT team on the fire scene. Now that it is starting to happend dont ruin it. This assignement is as important as any other assignement on the scene and the RIT crew have some specific task to perform and check during the intervention.

Permalink Reply by Todd Shoebridge on September 23, 2011 at 8:33am

The first word in RIT is Rapid, but we also have to realize that it is often not as rapid as it needs to be.  Preparing your tools, assigning your members with a task (ex. RIT bag, search rope, search, etc.) before they are needed to preform enhances the teams effectivness and ability to respond in a quicker manner.  Pay attention to were people are, how many lines are on the ground, the color of the hose if applicable, how much hose is inside and outside the structure.  This will give you a good idea of how far the crews maybe inside the structure.  You need to stay in visual contact with the IC, but not right next to him.  You can do your 360 size-up, "soften" the structure, etc while on alert.  The key to that is not to get to caught up that if a MAYDAY or emergency does occur your out of place.  As for the ROAM, I agree with Mike, the ROAM was designed for the safety of everyone on the incident scene.  It plays a key role in your situational awareness, and the way you do bussiness.  Safety is always your number one priority so that everyone goes home.