C Platoon RIT Study & Training

Command Post

During the month of October, Battalion Chief William Stallfort conducted Rapid Intervention Training (RIT) with his 6 Companies assigned to his platoon.  This training served both as a practical training exercise for the Companies and a way for the B/C to record, revise and implement a RIT operational guideline.  Each of the 6 Companies arrived individually to the Burn Building at 1100 Marlkress Road and were given the scenario that they were the RIT Company arriving at a single family dwelling fire.  Each Company took preemptive measures to begin making the fire ground safe and prepare for any firefighter emergencies. Shortly into the operation the scenario quickly changed with a firefighter on the Engine Company's attack line becoming trapped and injured after a small collapse inside the building.  The assigned RIT Company quickly mobilized and began rescue efforts; Each crew had to assess, package and remove a down firefighter from the basement up a 20' sloped surface.

The Battalion logged what equipment each Company brought, what they did preemptively (i.e. throw ladders, 360 degree size-up), how and what they did to rescue and remove the firefighter and ultimately how long the operation took.  This information will be analysed and used to better equip and teach our Companies in firefighter rescue and RIT operations

Some common tools utilized by the RIT can easily be
carried to the scene via the Stokes Basket

Aggressive RIT Operations don't begin when the May Day occurs but instead starts upon the arrival  of the RIT.  The crews throw ladders, clear windows, force any unopened doors and work to make the fire ground safe

Headed into action after the report of a down firefighter

The RIT follows the hoseline into the injured firefighter