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Rapid Intervention Drill
By Observer Jennifer Wilbanks
February 20, 2010
This morning members from Branchville Co. 11 took part in a RIT drill. A Rapid Intervention Team, RIT, is established to maintain firefighter safety and may be sent into a structure to rescue firefighters who are trapped or in need of additional help. The first part of the drill covered the various elements included in the duties of a Rapid Intervention Team. This includes buddy breathing, drags, packaging a firefighter, and self maydays. The firefighters first watched a refresher demonstration and then took turns practicing each skill. After completing each skill, we headed to the annex to put them all together into a practical, realistic scenario. The scenario started with one RIT team entering the structure to rescue a trapped firefighter. As the team entered, a section of the roof (mattress) collapsed, falling on the third member of the team. As conditions worsened, a second RIT team was dispatched. The scenario continued with many more collapses, lost firefighters, and other difficulties. Throughout the drill, the firefighters were able to maintain communication and use the skills they practiced earlier in the day.
Thanks to the planners, trainers, and officers who made this drill possible.
Emergency breathing technique
Firefighter Packaging: Getting the down firefighter ready to be moved.
Lifting a victim up the stairs.
Scenario: Roof collapse on top of a firefighter.
RIT team searching for a missing firefighter.
BVFCO officers planned, taught, and participated in the drill.
