B-104 Rapid Intervention Team and MAYDAY Operations

Question 1

Personnel assigned to the ____ received many hours of specialized RIT training and were supplied with the most advanced RIT equipment. These Teams shall be ____

Answer 1

• BSODFRES Hazardous Materials Team and Technical Rescue Team
• assigned, if available, when a RIT is indicated or requested.

Question 2

The Incident Commander shall be responsible for____. Establishment of the RIT shall be at every incident in which firefighters____

Answer 2

• identifying the need for a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT).

* enter a hazardous are that could be immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH).

Question 3

Examples of when a RIT shall be established include, but are not limited to:

Answer 3

1. Offensive interior fire operations.
2. Hazardous materials incidents.
3. Trench rescue operations.
4. Large frame aircraft fire operations.
5. Boat and shipboard fire operations.
6. Any other incident posing a significant risk to firefighters.
7. At the discretion of the Incident Commander or Battalion Chief.

Question 4

Objectives of the RIT and Mayday SOG

Answer 4

A. To establish a team of firefighters ready to act as a rescue team for other firefighters.
B. To define when RIT is established and the actions they should take upon arrival at an incident.
C. To define what basic tools and equipment will be assembled for conducting RIT operations.
D. To define what chain of events must take place in the event of a “MAYDAY”.
E. To define when additional RITs are warranted.

Question 5

The terms ____ and ____ must only be used in situations where immediate communication is necessary to protect life or prevent injury.

Answer 5

• “MAYDAY”

* “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC”

Question 6

Whenever a “MAYDAY” or “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” is transmitted, all communications ____

Answer 6

on the frequency are to cease. Only those transmissions between the member initiating the communication, the Incident Commander or designee, and the FireCom center are allowed.

Question 7

It will be the responsibility of the Incident Commander to ____. Both channels shall be ____.

Answer 7

• take the fire ground operation to a different monitored frequency and keep the RIT rescue operation on the original tactical frequency with an assigned RIT officer whose sole function is to manage the RIT rescue operation
• monitored by FireCom and the Incident Commander

Question 8

When a “MAYDAY” is declared, the Incident Commander will acknowledge it and determine the most appropriate course of action to affect a rescue. In some instances, ____; however, other scenarios are better managed by ____. It is the incident commander who will determine the most appropriate actions to take given in light of ____.

Answer 8

• operations should be stopped and shifted to rescue operations
• continuing operations and conducting a separate rescue operation
• the hazards faced at the scene

Question 9

MAYDAY – Mayday transmissions are an indication that ____. The “MAYDAY” transmission shall receive the highest communication priority from ____.

Answer 9

• a life threatening situation has developed

* FireCom, Incident Command, and all operating units

Question 10

Mayday should only be used during working fires under the following conditions.

Answer 10

a. Collapse of a roof or floor.
b. Firefighter is lost or trapped.
c. Flashover has occurred.
d. Discovery of another downed firefighter.
e. Separated from crew and low on air.
f. Tangled, pinned or stuck with a low pressure alarm.
g. Tangled, pinned or stuck and unable to self-extricate within 60 seconds.
h. Change in fire conditions that causes an inability to make immediate access to a known egress.
i. Low air alarm activates and there is no exit within 60 seconds or firefighter is not on a hose line of 200 feet or less.

Question 11

Mayday should only be used during Confined Space/Trench Rescue Operations under the following conditions.

Answer 11

a. Recognized change in mental or physical state (i.e. dizziness, headache, nausea, numbness/tingling, etc.).
b. Suspected change in the mental or physical status of another firefighter operating in the IDLH.
c. Any situation requiring the use of an escape bottle or buddy- breathing.
d. Discovery of another downed firefighter.
e. Collapse causing any blockage of the egress.
f. Collapse in the confined space with or without trapping firefighters.
g. Firefighter judgment.

Question 12

Mayday should only be used during Hazardous Materials Operations under the following conditions.

Answer 12

a. Recognized change in mental or physical state (i.e. dizziness, headache, nausea, numbness/tingling, etc.).
b. Suspected change in the mental or physical status of another firefighter operating in the IDLH.
c. Discovery of another downed firefighter.
d. Collapse of any confined space with or without trapping firefighters.
e. Drastic change in the nature or speed of a hazardous material release while firefighters are operating in the IDLH.
f. Any change or collapse that impedes the ability of firefighters to make a quick egress.
g. Firefighter judgment.

Question 13

EMERGENCY TRAFFIC – The “Emergency Traffic” transmission is used to ____

Answer 13

indicate that a serious injury has occurred that is not immediately life threatening, or to inform members on the fire ground of a serious change in conditions

Question 14

Situations that warrant the use of the Emergency Traffic transmission include but are not limited to:

Answer 14

1. When a member suffers an injury that is not immediately life threatening but which required medical attention and possibly hospital care.
2. An interior attack is to be discontinued and an exterior attack instituted.
3. Discovery of a structural problem indicating the danger of collapse.
4. Fire is discovered entering an exposure to a degree that any delay may considerably enlarge the fire problem.
5. Flashover or back draft conditions are apparent and/or imminent.
6. Loss of water which would endanger members.

Question 15

Under no circumstances shall the term “Emergency Traffic” be used in place of ____. Upon securing the incident reference to the “Emergency Traffic”, FireCom shall ____

Answer 15

• the “MAYDAY” call

* notify all units by initiating an emergency alert tone followed by “All units may resume normal radio traffic”.

Question 16

The Incident Commander shall ensure that a RIT assignment is deployed as appropriate. The size and location of the deployed RIT assignment shall be the responsibility of ____

Answer 16

the Incident Commander.

Question 17

Battalion Chiefs need to be aware and ensure the RIT assignment is ____.

Answer 17

filled

Question 18

If additional information is provided at the time of initial dispatch (i.e. multiple calls, law enforcement on scene advising smoke and/or flames showing, etc.), the Battalion Chief shall ____

Answer 18

request a RIT assignment while responding.

Question 19

The initial RIT can be assembled from ____, but an additional RIT company shall ____ as to not compromise firefighting efforts.

Answer 19

• the 1st alarm assignment

* still be dispatched to replace the initial RIT company

Question 20

When a company has been designated as RIT, they shall assume the radio designation of ____. The terms ____, etc. shall be used as this will provide distinction when multiple RITs are assembled.

Answer 20

• “RIT-1”

* “RIT-2”, “RIT-3”

Question 21

The primary task of RIT is to respond to firefighters in distress. Distress generally falls into three (3) categories:

Answer 21

1. Trapped.
2. Disoriented or lost.
3. Low air or out of air.

Question 22

The RIT shall assemble in full gear and breathing apparatus to a location ____ as designated by the incident commander. The following additional equipment shall be assembled by the RIT, if available:

Answer 22

• away from the hazard area
• 1. RIT bag.
     
     2. Forcible entry tools.
     3. Cutting tools.
     4. Rope bags.
     5. Lighting equipment.
     6. Stokes basket (if available).
     7. Thermal imaging camera.

Question 23

The initial RIT will also be responsible for taking measures to “safe” the building in the event of a “MAYDAY” and shall include but is not limited to:

Answer 23

1. One RIT Officer shall perform a 360 degree survey of the structure to identify means of entry and egress, construction features, and potential hazards.
2. Reviewing pre-fire plans of the building, if available.
3. Identify means of egress on upper floors and request/perform placement of ground ladders at those locations and aerial devices on multi-story occupancies.
4. Removing of bars on doors and windows that may be needed for egress.
5. Force entry of other doors and possible means of egress.
6. Illuminate points of egress.

Question 24

RIT members will stay together and maintain the integrity of the RIT, in a strategic location as deemed by ____, and await deployment if necessary.

Answer 24

the Rapid Intervention Team Company Officer and Incident Commander

Question 25

A unit or crewmember reporting an emergency will announce ____ followed by . The Incident Commander will gather all necessary information as indicated below and initiate the following procedures. FireCom shall activate an alert tone and announce “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, all units stand by for MAYDAY traffic”. FireCom will then ____

Answer 25

• their unit identifier,
• “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”
• receive all emergency information from the Incident Commander and repeat the information for all monitoring units one time.

Question 26

Firefighters calling the “MAYDAY” should include specific information. The Incident Commander and/or designee should listen for the following from the firefighter(s) calling the “MAYDAY”:

Answer 26

1. Location.
2. Unit number.
3. Names of crew members.
4. Assignment.
5. Resources needed.

Question 27

When a “MAYDAY” is transmitted, the Incident Commander will initiate the sequence of events listed below to initiate the rescue operation. The Incident Commander may also initiate these procedures for an uncontrolled P.A.S.S device or other notification of need for assistance.

Answer 27

1. Deploy the RIT.
2. FireCom will automatically dispatch another alarm (i.e. a first alarm assignment will go to a second alarm)
3. The Incident Commander will confirm that additional alarm assignment was automatically dispatched by the Communications Center
4. The Technical Rescue Team must be automatically dispatched, if not already assigned to the incident. Should the Department of Fire Rescue Technical Rescue Team already be assigned and/or committed to the incident, another technical rescue team shall be dispatched from existing resources or through mutual aid.
5. A personnel Accountability Report (PAR) must be taken for all members operating on the fire ground.
6. When appropriate resources area available, the IC shall consider a second radio channel for continued incident operations depending upon the complexity of the incident. A different radio frequency/tactical channel will then be assigned for the fire ground operation, and the rescue/RIT operation will remain on the original tactical frequency (in the event the victim(s) are trapped, they may not be able to reach their radio to change frequency). All units not specifically assigned as part of the rescue operation will then change radio frequencies to the newly assigned channel. These units shall confirm with FireCom on the new frequency.
7. Another Chief Officer other than the Incident Commander shall be assigned to the RIT operation to enable the Incident Commander to maintain focus on the original incident.
8. A second RIT must be assembled to serve as a backup and relief for the primary RIT. This second team will be assembled from the resources that arrived with the original RIT assignment. When the RIT is deployed, the second designated team shall be dispatched if not already on scene.
9. In addition to the above, the primary response rescue unit should be assigned only to the treatment of the firefighter(s) involved in the intervention. An additional rescue unit shall be dispatched for assignment as REHAB/MEDICAL Group and to stand-by for medical needs during fire ground operations.

Question 28

Anytime a “MAYDAY” is transmitted, ____ must not be abandoned and the Company and Division/Group Officers must ____. The sooner ____, the better the chance of survival for the trapped firefighter(s).

Answer 28

• firefighting positions
• control free- lancing
• the fire is brought under control and the smoke and heat are removed

Question 29

The RIT crew will give a “UCAN” report to the Incident Commander upon locating the firefighter(s) in distress:

Answer 29

1. Unit number – Crew that is making the transmission.
2. Conditions – What they have encountered.
3. Actions – What they are doing to rectify the situation.
4. Needs – Any additional equipment or manpower that may be needed.

Question 30

Upon location of the down or trapped firefighter, the RIT shall perform the following:

Answer 30

1. Locate and shut off the firefighter’s P.A.S.S device if activating.
2. Ascertain the air supply left in the SCBA and make arrangements for continuing air supply.
3. Perform a secondary survey by sweeping the downed firefighter’s body with hands to determine possible entanglement or entrapment. Should these conditions exist, notify Command immediately.

Question 31

The RIT will advise if the rescue is either a “clean” or “dirty” rescue. Clean rescues involve ____. Examples would include ____. Clean rescues shall only take place when ____. Dirty rescues involve ____. Examples would include ____. If RIT-1 cannot extricate the firefighter(s), they will need to advise RIT-2 of ____, and have the RIT crews change to facilitate the removal of the victim(s).

Answer 31

Clean
* careful manipulation of the firefighter for maximum safety

• broken bones, neck and/or back injuries
• surrounding hazards are controlled

Dirty
* rapid extrication of personnel due to surrounding circumstances or firefighter condition

• imminent explosion, heavy fire conditions, or the need for immediate medical attention
• what will be needed to remove the victim(s)

Question 32

RIT Terminology

LET Safe

Answer 32

(location/extension of the fire, entrances and exits, type of occupancy/construction) the building: Making the building safer for crews working in and around the building by placing ladders, removing bars, board-ups, etc.

Question 33

RIT Terminology

RICO

Answer 33

(Rapid Intervention Crew Officer): The RICO is the team leader and will report to the Command Post. The RICO will enter the building with the RIT-1 crew when a “MAYDAY” is transmitted. The second Officer from the respective team that responds will report to the Command Post or assist the Incident Commander and/or Operations Officer with the “MAYDAY” operation. The remainder of the crew will be staged for entry in the most appropriate location to assist RIT-1 with manpower and additional equipment if necessary.

Question 34

Passports with RIT-1 will have the PAR tags of the RIT at ____, and there will also be another passport at ____.

Answer 34

• the Command Post with the Incident Commander

* the RIT’s entry point into the building, either in a bucket or connected to the rope bag

Question 35

An additional Battalion Chief will be dispatched on ____. They will serve as ____, and as ____.

Answer 35

• all RIT assignments, internally and externally with the mutual aid request
• an additional resource at the Command Post
• a liaison when requested by mutual aid

Question 36

The closest unit available will respond initially for the RIT assignment (Hazardous Materials Team or Technical Rescue Team). Large scale emergencies may require ____

Answer 36

both RITs, due to the nature of the incident, locations of the operating crews, number of people on scene, etc.

Question 37

The primary objective of the first RIT is ____. They will then assess the situation and ____.

Answer 37

• to locate, tag and supply air to the firefighter(s) in distress
• either extricate the firefighter(s) or call for additional equipment and manpower to facilitate extrication of personnel

Question 38

Upon removal of the distressed individual a ____ shall be conducted and all operations commenced. At the discretion of the Incident Commander the RIT can be terminated when it appears that ____. Care should be taken to provide the safest possible working conditions for crews continuing operations.

Answer 38

• Personnel Accountability Report (PAR)

* control of the situation has been achieved

Question 39

Should conditions warrant, ____ efforts may be considered in operations involving aid to co-workers from high levels of injury or other stressful traumatic situations involving RIT rescuers.

Answer 39

• critical incident stress management

Question 40

Engaging in a firefighter rescue within a burning building or other hazardous environment will most likely be the most difficult assignment that a firefighter will ever perform - physically and mentally. ____ of firefighter deaths and injuries are attributed to becoming lost or trapped in structures.

Answer 40

Thirty percent (30%)

Question 41

The firefighter’s ability to survive may depend on ____. A “MAYDAY” transmission indicates that firefighters’ lives are in extreme danger. ____ immediately following the transmission of a “MAYDAY” will determine success or failure of the rescue efforts.

Answer 41

• individual actions and the actions of the Incident Commander as well as the RIT
• The action or lack of action taken