Rapid Intervention
Teams
Witold Nocoń
VFB Przyszowice
www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
All comments regarding this presentation should
be directed to: [email protected]
Copyright  2005. This presentation may be copied, modified and distributed free of charge
for the purpose of training. Please notify the author if any changes are made.
Scheme of the presentation:
• Introduction
• 2in/2out – the beginning of RIT
• Rapid Intervention Teams:
• Tactics, methods and techniques
• Strategy
• Two important issues: accountability, calling for help
• Training
• What else can we do?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What is a Rapid Intervention Team?
Rapid Intervention Team (RIT)
a group of firefighters who's mission at
the fireground is to find and rescue a
lost, trapped and/or unconscious
firefighter from the IDLH zone.
IDLH – immediately dangerous to life
and health
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What is a Rapid Intervention Team?
Are the skill we learn for rescuing civilians
enough to rescue a firefighter from a
burning building?
Civilians are rescued using the
„grab and go” tactics
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What is a Rapid Intervention Team?
A firefighter on the other hand may be:
• trapped or entangled
• lost in the IDLH zone, in a high temperature,
with zero visibility
but he/she will survive...
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What is a Rapid Intervention Team?
... because he/she wears:
• specialized turnout gear
• helmet
• fireproof hood
• self contained breathing apparatus
(SCBA)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What is a Rapid Intervention Team?
Therefore, a firefighter may still be able
to survive in conditions that would be
deadly for civilians...
But rescuing him/her will have to be
performed in
much worse conditions...
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What is a Rapid Intervention Team?
A firefighter rescue:
• is something totally different from rescuing a
civilian
- it is more difficult
• may have to be performed in much worse
fire conditions
• will most likely require a specialized rescue
techniques
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What is a Rapid Intervention Team?
A firefighter rescue :
• will force the rescuers to take much greater
risks
• will be much more stressful for the rescuers
that rescuing a civilian
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What is a Rapid Intervention Team?
As firefighters we can not simply call 911
and hope for help to come...
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Scheme of the presentation:
• Introduction
• 2in/2out – the beginning of RIT
• Rapid Intervention Teams:
• Tactics, methods and techniques
• Strategy
• Two important issues: accountability, calling for help
• Training
• What else can we do?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
2in/2out rule
The „2 in/2 out” rule is the basic
protection for the firefighters working in
a IDLH zone
OSHA standard (29CFR1910.134)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
2in/2out rule
When two firefighters enter the
IDLH zone...
... two additional firefighters
must be available to enter the
IDLH zone immediately..
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
H
... one of whom may be involved in other
operations unless no danger is created
when those operations are interrupted
2in/2out rule
This rule may be omitted if it prevents
from making a rescue. For example, if
staffing is insufficient to fulfill the
2in/2out rule and there are reported
people trapped.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
2in/2out rule
The question is: is it enough to send
two firefighters to find, secure and
rescue a downed firefighter from a
burning building?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Southwest Supermarket Fire (Phoenix, USA).
14th March, 2001
Firefighter Bret Traver dies at
the line of duty...
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Southwest Supermarket Fire (Phoenix, USA).
14th March, 2001
• after finishing primary search, Engine 14 crew
(including firefighter Tarver), starts to go out of
the building (depleting air supply)
• firefighter Tarver and his colleague, separate
from the rest of the crew, and are lost in the
building. They separate from each other.
• firefighter Tarver calls for help...
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Southwest Supermarket Fire (Phoenix, USA).
14th March, 2001
...the firefighters involved in the rescue of
firefighter Tarver called 12 additional MAYDAYs
• two companies sent into the building as RIT
teams (E18, L9), not finding the victim,
helped 6 other firefighters (lost and/or with
depleted air supply), to exit the building.
• one of the rescuers (member of Rescue 3)
is taken from the building and not breathing
(recovers after CPR administered)
• firefighter Tarver is taken out of the building
after 53 minutes from calling for help!!!
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Scheme of the presentation:
• Introduction
• 2in/2out – the beginning of RIT
• Rapid Intervention Teams:
• Tactics, methods and techniques
• Strategy
• Two important issues: accountability, calling for help
• Training
• What else can we do?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Rapid Intervention basics
When should a RIT be created?
RIT teams are mainly set up during structural
fires, but should always be set up whenever
firefighters are forced to use breathing
apparatus (SCBA)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Rapid Intervention basics
At least one RIT team must be established:
• during interior firefighting
• if there’s a danger of collapse
• if there’s a danger of being trapped or pinned
down
• if there’s a possibility of being lost in a large
structure
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Scheme of the presentation:
• Introduction
• 2in/2out – the beginning of RIT
• Rapid Intervention Teams:
• Tactics, methods and techniques
• Strategy
• Two important issues: accountability, calling for help
• Training
• What else can we do?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Needs of the downed firefighter
• Air
• Water
• Radio
• Extrication
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Needs of the downed firefighter
• Air
A sustainable air supply is the first priority
for a firefighter in trouble
RIT team must always take a spare SCBA
to provide the downed firefighter with this
fresh air supply..
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Needs of the downed firefighter
• Water
A protective stream can protect the
immediate area of a trapped firefighter even
if the rest of the structure is lost
A line should be prepared, preferably
supplied form an independent source
(engine) to provide the protective stream
if needed.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Needs of the downed firefighter
• Radio
The rescue team must supply immediate
and direct communications between a
conscious but trapped firefighter and the
Command Post - on a designated
separate channel
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Needs of the downed firefighter
• Extrication
As soon as the initial “Grab and Go” fails,
extracting the firefighter becomes the
FINAL tactical priority, behind air supply,
fire protection, and communication.
Otherwise, the operation is very likely to become a
body recovery
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Needs of the downed firefighter
• Air
• Water
• Radio
• Extrication
AWARE
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Organization of the rapid intervention team
The RIT team must consist of
at least two firefighters.
But it is strongly advised for the team
to have at least four (4) members.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Organization of the rapid intervention team
A RIT team must never consist of
inexperienced firefighters.
RIT firefighters should be elite
firefighter in terms of physical and
psychological abilities.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Organization of the rapid intervention team
T.E.A.R.
Courtesy of Slinger Fire Departmnt (http://slingerfd.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Organization of the rapid intervention team
Team leader
• Communicates progress
and receives orders from
command
• Provides guidance to the
team members including the
way out to the firefighter
dragging the downed
firefighter
• "Holds the door"
Courtesy of Slinger Fire Departmnt (http://slingerfd.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Organization of the rapid intervention team
Extrication
• Carries irons or other tools
suspected to be of need
• Carries wire cutters
• Frees the downed firefighter
from obstructions and
restrictions
• Assists with the air bottle
switch over and firefighter
removal
Courtesy of Slinger Fire Departmnt (http://slingerfd.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Organization of the rapid intervention team
Air
• Carries an extra air supply,
rack or air bag (depending on
the department)
• Ensures the downed
firefighter has an adequate
air supply and switches the
air supply if needed
• Helps remove the downed
firefighter
Courtesy of Slinger Fire Departmnt (http://slingerfd.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Organization of the rapid intervention team
Rope
• Carries the search rope
• Deploys the search rope on
the way in
• "Holds the door"
• Picks up the search rope on
the way out
Courtesy of Slinger Fire Departmnt (http://slingerfd.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tools
bag with a spare SCBS
search rope
additional bottle
length of nose
with nozzle
radios
Courtesy of Slinger Fire Departmnt (http://slingerfd.com)
forcible tools
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
flash
lights
thermal imaging camera
Tools
The spare SCBA is carried in a „RIT Bag”
Courtesy of Slinger Fire Departmnt (http://slingerfd.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tools
other...
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics – preparing for possible rescue
After arrival on the fireground the RIT team:
• gathers the necessary tools:
• tools must be
readily available
• tools are only for
RIT operations
wire cutters
Courtesy of: James T. Swanick
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics – preparing for possible rescue
• The team stands by near the entrance to the
IDLH zone through which firefighters are operating.
• In high-rise operations, the team stands by 1 or 2
floors below the fire floor.
• The team leader stays in contact with the Incident
Commander and keeps track of the fireground
operations
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics – preparing for possible rescue
• The tram performs its own size-up:
- 360 degrees walk-around
- factors that may hinder rescue operations
(window bars etc.)
- size-up of building layout, ways of evacuation and
means of evacuations
• One of the team members should not be involved in
other operations than monitoring interior conditions,
tracking firefighters, listening to radio transmissions
etc.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics – preparing for possible rescue
• Other members may carry out other operations,
unless discontinuation of those operations causes
other dangers
• The RIT team is activated when:
- a firefighter calls for help,
- PASS alarm is heard on the fireground
- accountability shows a missing firefighter
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY !!!
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
Rescue plan:
1. Finding the firefighter in trouble
2. Assessment of the downed firefighter and
securing Air, Water etc.
3. Freeing the victim from entanglements,
collapses etc.
4. Extrication of the downed firefighter
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
1. Finding the firefighter in trouble
The team takes only the basic tools:
• Spare SCBA for the victim
• basic forcible tools (axe, halligan etc.)
• wire cutters
• flash lights, radios
• search rope!
The team must be able to move quickly
– it must not be overloaded with tools!
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
1. Finding the firefighter in trouble
Search rope:
It is secured at the
entrance and
deployed as the
team progresses
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
deployed as the team
progresses
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
1. Finding the firefighter in trouble
Extreme caution should be
used anytime a
downed/trapped member is
approached to ensure the
safety of the rescuers and
the victim(s).
The victim may also be
dangerous, for example
he/she may try to grab the
rescuer’s face mask
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach
(http://www.tes2training.com)
Tactics
1. Finding the firefighter in trouble
Once the victim is found:
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
A. Turn off the PASS device
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
1. Finding the firefighter in trouble
B. Using the radio, inform the Incident Commander,
that the victim is found – give approximate location
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
2. Assessment
A. Is the victim breathing? Is the SCBA
working properly?
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
2. Assessment
A. Is the victim breathing? Is the SCBA
working properly?
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
If the victim is
not breathing,
extricate as fast
as possible
Tactics
2. Assessment
B. Check pressure
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
2. Assessment
If the victim’s SCBA is empty,
or the SCBA is not
functioning
... connect the fresh
SCBA to the victim’s
mask
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
2. Assessment
If the mask is also damaged...
... provide the victim with a new one
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
2. Assessment
Once the SCBA is exchanged, check if it’s
working properly
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
3. Freeing the victim
A. Is the victim entangled?
What additional tools are
necessary to free
the victim?
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach
(http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
3. Freeing the victim
B. Report to the Incident Commander:
- condition of the victim
- actions taken/needed
- additional needs (tool etc.)
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
4. Extrication
A. Prepare for transport
the spare SCBA is secured to
the victim’s SCBA waist strap
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
4. Extrication
B. Moving the downed firefighter
The victim may be transported using the
Stoke’s basket...
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
4. Extrication
B. Moving the downed firefighter
The victim may be transported using the
Stoke’s basket...
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
4. Extrication
B. Moving the downed firefighter
The victim may be transported using the
Stoke’s basket...
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
4. Extrication
B. Moving the downed firefighter
When the basket is not available:
One rescuer
drag:
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
4. Extrication
B. Moving the downed firefighter
When the basket is not available:
Two rescuers
drag:
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
4. Extrication
B. Moving the downed firefighter
When the basket is not available:
Two rescuers
drag:
Courtesy of Chesapeake Fire Department
(http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/fire/fire.shtml)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
The team may be split into two
MAYDAY!!!
RIT team with tools
Tools
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
The team may be split into two
serch/secure team
Takes:
• SCBA for the victim
• search rope
• basic forcible tools
search rope
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
The team may be split into two
The search/secure team must find and
secure air supply for the victim, water if
necessary
Once the victim is secured:
- is this team capable of removing the victim?
- what other tools are necessary to make the
removal?
Needs report transmitted using the radio
Tools
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
The team may be split into two
The extrication team takes the necessary
tolls and helps with freeing the victim
Tools
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Tactics
The team may be split into two
The whole RIT team is
removing the downed firefighter
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Scheme of the presentation:
• Introduction
• 2in/2out – the beginning of RIT
• Rapid Intervention Teams:
• Tactics, methods and techniques
• Strategy
• Two important issues: accountability, calling for help
• Training
• What else can we do?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Strategy
The rule of three [11]
Three RIT teams are necessary to find, secure
and remove the downed firefighter form the
IDLH zone
It is about having a plan and resources to
secure the teams in case of a MAYDAY
situation.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Strategy
The rule of three
During fireground operations the first team
(RIT1) is set up.
RIT1 responsibilities:
• organize a RIT staging area
• constantly size-up the fireground
• monitor firefighters working inside the
IDLH zone
MAYDAY!!!
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
RIT 1
Tools
Strategy
The rule of three
IC
RIT1 is activated
The Incident Commander must
secure two additional RIT teams
RIT 1
RIT 2
RIT 3
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Strategy
The rule of three
RIT2 backs up RIT1
operations and gathers
additional equipment
RIT 2
RIT 1
RIT3 secures other
firefighters working on the
fireground
RIT 3
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Strategy
The rule of three
If RIT1 is not capable of
removing the victim, (depleted
air supply for example) RIT2
takes over and takes
additional tools if needed.
RIT 2
RIT 1
RIT 3
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Strategy
The rule of three
RIT 1
RIT1 goes to rehab, takes
fluids and exchanges air
bottles
RIT 2
RIT3 backs up RIT2
operations
RIT 3
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Strategy
The rule of three
If RIT2 is also not capable of
removing the victim...
... RIT3 takes over
RIT 2
by this time, RIT1 should be
ready for action again
RIT 3
RIT 1
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Strategy
The rule of three
Why other firefighters should not help with the
rescue?
We must not allow the fire suppression effort
to cease in order to rescue a brother/sister
firefighter
Fire suppression operations should be
intensified
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Strategy
Why is it necessary to have a plan and trained
firefighters in order to rescue a downed
firefighter?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Example
Worcester, December 3rd, 1999.
Six firefighters die
during a cold-storage
and warehouse fire
(Worchester, USA)
December 3rd, 1999.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Example
Worcester, December 3rd, 1999.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Example
Worcester, December 3rd, 1999.
fire is on the second floor
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Example
Worcester, December 3rd, 1999.
During search operations on the fifth floor, two
Rescue 1 firefighters are lost (no search rope
used)
They inform the IC and ask for assistance in
getting out of the building
Ladder 2, Engine 3 and Ladder 1 and sent to
help.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Example
Worcester, December 3rd, 1999.
Two of the firefighters sent to help are also lost
and call for help.
In the mean time, two Engine 3 firefighters ,
enter the building (without notifying the IC).
From radio transmissions it was deduced, that
they found the two firefighters that where sent
into the building to help the original two.
All six firefighters die...
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Scheme of the presentation:
• Introduction
• 2in/2out – the beginning of RIT
• Rapid Intervention Teams:
• Tactics, methods and techniques
• Strategy
• Two important issues: accountability, calling for help
• Training
• What else can we do?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY
In order for the RIT team to be successful, the
firefighter in danger must not wait with calling
for help
Even for a Rapid Intervention Team, it will take
a while to find, secure and rescue the victim
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY
You should use the
following rule:
If you think you are in trouble...
... you are in trouble!
Calling for help must not be considered as a
dishonor!
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY
How to call for help?
• the best way is to use a radio and a clear
word that will only be used if firefighter’s life
is in danger
MAYDAY
• by manually turning the PASS alarm on
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY
Example:
„Firefighter Smith to command...
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY
I’m on the second floor and can not get
out. I need help!”
After hearing the MAYDAY all other
firefighter should stop any transmissions
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY - example
Two Firefighters killed
in Auto Parts Store
Fire, Chesapeake
(Virginia, USA)
March 18th, 1996
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY - example
„Three Firefighters Die in Pittsburgh House Fire” – USFA, FEMA.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY - example
„Three Firefighters Die in Pittsburgh House Fire” – USFA, FEMA. (Photo courtesy Chesapeake Fire Department)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY - example
„Three Firefighters Die in Pittsburgh House Fire” – USFA, FEMA. (Photo courtesy NFPA)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY - example
Dispatch tapes transcription:
11.49 Engine 1: „ Engine 1 do Battalion 2”
11.49 Battalion 2: „Battalion 2. Go ahead”
11.49 ????: ??????????
11.49 Engine 3: „Chief, I got Frank and myself and we
can’t get out”
11.49 Battalion 2: „I can’t understant you”
11.49 Engine 3 : „Chief, somebody to the front and
get us out of here”
11.50 Battalion 2: „Can anybody on this scene, on this
fire? Can you hear or able to understand anything –
transmission?”
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Calling a MAYDAY - example
after a while:
11.50 Battalion 1: „Battalion 1 to Battalion 2.
Transmission sounds like it’s somebody
trapped inside of the building”
Few minutes later the roof collapsed...
A better understanding of the call for help,
might not have saved the firefighters lives.
This situation shows however, how important it
is to know how to call for help... it may not be
that easy...
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability What is it?
The aim of accountability is to track the
firefighters working during fire/rescue operations
• who’s at the fireground and where is he/she?
• for how long has this person been working
in the IDLH zone?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability How it works?
Every firefighter is issued with a tag (or two tags)
• name
• company nr.
• etc.
„Personal Accountability System Technology Assessment” – USFA, FEMA.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability How it works?
Before entering the IDLH zone, this tag is
given to the accountability officer...
... and secured to the
accountability board.
Time of entrance is also
noted.
„Personal Accountability System Technology
Assessment” – USFA, FEMA.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability How it works?
PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) or
rollcall is part of the accountability.
The accountability officer calls every unit on
the fireground to confirm that all personnel
are accounted for.
PAR is initiated every 10 or 15 minutes, or
after a major event (collapse, order to
evacuate the building etc.)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability When it must be implemented?
Accountability is especially important during
major fires/incidents, however...
A system that is not routinely implemented
will not work, even if it is implemented
during major incidents.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability
During „small incidents”
During „small” incidents (firs alarm units),
accountability may for example be done by
the driver of the first due company.
The board may be mounted near the pump
controls.
The driver will collect the tags and will note
the time of entrance of firefighters to the IDLH
zone.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability
During „small incidents”
Benefits from implementing accountability
during small incidents:
• the commanding officer will get the
information, that the air supply of the crews is
just about to be depleted (in 10 minutes for
example)
• the system will be used routinely and not
turn out to be pure fiction during major
incidents
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Not implementing accountability ...
Three Firefighters Die in
Pittsburgh House Fire
(Pennsylvania, USA)
February 14th, 1995.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
front of the building
rear of the building
„Three Firefighters Die in Pittsburgh House Fire” – USFA, FEMA.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
„Three Firefighters Die in Pittsburgh House Fire” – USFA, FEMA.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
„Three Firefighters Die in Pittsburgh House Fire” – USFA, FEMA.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
„Three Firefighters Die in Pittsburgh House Fire” – USFA, FEMA.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
First alarm units:
• Engines 17, 18, 19
• Truck 17
• Battalion chief 2
17 firefighters in total...
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
00:27– E17 on scene
Capitan, together with two E17
firefighters enter the building from
the front, with a line and go down
the stairs to the 1st floor.
Firefighter from T17 and two E18
firefighters start applying water
from the rear.
The fire extends to the top of the building through voids.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
00:47 – Firefighter from T17 takes his
SCBA, enters the building in order to
check conditions and inform E17
about the fire spread
The stairwell collapses underneath
him and he falls into the basement.
He manages to climb to the first
floor where he meets E17 captain,
but he’s barely conscious.
At some time, E17 firefighters run out of air. They are not
able to find a way out of the building. The stairwell is
collapsed.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
E18 firefighter, after smashing the
window hears T17 firefighter PASS
alarm. With his colleagues he
manages to take him out of the
building
The rescued firefighter is bearly
conscious but manages to inform the
other firefighters, that there are more
victims inside – he thinks they are
dead.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
01:01 –Battalion Chief 3 reports:
„We found him. He’s all right”
Some firefighter try to enter the
building to find the victims, but fail
because of heavy smoke and fire
conditions.
Two other firefighter enter the building
and fall into the stairwell hole.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
They manage to exit the building
using the same window.
The two command officers believed
that all of the missing firefighters were
out of the house.
01:16 – EMS Supervisor reports:
„All firefighters are accounted for”
(EMS Channel)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
01:39 – The incident commander
informed, that there are three
firefighters down!
The victims are quickly evacuated,
but CPR is not successful
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
victims
window used to
rescue the other
firefighter
„Three Firefighters Die in Pittsburgh House Fire” – USFA, FEMA.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Accountability Pittsburgh, February 14th, 1995.
The PASS devices of the victims were not
turned on
The PASS device alarm would probably be
heard by other firefighters
However, use of accountability, especially the
roll-call, would indicate that firefighters are in
danger
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Scheme of the presentation:
• Introduction
• 2in/2out – the beginning of RIT
• Rapid Intervention Teams:
• Tactics, methods and techniques
• Strategy
• Two important issues: accountability, calling for help
• Training
• What else can we do?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Training
Example course content:
• Building construction
• Size-up
• Fire development and behavior
• Search techniques
• Thermal imaging camera use
• SCBA changeover
• Communication on the fireground
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Training
Example course content:
• Accountability
• Moving the downed firefighter:
- conscious
- unconscious
• Different modes of rescue operations
• Self-rescue techniques
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Training
The most important factor is training!
After planning and writing down the
appropriate procedures, the skills must be
regularly refreshed in realistic conditions
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Training
All elements of the rescue plan must be
perfected in zero-visibility conditions.
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Training
...in difficult conditions
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Training
... working in a group.
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Scheme of the presentation:
• Introduction
• 2in/2out – the beginning of RIT
• Rapid Intervention Teams:
• Tactics, methods and techniques
• Strategy
• Two important issues: accountability, calling for help
• Training
• What else can we do?
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What else can we do?
The „safety-engine”
concept
The safety-engine should work proactively on
improving safety on the fireground
It should be proactive and only reactive!
(the same applies to the RIT)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What else can we do?
The „safety-engine”
concept
Example:
Providing ladders on
all sides of the
building
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What else can we do?
The „safety-engine”
concept
Example:
Removing window
bars
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
What else can we do?
The „safety-engine”
concept
Example:
Monitoring firefighters
stress and fatigue,
changing air bottles
etc.
Courtesy of Timothy Sendelbach (http://www.tes2training.com)
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
References:
[1] Rick Lasky, Rick Kolomay, „Saving our own: approaching a downed firefighter“. Fire Engineering,
Vol. 150, No. 9, 1997. (http://fe.pennnet.com).
[2] Jay B. Olson, „AWARE: a life-saving plan for rescuing trapped firefighters”. Fire Engineering”,
Vol. 151, No. 12, 1998. (http://fe.pennnet.com).
[3] „Three Firefighters Die in Pittsburgh House Fire” – FEMA, United States Fire Administration.
(http://www.usfa.fema.gov/)
[4] „Two Firefighters Killed in Auto Parts Store Fire, Chesapeake Virginia” – FEMA, United States
Fire Administration. (http://www.usfa.fema.gov/)
[5] „Southwest Supermarket Fire35th Avenue and McDowell Road” – Phoenix Fire Department
[6] “Six Career Fire Fighters Killed in Cold-Storage and Warehouse Building Fire – Massachusetts” –
NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Investigative Report #99F47.(http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firehome.html )
[7] Timothy E. Sendelbach, „The S.A.F.E. Method For Approaching A Downed/trapped Firefighter” - .
http://www.tes2training.com
[8] Timothy E. Sendelbach, „THE “SAFETY ENGINE” CONCEPT
“A Proactive Alternative for Fire Ground Survival” - http://www.tes2training.com
[9] „Personal Accountability System Technology Assessment” – USFA, FEMA.
(http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firehome.html )
[10] „Rapid Intervention Teams and how to avoid needing them” – USFA, FEMA
(http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firehome.html )
[11] James. K. Crawford. „RIT/FAST: The rule of three” www.rapidintervention.com.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl
About the author:
If you find this presentation
useful, please e-mail me at
the address provided. This
will encourage me to work
even harder....
[email protected]
Witold Nocon is a volunteer firefighter in Przyszowice, POLAND, an editor of the polish version of the
firetactics.com web-site and founder of the Experimental RIT with the VFB in Przyszowice
(www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl). His main goal is to introduce the RIT concept in POLAND’s fire
service. He works at the Institute of Automatic Control (Silesian University of Technology) and holds Ph.D. in
control engineering.
Witold Nocoń - www.grupaszybkiegoreagowania.prv.pl