R I TR I TPaul Strong

Valley Regional Fire Authority

Walk-A-Way'sWalk-A-Way's

1.Communication2.Crew Integrity / Safety3.Air Management

CommunicationCommunicationWithin the crewWithin the crew

3 or 4 person crew3 or 4 person crew1. Everything spoken must have meaning to

the assignment2. Everything spoken must be paid attention to3. Follow the chain (Talk to the person in

front/behind you instead of yelling out if possible)

CommunicationCommunicationWith the victim

Firefighter #1 initiates contact / communication– Assess their life threatening needs first– Assess their physical and mental situation

Firefighter #2 assists FF #1

Firefighter #3 assists FF #2

CommunicationCommunicationWith the victim

Mental / Psychological situation of victim

Will the victim be helpful in their rescue?

Will the victim be a hindrance in their rescue?

Ref: Brett Tarver, Phoenix Fire Dept.

Brett TarverBrett TarverAs many of you know, March 14, 2001, was a day that was marked with

tragedy for the American Fire Service. Firefighter/Paramedic Brett Tarver lost his life while battling a blaze in the Southwest Supermarket

in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite the activation and concerted efforts of Rapid Intervention Companies (RIC), Tarver did not survive.

Not only to pay homage to his memory, but also to prevent similar catastrophes, the Phoenix Fire Department dedicated a great deal of

time towards researching and evaluating the RIC concept. Their efforts resulted in the conclusion that “rapid intervention is not so rapid.”

Some very troubling statistics were found.

For example:

A 3,000 psi air bottle will last an average of 16.5-18.5 minutes.

From the time that the firefighters called for a “Mayday” until they were successfully removed from the building was 21.8 minutes.

The number of firefighters it took to complete the rescue was 12 firefighters.

Crew Integrity / SafetyCrew Integrity / Safety

Safety is everybody’s responsibility…

Crew integrity and safety is the responsibility of the Officer…

• Director of the assignment• Looks at the big picture• Pays attention to firefighters• Air manager

Air ManagementAir ManagementCalculation exampleCalculation example

Team Air (4500, 4200, 4350) = 4200 psi

4200 – 1000 (Bell rings) = 3200 psi (Working air)

3200 / 2 = 1600 psi (1/2 of your working air)

4200 – 1600 = 2600 psi

2600 psi = Condition Evaluation (Appx. Halfway through your working air)

Air ManagementAir ManagementCondition EvaluationCondition Evaluation

How hard is your team working?How far are you from your egress?What are the fire, smoke, and heat conditions?What is the condition of the structure?Have you accomplished your objective?Will you need your remaining team air just to exit?Can you continue working and perform another

condition evaluation shortly?

Air ManagementAir ManagementCalculationCalculation

Team Air (4500, 4200, 4350) = 4200 psi

4200 psi = 27 y/o marathon runner4350 psi = 50 y/o in decent shape4500 psi = 42 y/o recliner potato

Air Managers (Officers) - Know Your People!

Initial RIT DeploymentWhat is your function?

• Quick ingress to Last known location

If you reach the down FF…• Assess life threatening needs• Assess other needs

A.W.A.R.E.Shelter in placeExtrication anticipation/requirements

Initial RIT DeploymentWhat is your function?

If you reach the down FF…But cannot quickly extricate

• Call for additional RIT to assist• You may be the sheltering RIT

--Build a cache of supplies

Initial RIT DeploymentWhat is your function?

If you can’t reach the down FF…

Set the next RIT up for successSet the next RIT up for success

Blaze the trail as far as you can before you make your egress survival turn

Initial RIT DeploymentWhat is your function?

• Quick ingress to last known location• Anticipate your needs

– Additional RIT– Bottles– Tools– Hoselines– Rope– Etc.

• Call for a Recon on the exterior for possible alternate access

RIT ToolsRIT Tools

Hand toolsHand tools~ ~ ~~ ~ ~

Power toolsPower tools

RIT ToolsRIT Tools

When assigned to and setting up for RIT…

Fill up your tarp with the tools that make sense.

The idea is to move your tools into a more readily available position

RapidRapid

InterventionIntervention

TeamsTeams

Will take calculated risksWill use risk/benefit

RapidRapid

InterventionIntervention

TeamTeam

It is not your job to make poor decisions!

When you are the victim1. Lost2. Trapped3. Injured4. Major equipment malfunction5. Etc.

MAYDAYMAYDAY

MAYDAYMAYDAY

MAYDAYMAYDAY

MAYDAYMAYDAY

Call Early(Time is of the essence)

Give specific / detailed informationPlain language if necessary

LostLost(You called a MAYDAY, now what?)

Drop a glow stickand

Shelter in placeor

Find exterior wall(Break window, breech wall, tap on wall)

How do you know if you are on an exterior wall?

TrappedTrapped(You have called a MAYDAY, now what?)

What are your choices?Do nothingShelter in place

conserve air tap on wall, floor, etc.

pass device (Consider communication limitations)

TrappedTrapped(You have called a MAYDAY, now what?)

What are your choices?Self extricate

Physical labor faster air consumption rate

Consider amount of work involvedRisk (of running out of air)

Vs.Benefit

Keep CalmKeep Calm

Think PlanAct

ConclusionConclusion

If you are assigned RIT:If you are assigned RIT:

Prepare for the worst – Tool setPrepare for the worst – Tool set

Prepare for the worst – Knowledge (360)Prepare for the worst – Knowledge (360)

Effective communication skillsEffective communication skills

Use proper air management Use proper air management

Know your people (Crew integrity/Safety)Know your people (Crew integrity/Safety)