1. A Course Designed to Save Firefighters Lives
Firefighter Survival Course
A Course Designed to Save Firefighters Lives

2. Firefighter Survival Course
Course Introduction
Instructors
B/C Forest Reeder
Lt. Mike Grazian
FF/PM Ken Brucki
Program Goals
Orientation to concepts of self rescue and rapid intervention
Review of actual scenarios
Practical experience
Train the Trainer focus
Firefighter Survival Course

3. Firefighter Survival Course
Course References
Illinois Fire Service Institute - Saving Our Own Program
Firefighter Survival - John Sulka, FDNY
Firefighter Safety and Survival -
USFA / NIOSH / NFPA Reports
Personal Experiences and Case Studies
Training
Firefighter Survival Course

4. Common Factors in Firefighter Fatalities and Injuries
Lost or separated from team
Hotter Fires
Malfunctioning SCBA
Inactivated PASS device
Lack of knowledge of self-rescue techniques
Firefighter Survival Course

5. Firefighter Survival Course
Course Objectives
Classroom
Understand the concepts of self-rescue
Understand the process of rapid intervention teams
Understand the responsibilities of the RIT officer and team members
Identify some of the basic tools required for SR and RIT
Practical Exercises
Self-Rescue Techniques
Size-up for RIT
Rapid Intervention Scenarios
Firefighter Survival Course

6. Firefighter Survival Course
Self Rescue Concepts
Before Rapid Intervention even begins, firefighters must posses the ability to begin to remove themselves from mechanisms that have trapped them
Wires
Debris
Occupancy
Hose Slide
Firefighter Survival Course

7. Firefighter Rescue Scenarios
Self
Team assisted
Quick exit using hose slide
SCBA onto unconscious FF
Firefighter Survival Course

8. Skills Necessary for Self Rescue
Knowledge of Building Construction
Fire Spread and Fire Behavior
How to Call for Help
Mayday, Emergency Traffic
Where are you in building
How to find the FASTEST way out
Turnout gear protects for only seconds in flashover
Low air means time to get out
No more primary, secondary or firefighting operations
Firefighter Survival Course

9. Personal Equipment Suggested Equipment for Self-Survival
Should be available to EACH firefighter
Firefighter Survival Course

10. Firefighter Survival Course
Self Rescue Scenarios
Must be able to tie handcuff knot around self or downed firefighter (RIT)
Firefighter Survival Course

11. Self Rescue Scenarios Ladder Bail-out
Was ladder placed for rescue, by RIT, or for ventilation?
Firefighter Survival Course

12. Self Rescue Scenarios Getting into a safe refuge area
FDNY found this most overlooked
Firefighter Survival Course

13. Self Rescue Scenarios Performed with minimum equipment
Firefighter Survival Course

14. Self Rescue Scenarios $5.00 - $10.00
Cable TV, Phone, Ceiling Support, Flex Duct
Firefighter Survival Course

15. Firefighter Survival Skills Training
Quarterly review of these lifesaving skills is a must:
Donning / Doffing of SCBA (Reduced Profile Maneuver)
Other product specific advanced SCBA techniques; quick fill
Tying of basic rescue knots
Bowline around self
Handcuff knot
Activation of RIT
Mayday or Emergency Traffic
Release from obstructions techniques
Swim Method for wire, use of sidecutters
Hose direction identification by couplings
Safety and Survival Drills
Firefighter Survival Course

16. Firefighter Survival Course
Rapid
Intervention
Teams
Firefighter Survival Course

17. Rapid Intervention Teams
Firefighter Survival Course

18. Cover of Trapped Firefighter
Rapid Intervention Teams
Firefighter Survival Course

19. Rapid Intervention Teams
Firefighter Survival Course

20. Rapid Intervention Teams
Firefighter Survival Course

21. Rapid Intervention Teams Basic Concepts
A function of Command
Assembled in teams of 2 or more
Bring rescue equipment to Command
Perform own size-up of scene
May do other functions as long as available immediately
Most important assignment given to a company
Protect and rescue firefighters
Firefighter Survival Course

22. Personal Skills Required for RIT Assignment
Size-up Skills
Building Construction
Fire Spread and Behavior
Communications
Aggressive “Can-do” spirit
Use of multiple types of tools and equipment
Ability to act fast under poor conditions
ATTITUDE
ATTITUDE
Firefighter Survival Course

23. Team Skills Required for RIT Assignment
Must be familiar with all aspects of assignment
Fireground is not the place to learn
Preparation in training will begin process
Ability to function as a team
Identification of key tasks and positions
Firefighter Survival Course

24. NFPA Requirements for RIT
Firefighter Survival Course

25. OSHA 2 in / 2 out Compliance
A Rapid Intervention Team should fulfill the requirements as specified in the 29 CFR Part regulation
A minimum of four individuals is required before entry into the hazard area (interior operations) may begin
Two of the four must be present and ready outside the hazard area
Must be identically equipped
Crews in hazard area must remain in either voice, visual or tethered contact with each other at all times
Radio may not be substituted for direct visual contact
Firefighter Survival Course

26. The Beginning of Self-Rescue and RIT
FDNY and Philadelphia
Found common denominators in many situations
No quick way to mobilize firefighters to rescue our own
Many names for RIT
Firefighter Assist Team, Rapid Intervention Crew, Firefighter Rescue Team, etc.
Idea is still the same
Firefighter Survival Course

27. Firefighter Survival Course
Case Histories
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Memphis, Tennessee
Denver, Colorado
Columbus, Ohio
Burr Ridge, IL
Other of note not included in this presentation
Hackensack, NJ
Seattle, WA
Philadelphia, PA
New York, NY
Must Know Info.
Firefighter Survival Course

28. Case Histories Pittsburgh 3 Firefighters Killed
Three Pittsburgh firefighters died on Feb 14, 1995 died at a dwelling fire after they were unable to escape the interior of a building. All three firefighters were together in one room and had exhausted their air supplies.
- 3 other firefighter were rescued from same room, accountability did not identify all who were lost.
- All 3 had PASS devices that were not activated
- No RIT available to rescue lost and trapped firefighters
Firefighter Survival Course

29. Case Histories Memphis High-Rise Kills 2 Firefighters
2 Memphis Firefighters will killed on April 11, 1994 in a high-rise fire. Both firefighters died when trapped on the fire floor of this building. 1 firefighter became trapped by cable TV wire which had fallen from the ceiling area and wrapped around his SCBA bottle.
- Both firefighters became separated from each other and ran out of air. PASS devices were worn but never activated.
- Rescue crews lacked understanding of position of trapped firefighters and crawled right past one member
Firefighter Survival Course

30. Case Histories Denver Office Fire Kills 1 Firefighter
A Denver firefighter was killed on September 28, 1982 when he became trapped inside the structure by the failure of lightweight construction members. Numerous attempts at rescue from a confined space through a window frame were unsuccessful.
- Firefighter was separated from his crew when collapse occurred.
- Rescue crews were unable to assist firefighter through window.
- Limited visibility and victim position were factors in the rescue attempt.
Firefighter Survival Course

31. Case Histories Columbus Commercial Fire Kills 1 Firefighter
A firefighter was killed when he fell through a hole in the floor of a mixed commercial occupancy on July 25, This firefighter was located early into his entrapment and despite many heroic efforts to rescue him, firefighters were unable to remove him from the hole he had fallen through.
- Numerous attempts to pull and lift firefighter were unsuccessful
- Self-rescue techniques did not work due to altered mental status
- Crews had to abandon structure with firefighter still trapped inside
Firefighter Survival Course

32. Firefighter Survival Course
Case Histories Pleasantview Firefighter Killed in Single Family Dwelling
On December 6, 1989, Lt. Joseph Samec died while battling a residential house fire in Burr Ridge, IL. Lt. Samec and his crew tried to rapidly exit the structure due to heavy involvement of the basement when the floor collapsed.
- Rescue attempts included face to face and holding of arms/hands were unsuccessful.
- Lt. Samec breached two walls in his attempt to escape but failed to make the stairs and was found face down on the staircase.
Firefighter Survival Course

33. Firefighter Survival Course
Case Studies - Summary
May Joe Samec, John Nance, Mark Langvardt, and the 100 other firefighters who have make the SUPREME SACRAFICE every year rest in peace forever.
Their memory serves as a catalyst for how and why we train
We must learn for these tragedies and every “near-miss” that occurs
We must revisit these occurrences as often as possible
Firefighter Survival Course

34. Rapid Intervention Teams
Referenced from NFPA 1500, 1992 Edition
Now in use nationwide as the ultimate in firefighter life safety procedures
Provides for the rescue of lost, trapped or injured firefighters
Allows Command to have outside tasks completed while RIT crew is in the standby mode
Firefighter Survival Course

35. Rapid Intervention Teams
Definition
RIT’s are crews of at least two members who may be called upon to supply rescue techniques to other firefighters operating a the scene of an emergency. These crews will have at least the same level of training and protective equipment as those operating at the scene.
Firefighter Survival Course

36. General Purpose of Rapid Intervention Teams
Provide for the establishment of a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) within the Incident Management System
Essential function of COMMAND
Allows for dedicated company assigned to this function
Meets current federal and local regulatory requirements
One of the last industries to apply rescue of our own to work place
Work Place = Emergency Scene
Firefighter Survival Course

37. When to have a Rapid Intervention Team
Utilized at any time firefighters are at risk
structural firefighting*
hazardous materials response
technical rescue
water rescue or recovery
*during attack and hazard operations
Firefighter Survival Course

38. Objectives of a Rapid Intervention Team
Objectives of RIT
Establish a means of effectively assisting members suddenly threatened by a dangerous situation at an emergency incident
Provide a means for the IC to initiate an immediate rescue effort.
Firefighter Survival Course

39. Assigning Rapid Intervention Teams
Dispatch of Equipment-Assignment to RIT
IC should establish the RIT’S whenever FD personnel are required to operate under hazardous conditions.
The composition and structure of RIT should be flexible based on the size and complexity of operations. The IC shall evaluate the situation and risks to operating teams and shall provide more teams commensurate with the needs of the situation
Some scenes may require the establishment of more than one team
Size of structure or complexity of structure
Firefighter Survival Course

40. Rapid Intervention Teams
In the initial stages of an accident, the RIT shall be either:
On scene personnel designated and dedicated as RIT
On scene personnel performing other functions but ready to redeploy to perform RIT functions
As the incident expands in size or complexity, the RIT’s shall be on scene personnel dedicated to that function
Firefighter Survival Course

41. Rapid Intervention Teams
Reporting to the Fireground
Companies designated as RIT will bypass staging, and report directly to the IC
Companies designated as RIT must park their apparatus so as not to interfere with fireground operations
Must bring minimum specified equipment and be prepared for immediate entry into incident area if required
Additional equipment may be required after RIT completes own size-up of scene
Incident Command must supply WHATEVER is determined to be needed
Firefighter Survival Course

42. Rapid Intervention Teams Command Notes
If used for other tactical assignments, the RIT must be replaced another crew
May be used to secure utilities
Force exit/entry around structure
Don’t place into position where deployment would be delayed
If the need for rescue is diminished, the RIT may be assigned to other tasks
Firefighter Survival Course

43. Primary Tasks for RIT’s
Respond to any firefighter reported in distress
Assess the need for ground ladders
Monitor radio and maintain contact with IC for quick response if needed
Assess where ff. personnel are located in the structure and any special tasks they are performing
Size up structure, walk building to determine these factors
Appropriate tools carried by members
Firefighter Survival Course

44. Rapid Intervention Team Equipment
Minimum Suggested Equipment
Flat head axe/halligan tool
Sledge hammer or maul
Search rope, 150’ minimum
Portable saws
Hand lights
Ground ladders
Oxygen/EMS
Portable radios
SCBA complete
SCBA spare bottles
Firefighter Survival Course

45. Firefighter Survival Course
Equipment Note
Key word is RAPID. Don’t overload the personnel. Equipment must be available and RIT’s have priority to use it.
Use pre-arranged bags or kits with most equipment pre-packed and ready to go.
Saves time when arriving on fireground
Firefighter Survival Course

46. Firefighter Survival Course
RIT Size-up Skills
Fire Eng. Jan 1998, R. Lasky, B. Hoff
Building Dimension
Occupancy
Construction Type
Placement of windows, doors, escapes, porches, etc.
Tactics
Offensive, Defensive, Defensive to Offensive
Command Operations in place
Ladders and Truck Operations
Time of Operations
Firefighter Survival Course

47. Equipment - Wood Frame, Heavy Timber, Ordinary
Pickhead axes and pikes
Circular wood-blade saw
Ventilation chain saw
Halligan and sledgehammer
Search rope
SCBA and extra supply
Charged hoseline
Ground ladders
Firefighter Survival Course

48. Equipment - Noncombustible/Fire Resistive
Halligan bars
Sledgehammers
Circular metal-blade saw
Torches
Search rope
SCBA and extra supply
Charged hoseline
Ground ladders
Firefighter Survival Course

49. Other Size-up Considerations
Check with rehab officer on condition of firefighters
Check with Safety Officer and compare information
Relocate or add another RIT
Potential collapse and collapse area
EMS for the RIT available
Firefighter Survival Course

50. RIT Size-up of a Structure
Firefighter Survival Course

51. 1-36

52. Command Mode Slide 1
1-58

53. Firefighter Survival Course
Tips from the “Pros”
Firefighter Survival Course

54. Special Thanks and Acknowledgements
All Fallen Firefighters, Their Sprit Lives In Us Forever
Saving Our Own - Illinois Fire Service Institute
Getting Out Alive - Fire Department New York City
Firefighter Survival - Phoenix AZ, FDNY
Elgin IL - Regional Fire Academy Firefighter Survival Program
Illinois Society of Fire Service Instructors
Pleasantview Fire Protection District
Firefighter Survival Course