1. Assessing a Downed Firefighter

2. Assessing the Downed Firefighter
One Of The Main Concern For RIT Operations Is Time. If The Incapacitated Fire Fighter(s) Have Run Out Of Air Then The Time Line Is 4 Minutes. After That Time Period You Will Be Recovering A Non-Breathing Firefighter. The RIT’s Team Mission Is To Do A Quick Size Up, Find The Firefighter, Ascertain Their Condition, Get Them On New Air, And Call For Additional Resources

3. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Student Performance Objective
The Student Will Be Able To Discuss The Procedure To Assist A Downed Firefighter And Protect In Place Or Remove Them From The Hostile Environment

4. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Enabling Objectives
EO 1-1: The Student Will Be Able To Identify Important Tools To Take When Looking For A Downed Firefighter
EO 1-2: The Student Will Be Able To Discuss The Correct Procedure For Approaching And Assessing A Downed Firefighter
EO 1-3: The Student Will Discuss Protecting A Downed Firefighter
EO 1-4: The Student Will List Skills That Are Needed To Rescue A Downed Firefighter

5. Assessing the Downed Firefighter
Overview
Important Tools
Approaching A Downed Firefighter
Assessing A Downed Firefighter
Protecting The Downed Firefighter
Practice The Skills

6. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Important Tools
Two Types Of Downed Firefighters
Those Out Of Air
Those About To Run Out Of Air
RIT Should Not Be Deployed With A Large Amount Of Tools
Concentrate On Rapidly Locating
Securing A Secondary Air Supply
Organizing An Effective Rescue/Removal Plan

7. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Important Tools
Survival Tools
RIT Pack
Hose Line or Search Line
Radio
Hand Tools
Thermal Imaging Camera
Goal Is To Provide And Maintain A Survivable Environment For As Long As It Takes To Make Rescue

8. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Approaching a Downed Firefighter
We Need To Take Certain Actions To Increase The Chance Of Survival Of The Firefighter In Trouble
This Is The Same Should We Encounter A Downed Firefighter While Performing Other Task
In Either Scenario An Aggressive Adrenaline Pump Reaction Is Absolutely Normal When Faced With Saving Another Firefighter

9. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Discovering A Down FF Can Be A Traumatic Experiences
Never Leave Them Alone But Check Their Condition And Report Their Position To Command
Many Times The Problem Is Because Of A SCBA Problem Or They Are Running Out Of Air

10. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Discovering A Down FF, A Rescuer Without Training May Remain In A State Of Confusion Or Shock And Not Call For Help Or Attempt To Move The Downed FF
This Irrational Panic Results In The Rescuer Almost Becomes A Victim And Adding To The Problem

11. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
After Location The Downed FF, The RIT Will Have To Perform A Quick Assessment Of The FF To Determine If Rescue Is Possible Or If They Must Protect In Place.
The Assessment Procedure Begins with Deactivating the PASS Device

12. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Check Breathing Status
If Facepiece Is Dislodge Try To Redon, Or Replace It With The One From The RIT Pack
Once In Placed Check For The ABC’s
Air Exchange
Listen
By-pass Or Purge Valve
Determine Airflow
Cylinder Gauge/Valve
Determine Need For Secondary Air Supply

13. Assessing the Downed Firefighter
If Out Of Air
Connect To RIT Pack
Secure To Spare SCBA
Use Confined Space Air Cart
Connect To EBSS On Your SCBA, As Long As Low Air Alarm Is Not Sounding

14. Assessing the Downed Firefighter
If Search Line Has Been Deployed, Secure The Line To Ensure All Support Members Have A Means Of Access To Assist As Necessary
Check For Consciousness
Can The FF Help Save Themselves
Might Be Able To Tell What Is Wrong
Might Be Able To Assist In Their Own Removal

15. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Radio The IC The Down FF Has Been Located
The Report Must Include
Exact Location
Is FF Conscious or Not
Search Rope Used or Not
Any Special Tools Needed
Addition Resources
Route of Escape
How Many FF Are In Need Of Assistance

16. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Sweep The Perimeter Of The Firefighter For Entanglement Or Entrapment
Review Your Options
Disentangle
Be Cautious Cutting Electrical Wires
Remove Entrapment If Possible
Protect In Place

17. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Exit With The Downed FF, Or Stay With Them Until Replaced By, Or Assisted By Another RIT
A Search Line Should Be Deployed Directly To The Location Of The Downed FF.
This Will Allow For A Rapid Exchange For Crews Protecting The Downed FF

18. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Protecting the Downed Firefighter
Move To Safe Haven
If Possible, Drag The Downed Firefighter Out Of The Fire and Collapse Area
Move The Downed Firefighter Several Yards To An Uninvolved Apartment Or Room
Move To A Protected Stairwell Or Landing
Move To A Nearby Window
Move To A Fire Escape Or Exterior Exit Can Mean Safety

19. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Use Of A Hose Line
Calling For Hose Line After Mayday Has Occurred Is Too Late
Not All Situations Will Require The Use Of A Hose Line
General Rule Of Thumb In Fire Service. Position Hose Line Between The Fire And The Life Hazard.
If Hose Line Is Used Do Not Forget About Runoff And Collapse Issues

20. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Possible Condition A Downed Firefighter May Be Found
High Heat/Heavy Smoke Conditions – Not Trapped
Call For Help And Drag FF To A Safe Haven Immediately
High Heat/Heavy Smoke Conditions –Trapped
Call For Help, Check ABC’s, and Position Hoseline Between Downed Firefighter And The Fire
Building Collapse
Minimal Heat/Moderate Smoke Condition
Call For Help And Check SCBA Air And Consciousness, Protect In Place If Possible

21. Assessing The Downed Firefighter
Putting It All Together
Practice The Skills That Are Needed
Tools Carried In Your RIT Pack
Thermal Imaging Camera Operation
Drags and Carries For The Downed Firefighter
Patient Assessment: ABC’s
Buddy Breathing Operations For Your SCBA
Radio Communications

22. Assessing the Downed Firefighter
Review
Important Tools
Approaching A Downed Firefighter
Assessing A Downed Firefighter
Protecting The Downed Firefighter
Practice The Skills