““MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY”

Managing the Fireground Mayday:Managing the Fireground Mayday:

The critical link to firefighter survival.The critical link to firefighter survival.

Credit for much of the information contained in this presentation to Timothy Credit for much of the information contained in this presentation to Timothy Sendelbach and Firehouse MagazineSendelbach and Firehouse Magazine

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Over the past several years, the fire service has Over the past several years, the fire service has placed a new emphasis on firefighter rescue, an placed a new emphasis on firefighter rescue, an emphasis never before considered to be emphasis never before considered to be necessary. Prior to the inception of NFPA 15OO necessary. Prior to the inception of NFPA 15OO (Standard on Fire Department Occupational (Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program) and programs such Safety and Health Program) and programs such as “Get Out Alive” and Saving Our Own”, few if as “Get Out Alive” and Saving Our Own”, few if any firefighters could ever fathom the possibility any firefighters could ever fathom the possibility of needing to rescue one of our own.of needing to rescue one of our own.

Terminal Objective:Terminal Objective:

After lecture and discussion students when given After lecture and discussion students when given a specific emergency scenario (situation) will be a specific emergency scenario (situation) will be able to select the appropriate actions with (100% able to select the appropriate actions with (100% accuracy) to take if they or a crew member accuracy) to take if they or a crew member becomes trapped, disoriented or injured and have becomes trapped, disoriented or injured and have the need to call for a “MAYDAY”.the need to call for a “MAYDAY”.

Enabling Objectives:Enabling Objectives:

After lecture and discussion the student will be After lecture and discussion the student will be able to recognize the critical factors that are able to recognize the critical factors that are present before entering a dangerous present before entering a dangerous environment.environment.

After lecture and discussion the student will be After lecture and discussion the student will be able to know and understand the proper able to know and understand the proper procedure for initiating a “MAYDAY” call for help.procedure for initiating a “MAYDAY” call for help.

After lecture and discussion the student will be After lecture and discussion the student will be able to understand the importance of establishing able to understand the importance of establishing RIT / FAST RIT / FAST

Who participates in rescue?Who participates in rescue?

This lecture is for ALL fire and EMS personnel. This lecture is for ALL fire and EMS personnel.

Running a coordinated rescue requires that ALL Running a coordinated rescue requires that ALL individuals know what is expected of them and individuals know what is expected of them and others.others.

Manlius must keep its command, safety, interior, Manlius must keep its command, safety, interior, scene support, operators and EMS personnel scene support, operators and EMS personnel trained to be able to work TOGETHER for trained to be able to work TOGETHER for preparation of the scene and a coordinated preparation of the scene and a coordinated rescue, if needed.rescue, if needed.

DefinitionDefinition

Mayday as defined by Webster's Dictionary: Mayday as defined by Webster's Dictionary: an an international radio-telephone signal word used as international radio-telephone signal word used as a distress call.a distress call.

The mere phrase “Mayday” has forever changed The mere phrase “Mayday” has forever changed the careers and lives of many dedicated fire the careers and lives of many dedicated fire service professionals. service professionals.

Firefighter Distress SignalFirefighter Distress Signal

Initiation or transmission of a mayday produces Initiation or transmission of a mayday produces more stress and potential chaos than any other more stress and potential chaos than any other single type of incident we may encounter single type of incident we may encounter throughout our careers.throughout our careers.

As command, firefighters, and fire officers we As command, firefighters, and fire officers we must train to follow a standard plan of action that must train to follow a standard plan of action that allows us to properly manage and overcome allows us to properly manage and overcome these chaotic and stressful events. these chaotic and stressful events.

Preparing & Planning for a “MAYDAY” callPreparing & Planning for a “MAYDAY” call

The lack of pre-fire planning has claimed the lives The lack of pre-fire planning has claimed the lives of many fire service professionals in the recent past. of many fire service professionals in the recent past.

Fire service managers today must use pre-fire Fire service managers today must use pre-fire

planning to serve as a safety net when managing planning to serve as a safety net when managing the fireground. the fireground.

Proper risk management coupled with a structured Proper risk management coupled with a structured firefighter survival program enables today’s firefighter survival program enables today’s firefighters to understand the associated risks they firefighters to understand the associated risks they

are to encounterare to encounter..

Pre-fire planning / Pre-fire AnalysisPre-fire planning / Pre-fire Analysis

Case studies have shown that the success or Case studies have shown that the success or failure of any “Mayday” incident is a direct result failure of any “Mayday” incident is a direct result of effective IM and pre-fire planning.of effective IM and pre-fire planning.

The best preparatory effort given to the The best preparatory effort given to the fireground commander is the pre-plan or the pre-fireground commander is the pre-plan or the pre-fire analysis.fire analysis.

““There is no substitute for the fire department There is no substitute for the fire department developing a system of accumulating and developing a system of accumulating and organizing information for retrieval at the time of organizing information for retrieval at the time of the fire”. the fire”.

““Frank Brannigan”Frank Brannigan”

Five Pre-fire Indicators that can lead to a potential Five Pre-fire Indicators that can lead to a potential “Mayday” incident and/or compromise fireground “Mayday” incident and/or compromise fireground

operations:operations:

WeightWeight - excessive weight in the overhead - excessive weight in the overhead should be of immediate concern to the IC when should be of immediate concern to the IC when deciding to deploy additional firefighters during deciding to deploy additional firefighters during a rescue effort. This may include: HVAC units, a rescue effort. This may include: HVAC units, large billboards, storage tanks, etc.large billboards, storage tanks, etc.

Fuel LoadsFuel Loads - Excessive fuel loads (flammable or - Excessive fuel loads (flammable or combustible) are an indication of potential combustible) are an indication of potential rapid-fire spread which may lead to firefighters rapid-fire spread which may lead to firefighters being trapped or overcome during initial being trapped or overcome during initial firefighting.firefighting.

Building HistoryBuilding History – Previous fires, structural – Previous fires, structural collapses, renovations (known & unknown) to collapses, renovations (known & unknown) to the IC may lead to the entrapment of the IC may lead to the entrapment of firefighters.firefighters.

Pre-fire Indicators (con’t)Pre-fire Indicators (con’t)

DeteriorationDeterioration – A factor to the fire ground – A factor to the fire ground continues to be vacant buildings or buildings in ill continues to be vacant buildings or buildings in ill repair. As firefighters we’re taught early on that repair. As firefighters we’re taught early on that all buildings are occupied until proven otherwise. all buildings are occupied until proven otherwise. Pre-fire planning should enable the IC which Pre-fire planning should enable the IC which buildings require absolute defensive operations buildings require absolute defensive operations to support firefighter safety and survival.to support firefighter safety and survival.

Support Systems / Truss ConstructionSupport Systems / Truss Construction – Examples – Examples of firefighter fatalities have been shared with the of firefighter fatalities have been shared with the fire service for years. Bowstring and light weight fire service for years. Bowstring and light weight truss construction must be of utmost importance truss construction must be of utmost importance to the IC. to the IC.

Truss CollapseTruss Collapse

Being under a burning truss , is like playing Russian Roulette with a loaded revolver.

As fire ground commanders begin to consider deploying RIT teams for rescue efforts, careful consideration must be given to the potential of truss collapse, which could further complicate if not compound the rescue efforts.

– (This should also be considered before deploying interior attack teams).

On-Scene Indicators and how they can potentially On-Scene Indicators and how they can potentially

lead to a “Mayday” incident:lead to a “Mayday” incident: Prolonged burn timeProlonged burn time - continued or heavy fire - continued or heavy fire

throughout the structure.throughout the structure.

Smoke showing through wallsSmoke showing through walls - extensive - extensive structural damage, gas accumulations.structural damage, gas accumulations.

Inadequate ventilationInadequate ventilation - flammable gas - flammable gas accumulations, potential for rapid fire accumulations, potential for rapid fire development. development.

On-Scene Indicators (con’t)On-Scene Indicators (con’t)

Two or more floors involved in fireTwo or more floors involved in fire – multi point – multi point structural compromise. structural compromise.

Sagging floors, bulging walls, interior collapseSagging floors, bulging walls, interior collapse – – major damage to structural integrity.major damage to structural integrity.

Water between bricks, excessive water in buildingWater between bricks, excessive water in building – excessive downward force.– excessive downward force.

Unprotected steelUnprotected steel – direct flame impingement or – direct flame impingement or structural components, collapse pending.structural components, collapse pending.

Firefighter Survival TrainingFirefighter Survival Training

Firefighters who have been properly trained in Firefighters who have been properly trained in self-survival skills can greatly enhance the self-survival skills can greatly enhance the possibility of a successful RIT team rescue. possibility of a successful RIT team rescue. Standardized, predictable actions of a trapped, Standardized, predictable actions of a trapped, lost or disoriented firefighter will enable rescuers lost or disoriented firefighter will enable rescuers to locate and remove the firefighter in a more to locate and remove the firefighter in a more timely and effective manner.timely and effective manner.

Actions to take if you become trapped or Actions to take if you become trapped or disoriented:disoriented:

Initiate an emergency “Mayday”Initiate an emergency “Mayday”

Stay “calm” and preserve your air supply.Stay “calm” and preserve your air supply.

Activate P.A.S.S.Activate P.A.S.S.

– If you cannot actively activate pass alarm, then remain If you cannot actively activate pass alarm, then remain still! PASS will activate. People have hard time with still! PASS will activate. People have hard time with this, so they struggle.this, so they struggle.

Actions to take if you become trapped or Actions to take if you become trapped or disoriented (con’t):disoriented (con’t):

Provide a situation / problem report.Provide a situation / problem report.

If trapped or disoriented as a crew, If trapped or disoriented as a crew, it’s imperative it’s imperative to “stay together”.to “stay together”.

Search for an exit – look for light. Listen for noise Search for an exit – look for light. Listen for noise or fans.or fans.

Attempt to follow a hose line or life line to safety.Attempt to follow a hose line or life line to safety.– ““lugs lead to life”lugs lead to life”

Actions to take if you become trapped or Actions to take if you become trapped or disoriented (con’t):disoriented (con’t):

Retreat to an area of safety.Retreat to an area of safety.

Assume a horizontal position (if possible) to Assume a horizontal position (if possible) to enhance the audible signal of your P.A.S.S. and enhance the audible signal of your P.A.S.S. and enhance thermal protection.enhance thermal protection.

Use your flashlight as a beacon device and Use your flashlight as a beacon device and attempt to making tapping noises using tools or attempt to making tapping noises using tools or other objects.other objects.

How to call a MAYDAY: LUNARHow to call a MAYDAY: LUNAR

Does not need to be in order , but it helps.Does not need to be in order , but it helps.

If you hit Signal 50 button, start with “mayday” and “location”If you hit Signal 50 button, start with “mayday” and “location”

Start with “MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY” Start with “MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY” • Location Location

• a. Where are you a. Where are you i.e. “Side Alpha, basement i.e. “Side Alpha, basement

• Unit Unit – a. What / where you on a. What / where you on

““Engine 1” Engine 1”

• Name Name – a. Yours a. Yours

““this is Firefighter Smith” this is Firefighter Smith”

LUNAR, continuedLUNAR, continued• Assignment Assignment

a.a. Given by Command Given by Command a.a. ““Search and Rescue group” Search and Rescue group”

• Resources Resources

a.a. What do you need to be rescued? What do you need to be rescued? a.a. Bolt cutters, more air, chain saw, hose line Bolt cutters, more air, chain saw, hose line

• Example: “Mayday-Mayday-Mayday, this is firefighter Smith Example: “Mayday-Mayday-Mayday, this is firefighter Smith on Engine 61, attack crew operating in the basement. I on Engine 61, attack crew operating in the basement. I need RIT with wire cutters, I had a drop ceiling fall on me.” need RIT with wire cutters, I had a drop ceiling fall on me.”

LUNAR PRACTICELUNAR PRACTICE

Active drill: Now Practice the Mayday scenario.Active drill: Now Practice the Mayday scenario.– Firefighters utilize radiosFirefighters utilize radios

– Firefighter call mayday “mayday, mayday, Firefighter call mayday “mayday, mayday, mayday”mayday”

– Have IC acknowledge MAYDAY, silence trafficHave IC acknowledge MAYDAY, silence traffic– Firefighter gives LUNAR reportsFirefighter gives LUNAR reports– IC moves traffic to another channelIC moves traffic to another channel

Then: PRACTICE LUNAR in small groups Then: PRACTICE LUNAR in small groups

Fire ground Preparations:Fire ground Preparations:(scene support personnel, listen up!)(scene support personnel, listen up!)

Proactive fire ground preparations for survival Proactive fire ground preparations for survival cannotcannot be over stated!be over stated!

1.1. Proactive laddersProactive ladders - provide secondary means of - provide secondary means of egress and serves as an immediate access point egress and serves as an immediate access point for RIT membersfor RIT members

2.2. Scene lighting at entry point or all 4 sides if Scene lighting at entry point or all 4 sides if possiblepossible – provides enhanced firefighter – provides enhanced firefighter accountability and directional orientation for lost accountability and directional orientation for lost or disoriented firefighters.or disoriented firefighters.

3.3. Back-up / Safety linesBack-up / Safety lines – provides an additional – provides an additional line of support in case of rapid-fire development. line of support in case of rapid-fire development.

4.4. PPA -PPA - Is it safe to use a Positive Pressure Attack Is it safe to use a Positive Pressure Attack to clear IDLH of smoke?to clear IDLH of smoke?

Standardization / PredictabilityStandardization / Predictability

Standardization creates predictability, and Standardization creates predictability, and predictability enables fire ground commanders to predictability enables fire ground commanders to manage and forecast the needs of the fire manage and forecast the needs of the fire ground.ground.

Best PracticesBest Practices– – well established Best Practices well established Best Practices create operational effectiveness for our create operational effectiveness for our departments. The safe and effective departments. The safe and effective management of a Mayday incident is dependent management of a Mayday incident is dependent upon a structured, predictable fire ground based upon a structured, predictable fire ground based on firm rules of engagement.on firm rules of engagement.

Standardization / Predictability (con’t)Standardization / Predictability (con’t)

Incident Management SystemIncident Management System – – Strong, early Strong, early presence of a fireground commander is presence of a fireground commander is paramount to effective fireground management. paramount to effective fireground management. Any fire ground that lacks an early command Any fire ground that lacks an early command presence is destined for disaster.presence is destined for disaster.

Standardized CommunicationsStandardized Communications – – this continues to this continues to

be an ongoing problem in the fire service. be an ongoing problem in the fire service. ““It is It is imperative that on-scene operations be given fire imperative that on-scene operations be given fire ground tactical radio channels that are separate ground tactical radio channels that are separate from the normal dispatch frequencies”.from the normal dispatch frequencies”.

Discipline / EnforcementDiscipline / Enforcement

Strict discipline and strong enforcement enable Strict discipline and strong enforcement enable fire ground commanders to adequately account fire ground commanders to adequately account for and assign the necessary crews to complete for and assign the necessary crews to complete the task without the fear of freelancing or the task without the fear of freelancing or contradictory actions.contradictory actions.

RITRIT – – In the event of a Mayday incident, physical In the event of a Mayday incident, physical and mental limitations will be taxed to the limit, and mental limitations will be taxed to the limit, rescuers must be forced to follow rules of rescuers must be forced to follow rules of personal safety at all times. Teams that fail to personal safety at all times. Teams that fail to follow the directions of the IC and their respective follow the directions of the IC and their respective RIT Officer will most likely become victims RIT Officer will most likely become victims themselves.themselves.

Discipline / Enforcement (con’t):Discipline / Enforcement (con’t):

Suppression PersonnelSuppression Personnel – – Personnel assigned to Personnel assigned to fire attack / suppression operations must fire attack / suppression operations must overcome the desire to get involved. Previously overcome the desire to get involved. Previously assigned fire attack/suppression crews must assigned fire attack/suppression crews must maintain their position in order to limit the threat maintain their position in order to limit the threat of flame impingement on the trapped or of flame impingement on the trapped or disoriented firefighter(s). disoriented firefighter(s).

A trapped or disoriented firefighter has two A trapped or disoriented firefighter has two factors working against them: factors working against them: 11) limited air ) limited air supplysupply and and 22) ) flame impingement barring the fact flame impingement barring the fact that direct physical trauma is not involved.that direct physical trauma is not involved.

Critical Factors to ConsiderCritical Factors to Consider

Fireground CommandFireground Command - as the IC during a - as the IC during a “Mayday” incident in which a firefighter(s) is lost, “Mayday” incident in which a firefighter(s) is lost, trapped or disoriented within a structure, your trapped or disoriented within a structure, your composure, self-control and self-discipline are composure, self-control and self-discipline are sure to be tested. The IC must immediately begin sure to be tested. The IC must immediately begin to build a support staff for immediate and post-to build a support staff for immediate and post-incident needs.incident needs.

Critical Factors (con’t)Critical Factors (con’t)

Activation of the Rescue Action PlanActivation of the Rescue Action Plan – The IC – The IC must understand that regardless of his/her must understand that regardless of his/her experience, training level and personal experience, training level and personal confidence, the initial plan may not always be the confidence, the initial plan may not always be the best plan; reevaluation and willingness to best plan; reevaluation and willingness to compromise is the key to success (this should be compromise is the key to success (this should be done throughout the entire incident).done throughout the entire incident).

Critical Factors (con’t)Critical Factors (con’t)

Personnel SafetyPersonnel Safety – as rescue efforts begin, – as rescue efforts begin, adrenalin often times overruns our ability to think adrenalin often times overruns our ability to think clearly which may inevitably lead to rescuer clearly which may inevitably lead to rescuer injuries which further complicates the rescue injuries which further complicates the rescue operation. operation. “Be a part of the solution and not a “Be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem”.part of the problem”.

CommunicationCommunication – The IC must maintain constant – The IC must maintain constant communication with RIT team(s) throughout the communication with RIT team(s) throughout the incident.incident.

Critical Factors (con’t)Critical Factors (con’t)

Progress ReportingProgress Reporting – Good, clear, concise and – Good, clear, concise and regular progress reports are a absolute necessity.regular progress reports are a absolute necessity.

Emergency evacuation signalEmergency evacuation signal – RIT teams typically – RIT teams typically operate under conditions that are or will potentially operate under conditions that are or will potentially become too hazardous to safely operate in. As an become too hazardous to safely operate in. As an additional measure of safety all personnel should additional measure of safety all personnel should be made aware of and/or reminded of the be made aware of and/or reminded of the emergency evacuation signal/procedures prior to emergency evacuation signal/procedures prior to making entry.making entry.

– THIS IS THREE LOUD BLASTS FROM VEHICLE AIR HORNSTHIS IS THREE LOUD BLASTS FROM VEHICLE AIR HORNS

Critical Factors (con’t)Critical Factors (con’t)

Restricted entryRestricted entry – Following the initial PAR report, – Following the initial PAR report, the IC should immediately restrict entry to only the IC should immediately restrict entry to only those members of the RIT team.those members of the RIT team.– Note: If the firefight is safe for non-RIT related fire Note: If the firefight is safe for non-RIT related fire

suppression, firefighting should continue.suppression, firefighting should continue.– Note: The RIT crew can and should utilize hose lines to Note: The RIT crew can and should utilize hose lines to

provide defensive interior rescue assistanceprovide defensive interior rescue assistance

Crew continuityCrew continuity – this is an absolute necessity – this is an absolute necessity throughout the incident for proper accountability throughout the incident for proper accountability during firefighter rescue operations. during firefighter rescue operations. “STAY “STAY

TOGETHERTOGETHER””

Call for PARCall for PAR

Calling for an immediate PAR is three-fold; Calling for an immediate PAR is three-fold;

enables the IC to quickly and effectively identify enables the IC to quickly and effectively identify the number of personnel involved.the number of personnel involved.

identifies the general area of the structure identifies the general area of the structure involved.involved.

potentially identifies the extent of the rescue potentially identifies the extent of the rescue effort. effort.

PAR (con’t)PAR (con’t)

PAR’s should be first requested from the personnel PAR’s should be first requested from the personnel in the area of most danger. in the area of most danger.

This cannot be overstated, it enables the IC to This cannot be overstated, it enables the IC to prioritize the fire ground.prioritize the fire ground.

Manlius uses the “one tag” system. The operator Manlius uses the “one tag” system. The operator of the vehicle should, if available, bring the unit’s of the vehicle should, if available, bring the unit’s tags with all personnel on the ring to the IC for tags with all personnel on the ring to the IC for accurate accounting.accurate accounting.

Deployment of the RITDeployment of the RIT

RIT should be deployed only after a quick briefing RIT should be deployed only after a quick briefing of known facts from the IC.of known facts from the IC.

By adequately identifying the last known location, By adequately identifying the last known location, number of personnel involved and the possible number of personnel involved and the possible cause of deployment of RIT, personnel can cause of deployment of RIT, personnel can properly prepare themselves for assignment and properly prepare themselves for assignment and ensure proper equipment is deployed.ensure proper equipment is deployed.

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The individual(s) who has declared a MAYDAY or The individual(s) who has declared a MAYDAY or is missing shall be identified from the PAR.is missing shall be identified from the PAR.

RIT shall be deployed to the last known location RIT shall be deployed to the last known location of the lost or trapped personnel.of the lost or trapped personnel.

RIT should follow hose lines or routine search RIT should follow hose lines or routine search patterns and consider standard operating tactics patterns and consider standard operating tactics while searching for lost personnel.while searching for lost personnel.

Deployment of the RIT…Deployment of the RIT…

3 Things the IC should consider when deploying RIT 3 Things the IC should consider when deploying RIT personnelpersonnel

1.1. Initial RIT (Reconnaissance Team)Initial RIT (Reconnaissance Team)

– Locate the downed, trapped member(s)Locate the downed, trapped member(s)– Establish a tractable means of access to the Establish a tractable means of access to the

victim(s)victim(s)– Determine additional needs (air, water, fans, Determine additional needs (air, water, fans,

extrication, thermal imaging cameras, etc.)extrication, thermal imaging cameras, etc.)– Suggested team size: 2 firefighters, 1 officer

– In Manlius, this is at least 2 firefighters (Team A)

Deploying RIT personnel (con’t)Deploying RIT personnel (con’t)

2.2. Secondary RIT (Stabilization/Removal Team)Secondary RIT (Stabilization/Removal Team)

– Provide equipment and personnel as Provide equipment and personnel as requested by the Recon Teamrequested by the Recon Team

– Begin extrication process, clear debris for Begin extrication process, clear debris for rapid egressrapid egress

– Suggested team size: 2-4 firefighters

Deploying RIT personnel (con’t)Deploying RIT personnel (con’t)

3. Third and subsequent RIT (Support Team(s)– Provide external support as requested by initial

teams– Provide personnel to relieve initial teams

– In Manlius, this is at least 2 firefighters, Team B.NOTE: We supplement the vehicles with all RIT qualified personnel from both stations when we are called for RIT. RIT requires many personnel.

As a general rule, the IC should try to stay one alarm ahead of the incident demands.

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When RIT locates a downed firefighter(s) they shall When RIT locates a downed firefighter(s) they shall notify the RIT Group Leader by name who they notify the RIT Group Leader by name who they have located, their location and status.have located, their location and status.

RIT shall advise the actions being taken to remove RIT shall advise the actions being taken to remove them or if additional assistance is needed.them or if additional assistance is needed.

If a self-rescue or a quick grab and go rescue is not If a self-rescue or a quick grab and go rescue is not possible, RIT members shall use the “AWARE” possible, RIT members shall use the “AWARE” principle.principle.

Rapid Intervention Rapid Intervention ProceduresProcedures

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Trapped emergency responder’s hopes of survival Trapped emergency responder’s hopes of survival depend on the following depend on the following fourfour critical needs. critical needs.

AWARE Principle:AWARE Principle:

1. Air: RIT should first provide the victim with a redundant (primary & secondary) supply of air.

2. Water: If the rescue involves fire, the next consideration is to provide a defensible space for the victim by using a hose line or distributor to protect the victim.

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3.3. A Radio:A Radio: If the victim is conscious and able to If the victim is conscious and able to communicate, RIT may want to provide the communicate, RIT may want to provide the trapped victim with a transceiver to monitor his trapped victim with a transceiver to monitor his condition. Depending upon the size of the condition. Depending upon the size of the incident, a separate radio channel may be incident, a separate radio channel may be designated for the victim to use.designated for the victim to use.

4.4. Extrication:Extrication: Removal of the victim. Removal of the victim.

AWARE Principle:AWARE Principle:

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RIT should give the estimated time it will take to RIT should give the estimated time it will take to complete the rescue and advise the RIT Group complete the rescue and advise the RIT Group Leader or Command of their plan.Leader or Command of their plan.

The RIT Group Leader shall assign additional The RIT Group Leader shall assign additional Rapid Intervention Teams to assist as needed.Rapid Intervention Teams to assist as needed.

Additional RIT personnel should be in place as Additional RIT personnel should be in place as soon as staffing allows during an active RIT soon as staffing allows during an active RIT operation.operation.

Termination of Rescue EffortsTermination of Rescue Efforts

Although no firefighter, fire officer or IC ever Although no firefighter, fire officer or IC ever wants to terminate a rescue effort, firefighter wants to terminate a rescue effort, firefighter safety safety ““mustmust” ” remain the top priority. As remain the top priority. As unfortunate as it may be, the IC must terminate unfortunate as it may be, the IC must terminate the rescue efforts when conditions begin to the rescue efforts when conditions begin to jeopardize the safety of those involved. No jeopardize the safety of those involved. No decision, order or assignment ever given by an IC decision, order or assignment ever given by an IC during their career will ever bare equal weight. during their career will ever bare equal weight. It’s decisions of this nature that will ultimately It’s decisions of this nature that will ultimately decide the number of members lost or injured.decide the number of members lost or injured.

Summarizing a “MAYDAY” IncidentSummarizing a “MAYDAY” Incident

PARPAR – upon immediate distress signal, call for a – upon immediate distress signal, call for a PAR of on-scene units.PAR of on-scene units.

Initiate RIT OperationsInitiate RIT Operations – utilizing a technique – utilizing a technique that is expedious.that is expedious.

Hazard AssessmentHazard Assessment – Upon locating downed – Upon locating downed firefighter(s), RIT personnel must quickly firefighter(s), RIT personnel must quickly perform a hazard assessment to ensure their perform a hazard assessment to ensure their own safety.own safety.

Summary (con’t)Summary (con’t)

Identify victim needsIdentify victim needs – air supply, fire – air supply, fire impingement, extrication needs, etc.impingement, extrication needs, etc.

Initiate victim removal (if possible)Initiate victim removal (if possible) – an initial – an initial progress report of findings and/or actions progress report of findings and/or actions should be relayed to the IC.should be relayed to the IC.

Provide medical careProvide medical care – upon removal from the – upon removal from the hazard area, on-scene EMS personnel should hazard area, on-scene EMS personnel should provide immediate care / transport.provide immediate care / transport.

Summary (con’t)Summary (con’t)

PARPAR – once victim(s) have been extracted from – once victim(s) have been extracted from hazard area, another PAR should be given by hazard area, another PAR should be given by allall on-scene companies.on-scene companies.

Post-incident analysis / debriefingPost-incident analysis / debriefing – following all – following all RIT deployments a formal post-incident analysis RIT deployments a formal post-incident analysis should be conducted to review, revise and should be conducted to review, revise and update existing procedures. Request (Critical update existing procedures. Request (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing) CISD team if needed. Incident Stress Debriefing) CISD team if needed.

ConclusionConclusion

After you (the IC) have assessed the situation and After you (the IC) have assessed the situation and have a known rescue operation keep this in mind: have a known rescue operation keep this in mind:

Assume the worst and prepare for the worst. By doing Assume the worst and prepare for the worst. By doing

this you will enable yourself to overcome anything this you will enable yourself to overcome anything less than the worst with positive results. less than the worst with positive results. PreparingPreparing for for anything less will put you in a reactionary or catch-up anything less will put you in a reactionary or catch-up mode during a high stress, high emotional incident in mode during a high stress, high emotional incident in which the lives of fellow firefighters lie in the balance.which the lives of fellow firefighters lie in the balance.

WE MUST (AND WILL) PRACTICE MAYDAY WE MUST (AND WILL) PRACTICE MAYDAY AND RIT SCENARIOS!!AND RIT SCENARIOS!!