During the 1990s, the Federal Government got into the process when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued the “two-in/two-out” rule, which mandates that when two firefighters enter an atmosphere that presents an immediate danger to life and health (IDLH), at least two firefighters shall be located outside the IDLH atmosphere. An exception to this rule is allowed for the purpose of “emergency rescue activities.”

What makes the history of the rapid intervention concept so relevant is the understanding that the “two-in/two-out” safety standard is just the minimum called for during interior firefighting operations, and also the realization that just having two firefighters waiting outside the structure is not going to be enough to safely and efficiently rescue a distressed firefighter who is running out of time.

Challenges to R.I.T.

• Receiving the Initial “Mayday”: Unfortunately, the tradtional fire service culture has been to wait too long to call for help. By that time, things have just gotten worse. Conditions affecting the crew in distress include separation from other team members, tools lost, hoseline forgotten, exhaustion of air supply, and most likely the elimination of any additional margin for error that would have made the RIT mission easier.

• Deployment of Team: It may well be that five to 10 minutes have elapsed by the time the RIT consults with the IC, devises a safe and efficient plan, gathers up the necessary equipment, and makes its way to the entry point of the structure.

• Travel Time: Now you need to find the crew that is calling for help. As mentioned earlier, the very same conditions that got them in trouble may now be waiting to slow you down. Are they still lost? How will you find them? Is the fire still burning? Is visibility low? Did the structure collapse?

• Radio Traffic: You are now in the structure, but communication with the IC (or the rescue group leader) is more critical than ever to do your job. In addition, you may need to ask for another crew, more equipment, breathing air, or other supplies to get the job done. If you think communications are a challenge during a “normal” fire, wait until a RIT deployment competes for valuable “air time” with the rest of the fireground operation!

• Extrication: If you find the firefighter who has called for help, you may need to remove him from a pile of twisted and tangled building materials or package him up for removal to a safe area. You may need to call for additional help (or more tools and equipment) to remove even just one firefighter from the hazard area.

• Emotion: Let’s be realistic. A RIT deployment involving someone in your department is going to challenge your ability to think rationally. Designing an effective action plan will be the first step; the rest of the challenge will be to put your emotions aside as you discipline yourself to get the rescue accomplished. This is not the time for half-baked rescue plans or “self-assigned” deployments.

• Air Supply: This may be the most critical factor. Chief (Ret.) Alan Brunacini of the Phoenix (AZ) Fire Department once said, “Our life expectancy inside a fire structure is limited to the air we carry on our backs.” More than likely, the interior crew will be depleted of air when they call for help (or soon thereafter). How will you address this challenge? How much extra breathing air will you bring in-and not just for the crew who has requested your help, but for your crew as well?