JM15

What kind of group?

I need a lake assault boat!! Great shots!

That thing looks Bada**!! Why the color change?

Disgraceful...

I was thinking the same thing... I thought originally also it wasn't open to the publc.

I think I started the confusion here and so far this has been a great discussion with a lot of input from some very knowledgeable members. I think that we are all talking about the same thing. My intention was to illustrate that no matter what you call them you still have to meet the 2in/2out, It is basic principles to improve firefighter safety. What I was trying to bring up was those first initial minutes before a FAST team arrives you need some protection for the manpower in the IDLH zone. These are the precious minutes when things can go bad quick, flashover, backdraft etc. The bottom line is that at all times you should be following the 2in/2out even before the FAST team arrives. While these terms are very similar or almost interchangeable there are some differences. I see a FAST team as a full company of firefighters who are dedicated to that job. While on the other hand a "RIT" team as a smaller compliment of firefighters who can perform the 2in/2out responsibilities until the arrival of the dedicated FAST team to relieve them so they can perform other fireground functions. During this time (usually those hectic and dangerous first few minutes) they can perform any rescue of firefighters that might be needed. For example I believe Montrose VA FD provides "RIT" services to the surrounding departments usually with a 2 or 3 man crew (someone correct me if that is wrong). Those are how I would differentiate between the two terms. Just to throw some more wrenches into the gears NIMS would type both FAST teams and RIT teams as RIC's (Rapid Intervention Crews). Just some more terms I found quickly using a Google search... IRIC Initial Rapid Intervention Crew RIC Rapid Intervention Crew RIT Rapid Intervention Team FAST Firefighter Assist and Search (or Safety) Team IRT Immediate Response Team RAT Rescue Assist Team FRAT Firefighter Rescue Available Team RDU Rapid Deployment Unit RICO Rapid intervention company operations RRT Rapid Response Team GO Team FAT Firefighter Assist Team Edit: Our department SOG's state it a little clearer than what I had posted. Immediately upon the confirmation of any structure fire, or any fire that includes an interior attack, a Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST) shall be requested from a Mutual Aid company. In addition, a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), consisting of a minimum of four (4) interior firefighters should stand-by until the FAST arrives.

Yes sometimes it does take a little while for the "FAS Team" to get there but in the mean time you still have to meet the 2 in 2 out requirements, and be prepared in the event of a firefighter emergency. That is where the RIT concept comes into play. A RIT team is smaller so it is less manpower intrusive and can be accomplished with 2 or 3 members who standby untill relieved by the dedicated FAST.

NFPA 1981- Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus NFPA 1852- Selection, Care, and maintenance

Thanks INIT95 for some CORRECT information!

I see two seats.. where do you fit the four guys?

I feel like the up front costs will be huge.. think about insurance alone

Seth you still in Florida? Did we win

AVET is a great class but we don't get it enough in Westchester... Every time it is announced it is full in minutes. It would be great to get more people through it but it just isn't offered enough.

I am in

You are correct. 29 CFR 1910.156 Section C outlines the training requirements for FD's and specifically mentions OFPC as an example of appropriate training. So why is this an issue in Texas? Am I missing something? Just remember NFPA and OSHA are just standards not laws, I would like to see a New York state labor law with regards to fire training such as we have with the bailout ropes, workplace violence etc.

Someone correct me if I am wrong but here in NY we dont have a minimum level of training that is required of volunteers. It all comes back to that term "Authority Having Jurisdiction." In most cases the Board of Fire Commissioners or equivalent have the sole authority to deem whatever they feel necessary. OFPC has a "reccomended" minimum that is a guideline for the AHJ to follow up it isn't law.

I wouldn't say they have been silent... http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/nys_troopers_have_widely_share.html

Full article at: http://www.firerescue1.com/fire-products/Personal-protective-equipment-ppe/articles/1441229-NY-responders-to-wear-body-armor-to-medical-calls/

That was a great read thanks for posting!

Thanks for the clarification and an awesome post! Wish I could like that more than once....

Didn't FDNY EMS issue vests to their members? Can someone confirm?

Just to get back on topic... I too have seen this "trailer" and was shocked by it, drove past it on the way to a friends house.

While its great that the South will come and help when its needed, but I see that as being too late.

I understand your points and I am not saying its perfect. Where I was getting at was the knowledge and expertise that they can also bring. Helping the IC get a handle on what needs to be done or what resources there are out there. It is still better than 5 guys going into the building with limited haz-mat training and sending the awaiting pt's into an ambulance to be shuttled to the hospital.

In the northern part of the county there is no plan... and one day it will be a problem, someone will get caught with their pants down. Seems like the loss of the county MDU's especially up north is a big problem that not many were aware of. Just another reason we have the county haz-mat team with their expertise.