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Post by Gregg on Aug 22, 2002 12:13:19 GMT -5
Do CFD RIT companies always have a Thermal Imaging Camera while they stand-by?
If so, since Engines respond as the RIT company and Engines are not equipped with a TIC, do they grab one from one of the on-scene Truck companies or what is the policy?
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Post by Box_2565 on Nov 6, 2002 15:06:45 GMT -5
I heard a rumor that the RIT company is going to be changed from an engine company to a ladder company on any working fire. Is there any truth to this?
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Post by George Bredestege on Nov 7, 2002 0:41:48 GMT -5
The RIT training that has been taking place of late is tailored around the ladder companies. The first RITs will be the district house's trucks. The first in truck will not be the RIT, even if the district house is first on the box. The next closest District truck will be dispatched as the RIT. Once all trucks have been through the training this will probably change. I don't know the target date for implementation. Not much has been said about it lately, but the training has continued. It is very difficult training and some members have been injured in the process. More when we know more....
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Post by DougStern on Nov 18, 2002 8:46:03 GMT -5
RIT or RAT training, as it is called now, began over the summer. Five double houses are being trained. Training consists of three - eight hour classes. The final class or phase is an application of the skills taught throughout the class. Each phase is very hands on and physically demanding.
On to the actual concept. On January 1st RIT will be rplaced by RAT (Rapid ASSISTANCE Team) The RAT companies are Trucks 3, 17, 20, 31 and 32. Just as George stated above these Trucks will be dispatched upon confirmation of a one alarm. They will be the next closest RAT company. For example, Truck 3 will still respond on the initial one alarm complement. Truck 17 will be the RAT for any downtown fire. The engines housed with these trucks have aklso been RAT trained so the DC can have as many possible RAT people on the Truck as possible.
In addition to training, these five trucks have been given additional equipment (Ropes, hydraulic hand tools, and extra air bottles with a transfer hose to provide air to a downed fire fighter.) The truck officer can determine which tools he wants with some being set a minimum. Obviously, he can choose the TIC as well.
I hope this answers RAT questions, if not let me know.
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Post by Box_2565 on Nov 18, 2002 10:34:38 GMT -5
Thanks for the additional information. Now that I understand the concept I have to ask a question. Why only 5 companies?
Since the point of the RAT is to rescue downed firefighters, what happens in Mt. Washington when Truck 3 is coming from Downtown or if Truck 3 is heading to Covedale or Sayler Park, etc. There are many scenarios that can be worked up where the RAT will be getting to the fire 10-15 minutes after the arrival of the first company on the scene.
Will additional companies be assigned these duties in the future to create quicker response times?
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JERAIS
Lieutenant
Over 27 years on the CFD. Promoted FAO 1982. Assigned to Engine Co. 21 1/86
Posts: 13
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Post by JERAIS on Nov 18, 2002 12:28:14 GMT -5
The intention is to eventually train all members and companies to RAT. The task is large, due to the involvement and amount of training. Our company has drilled on this with those going through it now. I must say that it appears to be excellent training. I would hope that the vast majority of us can recieve it as soon as possible. Further, I hope it can somehow be incorporated into the basic Drill School requirements. We will just have to wait and see on all these possibilities.
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