Basic Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) training, hosted at the Slinger Fire Department in collaboration with Badger Firefighters Association, focuses on developing firefighter safety during emergency operations. This training is designed to equip participants with the critical skills needed to rescue fellow firefighters in distress. The program includes a mix of practical exercises, such as wall breaches, bottle switch-overs, entanglements, window enlargements, firefighter drags, self-rescue, ceiling collapse scenarios, and more. These techniques prepare responders for a variety of hazardous situations that may arise in field operations. Statistically, an emergency where at Rapid Intervention Team is needed occurs within the first ten minutes of fireground operations.

 

The foundation of our RIT training was established in the early 2000s from a variety of resources, including the Washington County Training Officers RIT Committee. Led by Assistant Chief Brad Schaefer, the committee created a detailed lesson plan manual, complete with reference guides and techniques. These techniques are drawn from several credible sources, including the Tomahawk Fire School RIT session, Dodge County Fire School RIT session, Worcester Safety and Survival Seminar, the Working Fire RIT Series, and articles from Firehouse and Fire Rescue.

 

In addition, the "Get Out Alive Program" and real-world field experience have contributed to the development of these techniques. It’s important to note that the techniques outlined in the manual are not NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) approved and should only be used with the adoption of respective fire departments. The manual serves as a dynamic resource, constantly evolving with new updates, techniques, and feedback. The Washington County Training Officers RIT Committee remains committed to sharing knowledge, answering questions, and offering instruction on RIT procedures. The goal is to ensure the safety of all firefighters while adapting to the ever-changing demands of the profession. The attached links represent just a small portion of the many techniques available for RIT operations, and we encourage ongoing input and collaboration to ensure firefighter safety remains a top priority.