A Rapid Intervention Team is composed of four firefighters who may be called upon to quickly rescue or otherwise intervene and return to safety trapped or injured firefighters operating at the scene of an emergency.

The R.I.T. establishes a means of quickly and effectively assisting members suddenly threatened by a dangerous situation at an incident.  The R.I.T. provides a means for the Incident Commander to initiate an immediate rescue effort.

Incident Command should establish a R.I.T. whenever Fire Department personnel are required to operate under hazardous conditions or in an Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH) atmosphere.

The composition and structure of the R.I.T. should be flexible based on the size of the incident and the complexity of operations.  The Incident Commander shall evaluate the situation and the risks to operating teams, and shall provide one or more intervention teams (RIT’s) commensurate with the needs of the situation.

As the incident expands in size or complexity, the R.I.T.(s) shall be on scene personnel dedicated solely to that function.  The Rescue Company will normally be assigned to the R.I.T. function, but another company may be substituted.  Additional Intervention teams (Rescue Companies) will be called as prescribed by the T.E.A.M.S program

Companies designated as R.I.T. must park their apparatus so as not to interfere with fire ground operations.  The R.I.T. will bypass staging

If used for other tactical assignments, the R.I.T. must be replaced with another crew.  i.e.  Should the Rescue Engine arrive and Initiate fire fighting operations then the second in engine company shall perform the functions of the Rapid intervention team. 

If the need for rescue is diminished, the R.I.T. may be assigned to other tasks.