By David DeStefano Virtually every fire department in the nation understands the importance of establishing and maintaining a rapid intervention team (RIT) at fires and…
Although every firefighter wants to be first in, each task on the fireground is important if the operation is to be conducted safely and efficiently, David DeStefano writes.
Numerous firefighters are killed or injured when they fall from roofs, windows, stairways, shafts, or other openings. Performing accurate size-up, maintaining situational awareness, and reinforcing basic skills will make these events less likely, David DeStefano writes.
Paying attention to the details on the fireground can mean the difference between a positive outcome and a firefighting tragedy, David DeStefano writes.
Firefighters must be prepared for all types of fires and emergencies, not just the "bread-and-butter" responses we often take for granted, David DeStefano writes.
Considering how incident priorities will be met before an incident occurs leaves little chance that firefighters will miss an important job during the dynamic environment of an emergency incident, David DeStefano writes.