Members of the Newtown Square Fire Company just completed a 16 hour course on “RIT Team Training.” RIT or Rapid Intervention Team is group of firefighters whose sole job at building fire is to be ready to rescue a fellow firefighter in the event he or she becomes trapped. The course provided firefighters with the knowledge and skill objectives to safely perform rescue techniques to remove trapped or lost firefighters during deteriorating fire suppression activities.
The class, which was held over two weeks, included a classroom portion, which covered evaluation of case studies, function, and extrication support. A practice session held at the firehouse which covered lifting and moving techniques and team building skills.
The final session took place at the West Chester Fire Training Center covered “live” scenario based evaluations involving a down/trapped firefighter. In addition to covering rescuing of other firefighters, the course covered self-rescue techniques. The course and certification was conducted by the Buck County Community College Department of Public Safety and Training.
The Broomall Fire Company provided coverage of Newtown Square during the West Chester Training Center portion last Saturday. |