A Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) is a specialized cadre of firefighters tasked with the immediate rescue of personnel who become trapped or incapacitated during firefighting operations. RITs operate in high-risk environments, particularly during incidents involving structural collapse or hazardous materials, and follow established safety protocols such as the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). Not to be confused with a standard firefighting crew, RITs are equipped with advanced tools, including thermal imaging cameras (TIC) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), to facilitate swift extrication and support operations.
Category context: Core tactics, command, suppression, ventilation, search, and water supply terminology used on the fireground.