What is the key component of HFD’s rapid intervention teams (RIT)?

The key component of HFD’s rapid intervention teams (RIT) is to rescue trapped firefighters in emergency situations. RITs are specifically established to focus on the safety and protection of firefighters who become lost, trapped, or injured while operating at an incident scene. Their main objective is to quickly assess the situation and initiate a rescue operation to ensure the safety of their fellow firefighters, thereby preserving life and minimizing the potential for injury or fatality in high-stress scenarios.

In contrast, first aid is generally a broader approach meant for any injured individual and is not the primary function of a RIT. Supporting community events and inspecting fire hydrants, while important tasks for a fire department, do not align with the specific emergency response focus of RITs, which are exclusively devoted to the rescue operations of firefighters in distress.