S.C.B.A. & R.I.T. Drill

Jupiter 27 Truck Co. & Lightning Engine Co. 1 held a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (S.C.B.A.) & Rapid Intervention Team (R.I.T) Drill. The drill was run by Ex Chief/safety officer Ron Schnall. On Thursday night 3-18-10 he did the lecture portion of the drill. He went over the type of SCBA that our department uses. He went over all the parts of the Scott pack. How to operate the P.A.S.S. device. He went over some safety tips, and demonstrated how to wear the pack properly. On Sunday 3-21-10 the members in full gear had to perform 3 different self rescue maneuvers that you may use while searching for a victim or firefighter. The fireman perform these operstions blind, because you would not be able to see in a smoke condition. Everything is done by feel, and communication. First was the "Reduced Profile" maneuver which is used when you have to pass through an object that is less than 16" wide. This is done by sliding your bottle to one side "reducing your profile", and proceeding to squeeze through the opening. Next they did the "Emergency Escape" maneuver. This maneuver would be done if your pack became hung up on something while searching. The firefighters had to remove their pack while staying on air, and free themselves from the obstruction. Then properly put the pack back on and continue their search. The final move was the "Low Profile" This technique would be used to crawl under an object lower than 14" high. The fireman had to again take their pack off while remaining on air and lay down on their stomach. Then slide their pack in front of them and military crawl under the obstruction. The drill also consisted of a Rapid Intervention Team rescue scenario. The fireman got into teams of 3 and had to find a rescue dummy dressed in fire gear. They had to report their find to the Officer In Charge (OIC) and use the Scott pack to package up the dummy. They then slid him to a set of stairs and used a 2 man carry to get him up the stairs.