This research was aimed at improving rescue approaches for lost, trapped, and injured firefighters at an emergency scene

This researchers compared the effectiveness of two-person and four-person Rapid Intervention Teams (RITs) in rescuing firefighters who have become lost, trapped or injured at an emergency scene

Rescue scenarios were conducted with 160 firefighters, with researchers measuring the time required and observing any difficulties the teams experienced in completing the rescues. All participants received RIT training before conducting the exercises

The results showed that two-person RITs are insufficient for many rescue scenarios. Other areas for improvement were also identified, including the need for regular RIT training for fire fighters, the assignment of roles and responsibilities to RIT members and better air supply management

The recommendations from the study have been incorporated into the firefighter RIT training offered by the Justice Institute of B.C. throughout the province