Georgetown City Fire Department

Georgetown, South Carolina

Rapid Intervention Training

(April 1, 2008) - Members of the Georgetown City Fire Department began using a new device this month to augment their rescue training.  The device, a Rapid Intervention Breathing System is designed to provide a downed firefighter with additional breathing air until they can be safely rescued.

 

Firefighters typically carry about thirty minutes of breathing air on their back in a self contained breathing apparatus.  If a firefighter gets trapped, he is likely to run out of air before rescue crews can get to him.

 

With the Rapid Intervention Breathing system, rescue teams can connect directly to the firefighter’s breathing system and provide up to an hour of breathable air without removing the firefighter’s mask or SCBA.

 

The department obtained the new unit late last month and has been conducting intensive drills.

 

Use of the new device greatly enhances firefighter safety and improves the chances for survival if trapped or injured.

 

(Top) - The rescue firefighter (on his knees) readies the breathing system to add air to the trapped firefighter (laying down).

 

(Middle) - The rescue firefighter chooses the correct connection hose.

 

(Bottom) - The rescue firefighter connects to the trapped firefighter’s breathing system.

 

To simulate smoke filled low visibility conditions the rescue firefighter’s masks are covered.  Firefighters can’t see so use their hands to feel for the correct connection and locate the proper hose.