Hillside, N.J — September 21: Using their FAST Board system, all of the Hillside Fire Department's tour crews conducted Mayday/RIT drills last week. Training Officer Capt. E. Trela oversaw the training, which provided each firefighter with an opportunity to practice both civilian and firefighter rescue techniques.

In order to replicate the low visibility conditions found in actual fireground scenes, the exercises were conducted in a smoke-filled training area that was created using theater smoke. In addition to practicing Mayday procedures, which are calls made when a firefighter is in distress, crews collaborated as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) to find and remove a downed firefighter.

Participants carried out search and rescue missions inside a mock small commercial building in addition to saving firefighters. Teams had to use the tools under pressure in the scenarios, which included victim drags, firefighter packaging, and FAST Board operations. This type of practical instruction is crucial. For example, a FAST Board is frequently chosen over a stokes basket in rooftop or elevated rescues due to its consistent width, which facilitates easier maneuvering along narrow passageways or aerial ladders. RIT or FAST teams are intended to stand by and deploy immediately should a firefighter become trapped or injured during operations. Such teams must operate quickly, with simple, practiced tactics.