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Thursday, November 29, 2007

RIT training - training at its finest

I attended the RIT training today at the Troutville VFD RIT building. I must say that the evolutions were great. I love no bullshit, no nonsense, get in and get it done training. Especially with decent instructors who don't have the "I am better than you" and "I will teach at a 2nd grade level" attitude.

The training today was proctored by Lt. Mark Brown, Captain Chuck Swecker, Captain Scott Mutter, Captain Matt Dewhirst, 1st Lt. Ellen Bender, and FF Jeff Oliver. They were very interested in the companies getting out of the training what they wanted. There wasn't any hand holding or "Your Doing it Wrong" attitudes.

Instead, the training began with some classroom. Enough of an update to new understanding of RIT implementation, reasons for having an RIT, and when to call a MAYDAY.

Captain Mutter did some housekeeping of the utmost importance. He delved into what the hell happens when the orange emergency button is pressed on our portable radios. He went to dispatch to look at it at their end, and then reported his findings to the class participants. We learned a lot, and any day you learn something is a good day.

After the classroom, we had a series of 3 short "Firefighter Down" evolutions. The hands-off approach by the instructors was appreciated by myself, and it seemed as though no one else had issue with it. The hands off approach offered the opportunity for the companies to work through the incidents as they would if we had just hopped off the truck and were in a real situation.

The RIT disipline is very loose. Basically, as Captain Swecker explained (my interpretation and poor memory of exact word usage) you just have to be ready, competent, and willing to think outside the box. You never know what cards you will be dealt.

All in all, this was some of the best training I have had in a long time. A hell of a lot better than most certificate, resume padding, and poorly taught classes we have been accustomed to.

Special thanks to all involved.

If you haven't had the training, be sure to make it. It is well worth it.

If you didn't like it, you might rethink why you are a firefighter and hope that everyone else enjoyed it in case they have to save your ass.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

It was good training, and it beats the hell out of falling to sleep in front of a computer screen and calling it training.

Anonymous said...

My god can you blow any more kisses!!!

FireFleitz said...

Sorry that it bothered you. It was my attempt to give attention to training that I thought was worth while.

I didn't mean to bother you. Now close this browser and get back to the moodle room. Is it 15/1 or 30/2. Better study up.

Anonymous said...

neither rhett!! its 61/8

Anonymous said...

laugh at it if you must but keeping it fresh and the guys knowing it is what saved Scott's life... not how to calculate friction loss on a garden hose

Anonymous said...

AUGGHHH! YOU MEDIC!!!!!

Anonymous said...

No, knowing your job, having a great crew, working with each other,knowing that your crew has your back, having strong people, not position fillers and the MAN UPSTAIRS. Thats what saved him. Get well soon Scott

Anonymous said...

The last post is on the money!!!Look around, check out who's on your truck, who's driving it, that person could be in charge one day. Do they know what to do, do they have the strength to pull you out!! Just think about it. Be safe .