A Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST), also known as a Rapid Intervention Team (RIT), is a special team that comprises two or more firefighters dedicated solely to search and rescue of other firefighters in distress. FAST shall have no other purpose during an incident. Multiple alarm fires require multiple FAST teams.

Each FAST member shall be equipped in the customary manner prescribed by SOPs, including full turnout gear, SCBA and PASS alarm, and shall also have a portable radio that uses frequency from the fireground frequency, but available to the Incident Command Officer at the command post. Additional equipment for each FAST member includes, but is not limited to, hand tools, hand light and search rope.

Firefighting