CALLING THE MAYDAY

This intensive firefighter survival training program prepares participants to perform self-rescue and rescue downed firefighters in high-stress, IDLH environments. Through realistic MAYDAY scenarios, hands-on skill stations, and physically demanding challenge courses, students develop critical competencies in SCBA emergency maneuvers, air management, firefighter survival techniques, and rapid decision-making under pressure.

The course emphasizes advanced methods to extend air supply, improve survivability, and execute effective downed firefighter packaging, drags, carries, and floor removal techniques. Participants also gain practical experience using essential fireground tools and equipment carried on apparatus or within personal protective gear, strengthening real-world readiness, confidence, and performance during emergency incidents.

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS: SIZE UP AND IDENTIFYING HAZARDS

The firefighter situational awareness training seminar enhances hazard recognition and decision-making skills on the fireground by combining foundational refreshers with real-world incident analysis and lessons learned. Through interactive discussion and scenario-based learning, participants review fireground awareness, pre-incident planning, size-up, building construction, and the identification of hazardous fire conditions that can rapidly escalate into life-threatening situations. Designed to strengthen situational awareness, risk assessment, and operational readiness, this 2–3 hour program can be delivered on-site or at the training center, providing firefighters with practical insights to improve safety, performance, and outcomes during emergency incidents.

ROPE ASSISTED SEARCH

Rope Assisted Search training prepares firefighters to effectively search large or complex structures using rope-based search systems, improving victim location, firefighter accountability, and safe navigation in zero-visibility environments. The program introduces system selection considerations, including rope length (100-ft, 200-ft, or greater), marker configurations, and tag line options, helping departments determine the most effective setup for their operational needs.

Students learn critical deployment and search techniques through classroom instruction and hands-on training, focusing on team coordination, line management, anchor points, distance tracking, door control, hazard recognition, and maneuvering around obstacles. The course emphasizes accountability, victim location and removal, and rapid egress using rope systems to enhance firefighter safety and search efficiency during high-risk incidents.

This training features the RIT Rescue Systems Group Search Kit while remaining applicable to other rope search systems, including those from RIT Safety Systems, Sterling Rope, and Gemtor. The program is designed to build proficiency, confidence, and real-world operational readiness for large area search scenarios.

FIREFIGHTER/VICTIM PACKING

Essential techniques for securing and preparing a downed firefighter or civilian for safe and efficient removal from hazardous environments. Participants practice hands-on methods for packaging, lifting, and transitioning victims using practical fireground tools and equipment to improve rescue speed, coordination, and patient protection.

SUPPLEMENTAL AIR SUPPLY FOR DOWNED FIREFIGHTER RESCUE

Train firefighters to provide emergency air to a downed firefighter using RIT packs and other rescue air systems in IDLH environments. Participants develop hands-on proficiency in connecting, managing, and troubleshooting air supply under pressure to extend survivability and support rapid rescue operations.

USING A LADDER AS A HIGH POINT

This skillset focuses on using a ground ladder as a high point anchor for rescue and rope operations in fireground environments. Participants practice ladder placement, stabilization, and load management to create safe, effective elevated anchor systems for victim removal and firefighter egress.

DOWNED FIREFIGHTER (UP & DOWN STAIRWELL)

This skillset focuses on safely packaging, moving, and removing a downed firefighter in stairwell environments during rescue operations. Participants practice coordinated techniques for ascending and descending stairs, managing weight distribution, and maintaining control to improve efficiency, safety, and victim survivability.

DENVER DRILL (CONFINED SPACE RESCUE)

This exercise focuses on removing a downed firefighter from a confined space through a restricted opening, replicating the challenges of the Denver Drill. Participants perform coordinated techniques to package, lift, and maneuver a firefighter through tight spaces, emphasizing communication, problem-solving, and efficient rescue under high-stress conditions.

NANCE DRILL (BASEMENT/LOW-AREA RESCUE)

This exercise focuses on removing a downed firefighter from a basement or low-level area, simulating the challenges of the Nance Drill. Participants perform coordinated techniques for packaging, lifting, and navigating confined vertical spaces, emphasizing communication, control, and efficient victim removal under high-stress fireground conditions.