First things first, I hope this article finds everyone and their families healthy and safe; we are without a doubt in a unique period of our lives.

I want to touch on the benefit of specialized units for special operations on the fire ground. Technical rescue, RIT or FAST teams, and water rescue teams are just a few unique units that may be used for different situations. The command staff must understand the reasoning for calling these individual teams. To operate safely and get the job done correctly, you want to have the right crew with the proper training.

Technical rescue incidents such as building or trench collapse, confined space, high-angle rescue, heavy rigging, or machinery rescue don't happen too often, especially in smaller towns and cities. When calls like these come into your department, the officer in command should already know where to get additional resources who specialize in the specific operation. Most counties have either a county-wide technical rescue team or a handful of departments, or even one department specializing in technical rescue. This isn't me saying your department shouldn't attempt to make rescues in these situations. However, this is me saying there is no shame in calling for additional help from specialized teams.

Like technical rescue, water rescue is also one of those operations that most departments don't see too often. When it comes to water rescue, you may see more departments with specialized training and or equipment for these types of operations. Talk to them, see if they're willing to be automatically dispatched to incidents in your area that may require water rescue. If you don't want them to be automatically sent, familiarize yourself with what equipment they have to offer so you know if you need them, you can call them.

This doesn't just go for TRT or water rescues. A firefighter down can also be considered a special operation. Most departments not only often train in firefighter removal but also take classes on the topic. In my personal opinion, if your department is operating at a fire, call in an additional department to act as the RIT or FAST. When a firefighter goes down, you want a fresh crew to be able to get him out. Having a FAST on scene waiting helps assure the unit is fresh and ready to work, not fatigued from operating on scene.

I want to reiterate that I'm not writing to tell departments not to use their staffing on these incidents. When you have the guys with the proper training, situations can operate smoother and safer, assuring the victim and the first responders go home. A message to training officers and chiefs, there are plenty of companies out there that you can bring in for training opportunities to assist with these topics. If you're a smaller department and can't always afford to bring in outside training, talk to the nearest special operations team near you, see if they can provide training for your department.

I'm always open to talk shop! Stay safe, and don't forget to enjoy time with loved ones; as mentioned earlier, we're in a unique period, don't take time with friends and family for granted! As always, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @MarchianoTomor Instagram @Firemantom193.

Photo Credit: FF Billy Morrissey, Arlington Fire Department