What is the first step after recognizing a firefighter in cardiac arrest at a fire incident?

Recognizing a firefighter in cardiac arrest during a fire incident requires swift and effective action to ensure their safety and the safety of others. The most appropriate initial response is to call for a Mayday and activate the Rapid Intervention Team (RIT). This action alerts fellow firefighters and on-site personnel of the emergency situation, enabling them to respond promptly. The RIT is specifically trained to handle emergencies involving downed firefighters, including those in cardiac arrest, and they will quickly initiate rescue protocols.

Activating RIT also helps to ensure that resources are swiftly directed toward the affected firefighter while maintaining an organized approach to the incident, which is critical in chaotic fire scenes. This step ensures that professional help arrives quickly, and that the situation is managed effectively without compromising the safety of other team members and civilians in the area.

While administering CPR and checking for a pulse are essential actions in response to a cardiac arrest, these should only be undertaken once the RIT is activated and appropriate personnel are in place to assist, as immediate rescue and support should be the primary concern in these types of high-risk scenarios. Evacuating the area does not directly address the immediate needs of the downed firefighter and would generally be a later step if the incident escalates.