EVAC Systems RIT Bottle Bag | Field Manual & SOP

How to Guides - Product Field Manual SOPs - Luminary Global

EVAC Systems RIT Bottle Bag | Field Manual & SOP

Category: Duffel Bags

Difficulty Level: Tier 4: Professional or Advanced Training Required

Get the Complete Field Manual

Download the official step-by-step PDF guide.

📥 Download PDF Guide

Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The EVAC Systems RIT Bottle Bag (Model EP041) is a dedicated transport system for a single SCBA cylinder and trans-fill hose assembly, used by Rapid Intervention Teams and FAST personnel to deliver emergency air supply to downed firefighters in IDLH environments.

The EP041 is built for one mission: getting breathable air to a firefighter who has run out of it before the situation becomes unrecoverable. The main body is constructed from 1000 Denier Cordura rated to withstand radiant heat up to 500°F, protecting the cylinder from impact, abrasion, and thermal insult during aggressive movement through a structure. The semi-rigid cylinder compartment is sized for standard 45-minute or 60-minute SCBA cylinders and shields the valve assembly from damage during dragging operations.

Operator mobility under fire conditions is a primary design consideration. The over-the-shoulder strap enables cross-body carry with hands free for tool use and three-point contact on obstacles. When conditions tighten, the chrome seatbelt buckle allows instant bag jettison to eliminate entanglement risk, and dual drag handles at opposite ends of the bag allow one or two rescuers to move it through crawl spaces below the thermal layer. Integrated reflective strips support rapid visual identification in low-light, smoke-filled environments.

Deployment readiness depends entirely on pre-mission protocol. The cylinder must be fully pressurized and loaded valve-end first, the trans-fill hose connected to the high-pressure port and coiled without kinks in the designated storage area, and the bag staged in an accessible RIT compartment with the carry strap positioned for immediate retrieval. This bag is a transport component, not a stand-alone life support device, and does not provide atmospheric protection or life support to the operator carrying it.

Field Application Steps

1. PRE-DEPLOYMENT CYLINDER VERIFICATION: Confirm the SCBA cylinder is fully pressurized and that the valve is fully closed before loading. A partially pressurized cylinder is not mission-ready and must not be staged for deployment.

2. CYLINDER LOADING: Insert the mission-ready SCBA cylinder into the bag valve-end first. Ensure the cylinder is fully seated so the semi-rigid compartment can protect the valve assembly during transport and dragging.

3. HOSE CONNECTION AND STOWAGE: Attach the trans-fill or buddy breather hose to the high-pressure port. Coil the hose without kinks and stow it in the designated storage area near the valve end to prevent snagging on debris during movement.

4. BAG STAGING: Position the fully loaded bag in its designated RIT compartment on the apparatus. Confirm it is not compressed under other equipment and that the carry strap is oriented for immediate one-motion retrieval upon RIT activation.

5. DONNING FOR ENTRY: Upon RIT activation, retrieve the bag and don the shoulder strap cross-body over turnout gear and SCBA. Maintain a streamlined profile during entry and initial search to avoid snagging in restricted spaces.

6. TRANSITION TO DRAG IN RESTRICTED CONDITIONS: In tight quarters or elevated heat conditions, depress the chrome seatbelt buckle to jettison the bag from the shoulder and transition to drag handles immediately. In narrow hallways, the lead firefighter pulls the front handle while the second operator pushes from the rear.

7. POSITIONING AT THE VICTIM: Once the downed firefighter is located, position the bag adjacent to the victim's SCBA valve. Release the shoulder strap via the seatbelt buckle if not already jettisoned.

8. AIR SUPPLY EXECUTION: Uncoil the trans-fill hose and execute the air transfer procedure in accordance with your department's RIT protocol and the specific SCBA manufacturer's guidelines for the equipment in use.

Equip Yourself: EVAC Systems RIT Bottle Bag – SCBA Cylinder Carrier with Seatbelt Strap

Ensure you have the right gear before an emergency strikes.

View Product

LEGAL DISCLAIMER & SAFETY WARNING:
The information provided in this Luminary Global Field Manual is strictly for educational and informational purposes. It is not a substitute for formal medical, tactical, or professional training. In the event of a medical emergency, immediately seek professional help or contact emergency services. Luminary Global assumes no liability for the misuse of equipment, improper application of techniques, or any injuries/damages resulting from the use of these guidelines. Always rely on your official agency training, local laws, and established protocols during a crisis.