R&B Columbus RIT Bag (885): Field Manual & SOP

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R&B Columbus RIT Bag (885): Field Manual & SOP

Category: Tool Bags

Difficulty Level: Tier 4: Professional or Advanced Training Required

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Written by: Valerie Ellis Lavin

Quick Overview

The R&B Fabrications Columbus RIT Bag (Model 885) is a ruggedized, high-capacity carrier designed for Rapid Intervention Teams to transport, protect, and deploy a complete emergency air supply system to a downed firefighter in active structural firefighting operations.

The Columbus RIT Bag is purpose-built for zero-visibility, high-stress rescue environments where organized, tangle-free access to life support equipment is the difference between a successful intervention and a failed one. Its 5,610 cubic inch center compartment accommodates fully charged 45- or 60-minute SCBA cylinders, while four exterior pockets physically isolate the RIT facepiece, trans-fill hose, and search rope to prevent entanglement during deployment. The 22-ounce vinyl body provides extreme abrasion resistance across concrete, debris, and confined spaces, and the royal blue color serves as an immediate visual identifier on a fireground crowded with competing equipment.

Mobility under load is addressed through a 2-inch hi-viz shoulder and drag strap, the primary movement method inside an IDLH environment. Oversized carabiners at each end of the strap are sized for gloved-hand operation and allow rapid D-ring attachment. A fully loaded bag carrying a 60-minute cylinder, rope, and tools can exceed 50 pounds, and personnel must account for the resulting impact on fatigue, mobility, and air consumption during active operations.

Component familiarization is a non-negotiable readiness requirement. Under zero-visibility conditions, operators will default to muscle memory, and every RIT member must be able to locate the facepiece and hose fittings by feel alone. Departments must standardize loading protocol across all units to ensure that any trained operator can deploy from any bag without hesitation.

Field Application Steps

1. VERIFY CYLINDER READINESS BEFORE LOADING: Check the SCBA cylinder pressure and perform a full system function check before placing it in the bag. Do not load an unverified cylinder into a deployment-ready bag.

2. LOAD THE SCBA CYLINDER: Place the SCBA cylinder into the main center compartment with the valve end oriented toward the hose pocket. Confirm the cylinder is fully seated and the compartment closes without excessive force.

3. STAGE THE RIT FACEPIECE: Place the RIT facepiece into its designated end pocket and secure it. This pocket is reserved exclusively for the facepiece; do not introduce other components that could cause entanglement.

4. STAGE THE TRANS-FILL OR LOW-PRESSURE HOSE: Coil the trans-fill or low-pressure hose into the opposing end pocket with the fitting positioned at the top for immediate access. Confirm the fitting is reachable without fully removing the hose.

5. LOAD SEARCH ROPE IF CARRIED: Place the search rope in a side pocket if it is part of your team's deployment configuration. Keep this separate from the facepiece and hose pockets.

6. ATTACH AND POSITION THE DRAG STRAP: Attach the hi-viz drag strap via carabiners at both D-ring attachment points and drape it over the top of the bag. Confirm both carabiner gates are fully closed and functional.

7. TRANSPORT TO STAGING POSITION: Carry the bag by the web handles from the apparatus to the RIT staging position. Reserve the drag strap for use inside the hazard zone.

8. TRANSITION TO DRAG CONFIGURATION ON ENTRY: Upon receiving the entry order, sling the drag strap over one shoulder and drag the bag behind you. This low-profile method is essential for navigating obstacles, confined spaces, and debris fields.

9. MAINTAIN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE BAG: Keep physical contact with the drag strap throughout movement in zero-visibility conditions. The strap is your physical connection to the team's air supply in an environment where visual confirmation is not possible.

10. POSITION BAG AT THE VICTIM: Once the downed firefighter is located, position the RIT bag adjacent to the firefighter's head and shoulders for immediate access to the facepiece and hose.

11. OPEN DESIGNATED POCKETS ONLY: Access only the facepiece pocket and hose pocket during air transfer. The pre-loaded configuration is designed so that opening the correct pockets does not disturb other components.

12. EXECUTE AIR TRANSFER: Retrieve the facepiece and hose and execute the air transfer per your department's established procedures, either a facepiece swap or trans-fill via UAC. The bag's operational role is complete once the organized, protected equipment has been delivered to the point of need.

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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.