What should be the first action taken if a firefighter is reported missing?

The first action that should be taken when a firefighter is reported missing is to deploy a rapid intervention team (RIT) to locate and rescue the missing firefighter. This approach is critical because the RIT is specifically trained to respond to emergencies involving downed or lost firefighters and is equipped to perform rescues swiftly and efficiently.

When a firefighter becomes missing during operations, every second counts. The rapid intervention team is prepared to enter dangerous environments quickly and can conduct a focused and organized search and rescue operation. Their immediate deployment helps to ensure that the chances of locating and rescuing the firefighter are maximized, potentially saving their life.

While conducting a search of the last known location and notifying command are important steps, they are generally part of the broader search and rescue operation that the RIT will implement. Waiting for additional information is not appropriate in emergency situations like this, as it can lead to delays that could jeopardize the safety of the missing firefighter.