There are four Ideas that ABBET-RIT believes will save firefighters lives. They are using an Incident Command system, using Accountability, using the team concept, and using a Rapid Intervention Team.

Accountability systems have varied since their conception. Through ABBET-RIT we are trying to standardize one accountability system that anyone could use. Our NFPA 1561 compliant program is flexible in some ways but the basic concepts cannot be modified.

The first Basic concept of ABBET-RIT accountability is that it is used for every situation that you cannot see everyone that is operating on the scene. It should also be used in training because you play how you train. We also suggest using around the station to keep everyone familiar with it and enable it to become second nature when needed.

The second basic concept is that there should be one designated accountability officer. Now in small incidents this could be the Incident commander. But as the incident grows the Incident commander will have to assign an accountability officer and possible a small staff. The accountability officer should be located at the command post and everyone operating at the scene should know where he is. On very large incidents you may have to have sector Accountability officers but they all should report to one Accountability Officer at the Command post.

The third and one of the most important basic concepts is PAR. Personnel Accountability Review is what makes this system work. This is called for when certain events happen, when an officer requests it from Incident commander, and at specific times into the event. This is what lets us know that everyone operating at our scene is OK.

The fourth and most important basic concept is that you are assigned teams and you do not break up your team or leave your team. This concept will eliminate freelancing in you operations. Freelancing is one of the leading causes of firefighter injury and death. If you can eliminate it then you are on your way to bringing everyone home every-time.

To contact us about accountability please e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

To schedule a training class in Western Pennsylvania please send a request via e-mail to the link above. In the e-mail include at least five possible dates, name of your organization, and contact information. If you live in Pennsylvania but not the Western part of the state then check with the State Fire Academy to see if they are offering the class yet it should be available through them soon.