The problem is that the Virginia Beach Fire Department does not have a thorough standalone procedure that addresses rapid intervention team (RIT) requirements and regulations. The purpose of this applied research project was to elevate firefighter safety on the fire ground by identifying key elements of rapid intervention for latter inclusion in a departmental policy. A descriptive research method was used to develop and focus on recommendations that provide the Virginia Beach Fire Department (VBFD) direction for improving RIT practices and policies. Procedures included a literature review, external and internal questionnaires, radio transmission reviews, and an oral interview. The research questions that were used were (a) what local, state, and federal regulations, codes, and laws impact RIT procedures, and what is the current level of comprehension of these regulations, (b) what are the current practices in the VBFD for implementing and managing RIT, (c) What are other agencies doing and what practices have become industry best practices with regards to meeting RIT needs during structural firefighting, and (d) what liability or legal considerations are created by the development and possible implementation of a RIT standard operating procedure (SOP)? Research found the VBFD was inconsistent with current internal practices and policies. Recommendations were made to develop a new comprehensive SOP that addresses current internal practices, adheres to regulations and standards, and draws from industry best practices.