The purpose of this research project was to develop a standard operating procedure for Rapid Intervention Team operations for the Vestavia Hills Fire Department, which previously did not have a standardized written procedure for conducting Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations. The research questions were as follows: 1. What regulations and national consensus standards exist concerning Rapid Intervention Team operations? 2. What type of equipment is needed by Rapid Intervention Teams? 3. What elements are needed for an effective Rapid Intervention Team SOP? 4. What is the state of readiness of the fire services within Jefferson County, Alabama to perform Rapid Intervention Operations? These research questions were answered using the action and evaluative research methods.The action research method was utilized to develop a Rapid Intervention Team standard operating procedure and a RIT rescue equipment list for the Vestavia Hills Fire Department. The evaluative research method was used in determining, through a response survey, the readiness of other fire departments in Jefferson County, Alabama to perform Rapid Intervention Team operations. This project indicated the need for fire departments to better prepare for the rescue of trapped or lost firefighters at structure fires by (1) embracing the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, (2) consulting the NFPA standards of recommended practice, and (3) developing and implementing standard operating procedures along with competency base-training.