Rapid Intervention Crews Tactical Considerations

Preparation You’ve been assigned to RIC; Now what do you do? What are the techniques used to rescue firefighters? This lesson explains the real world of RIC

When do we need RIC? At the Worst Time!

Reactions of Firefighters when others are lost Confusion Prior confusion Sorting it out Communications Job of RIC is to see through confusion

Anxiety & Panic Human behavior Unprepared No control RIC must be prepared and controlled

Denial Human reaction to trauma Shut down Delay RIC must push through denial and act!

Retreat Reactive, not pro-active Hose line position? Secondary collapse potential? RIC must be intelligently aggressive

An Effective RIC is: Prepared Equipped Trained Properly placed Expected to overcome

RIC is a combat position A dynamic working crew Not a rehab position Will be busy Not a specialized team All personnel trained as RIC

What does OSHA say about RIC?

A dedicated rescue crew is required CCR Title 8, Section 5144 (g) A component of respiratory regulations

OSHA Requires: Communications Plan Buddy system Stand-by Rescue Crew (RIC) during IDLH conditions

Exceptions to OSHA rule Condition of known rescue According to OSHA rules, an incipient fire which can be extinguished by a fire extinguisher is not IDLH

The RIC Officer Competent Has guidelines to follow Disciplined & focused Trained Understands: If something goes wrong, you’re it! EMS protocol Get to victim in 4-6 minutes

Role of Rapid Intervention Crew Our highest priority. . . Firefighter Rescue

RIC Size-Up Type of building Extent of fire Type of occupancy Level of alarm Special hazards Monitor radio to gather info On approach, what do you see?

RIC on-scene Report to Operations IC if Ops is not assigned Know strategic mode & tactics being deployed Understand radio & unit ID “RIC” or “DIV 3 RIC,” etc.

Communications Model Message Sender Receiver Interference Feedback

RIC Size-up is Ongoing Take a lap around building Anticipate fire spread Locate alternate entrances & exits Place additional ladders Look for anything that might make your job harder or easier

RIC Size-up Continued Anticipate firefighter rescue Establish crew position, tools needed, & plan On going process

RIC size-up similar in function to Safety Officer RIC on the Fireground RIC size-up similar in function to Safety Officer

Observe the Command Post Is IC informed and under control, or confused? Is control sheet/board up to date? Does IC know location of resources? Personnel Accountability System used properly? RIC should have communications with IC and Interior crews RIC is not expected to intervene in ICP, but needs to be aware of event development

Know location of active search & rescue Crews are farthest out front Most likely to need rescue

RIC should observe rehab What is recycle time in & out? What is firefighter condition? Higher fatigue increases need for RIC

RIC Tools Not for use by other crews Place at step off location “Forcible Exit Tools” Based on construction type

Example of RIC tools Basic hand tools Hoseline Rope bags (based on size of building) Personal drop bags w/ 75’ of 8mm rope and carabiner Ladders, saws, air bags, extra air supply, high lift jack Specialty tools

RIC Location Stage at or near ICP May be located closer to firefighting Multiple RIC’s at large, complex incidents RIC reports to division/group supervisor

Minimum assigned to RIC is Two 3 to 5 is preferred Engine or Truck is typical More people or expertise may be assigned as needed: Technical rescue Medical Haz mat etc.

Chiefs must have high regard for RIC officer Highly motivated Strong leader Foresight Resourceful Well trained Motivated crew Prepared

The RIC is not idle Size-up Tools Proactive Sense of mission Not an aid, sightseer, or a go get it person

Techniques a RIC should know Approach to down firefighter Firefighter drags Firefighter lift to window Firefighter down a ladder Remove SCBA from firefighter

More Techniques of RIC Reducing SCBA profile Lift firefighter from a basement Self-rescue techniques Ladder bail Wall breaching

This list of rescue techniques will grow Based on local needs & innovations

Tactical Considerations of RIC The End Tactical Considerations of RIC