1. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY & RAPID INTERVENTION CREW PROCEDURES By: Don Wolterstorff Brent Bauer & Mark Ancira Revised and Recommended: Yakima County Training Officers 2014

2. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY 40% of FF fatalities are caused by stress or overexertion. 25% Of Firefighter Fatalities Are Result Of MVAs Get in shape, stay in shape, know your limits Get Trained, Stay Trained Check Your Equipment Drive Safe

3. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY SIZE-UP & TACTICS Using offensive tactics on a defensive fire, using a handline on a deck gun fire! Accountability: how will you know if you lost someone if you don’t know who is there! Tunnel vision: There is a building around that fire.

4. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY ON SCENE Factors That lead to a MAYDAY No visual, must rely on Sound & Touch Reluctance to call for help Calling for assistance too late Assume that you can get to a window or door if you run out of air.

5. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY ON SCENE Factors That lead to running out of air Work until the bell rings Not keeping track of your personal air and team air with constant reports to IC Accustom to operating in single story residential structures Thought that you have about 5 minutes of air left when the bell goes off

6. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY AIR MANAGEMENT What is Air Management? It is simply knowing your SCBA air level so you exit the IDLH atmosphere before your low air warning bell begins to ring. Plain and Simple! Your alarm going off should be a universal sign of trouble. Should be treated as a Mayday scenario. You should never let it get to this point

7. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY AIR MANAGEMENT Examples of extreme air management policies In Hong Kong, if you come out of the IDLH with a bell sounding, the first time is 30 days off no pay and you are terminated the second time In England, you are given 2 days off no pay for the first and terminated the second time. In the US, Fire equipment and technology has grown to protect us and assist us in our job yet we still seem to have over 100 fire related firefighter fatalities annually. WHY?

8. FIREFIGHTER SAFETY AIR MANAGEMENT Factors That Affect the Duration of Your Air Supply Fitness of the person Size of the person Workload Environment Amount of Air (starting pressure) Stress Condition of P.P.E. Training

9. DEFINITIONS

10. INITIAL STAGE WAC 295-305-05002 (2) The "initial stages" of an incident shall encompass the tasks undertaken by the first arriving company with only one crew assigned or operating in the hot zone.

11. 2 in 2 out WAC 294-305-05002 (3) In the initial stages of an incident where only one crew is operating in the hot zone at a working structural fire, Minimum of two individuals working as a crew in the hot zone and two individuals present outside the hot zone available for assistance or rescue of firefighters during emergency operations where entry into the hot zone is required.

12. RESCUE MODE WAC 295-305-05002 (4) a known rescue situation where immediate action could prevent the loss of life or serious injury, Viable victim. Entry into the hot zone shall only be permitted when no less than three personnel (2-in/1-out) are present and equipped to provide emergency assistance or rescue of the team entering the hot zone.

13. HOT ZONE WAC 295-305-01005 Hot zone: The control zone immediately surrounding the hazard area, which extends far enough to prevent adverse effects to personnel outside the zone. The hot zone is presenting the greatest risk to members and will often be classified as an IDLH atmosphere.

14. STANDBY On-scene members designated to effect an immediate rescue of the initial team operating in the hot zone.

15. STANDBY Members shall remain aware of the status of firefighters in the hot zone. Members shall remain in positive communication (radio, visual, voice or signal line) with the entry team, in full protective clothing with respiratory protection donned while in standby mode. Only one standby team member may be permitted to perform other duties outside the hot zone, provided constant communication is maintained with the team in the hot zone, and provided that those duties will not interfere with his or her ability to initiate a rescue as appropriate. No standby team members shall be permitted to serve as a standby member if they cannot abandoned their duties without placing other firefighters in danger. (driver, IC)

16. RIC On-scene team of at least two members designated, dedicated and equipped to effect an immediate rescue of firefighters if the need arises (also known as RIC). WAC 295-305-05002 (7) “Once a second crew arrives at the hot zone, the incident shall no longer be considered to be in the "initial stage," and at least one rapid intervention crew should be assigned”.

17. RIC RIC has the same responsibilities as the Standby Team for Accountability and Knowing who and where

18. BACKUP A task assignment for a crew of at least 2 working in the hot zone. Duties To protect the egress of the attack team. To preform primary search on the areas adjacent to the entry route of the attack team. Prevent fire extension above, below or around the egress route of the attack team.

19. EMERGENCY TRAFFIC WAC 296-305-05000 (14) (b) Incident communication shall use the phrase "emergency traffic" as the standard alert for all units operating on the scene to clear the air.

20. LCAN report Location- Current location of crew Conditions- What do you have, structure type, possible/known rescue, structure status Actions/Air- Fire control mode, investigate, rescue, fire attack as well as your team’s lowest bottle reading Needs- Specialty tools, mutual aid, (needs)

21. MAYDAY WAC 295-305-05000 (13) If a member finds themselves in any life threatening situation they shall immediately call for help. Using the term "Mayday" to declare that an emergency situation now exists. The fire department shall specifically establish and routinely practice standard procedures for managing a Mayday situation.

22. MAYDAY PROCEDURE You become lost Disoriented Trapped Injured or low on air (unable to exit on remaining air) IMMEDIATELY CALL A MAYDAY IF:

23. MAYDAY PROCEDURE MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, _____ Command from E281 Wait for response from IC If no response repeat message Still no response try a different channel Once IC Responds Give name, Unit Identifier, and LCAN report Procedure for calling a MAYDAY

24. MAYDAY PROCEDURE Condition-location, mobility, room conditions Actions/Air-I am looking for …, making noise, seeking refuge, air supply at _____ Needs- help getting back on hose line, ladder, fire protection, extrication, air Upon receiving a response give a complete report using LCAN

25. MAYDAY PROCEDURE Activate PASS Control your breathing Look for an exit or place of refuge Point light up Make noise Monitor radio After making radio report

26. RIC

27. WHY RIC? Humans place a value on life. The fire department brings the life hazard to the fire ground. Firefighters die because of lack of planning for life safety. Firefighters die in the arms of there rescuers not do to lack of effort but lack of air.

28. RAPID INTERVENTION Crew PROCEDURES LABELING; We will us the term “RIC ” as a task assignment. When a single RIC is used, the crew will maintain their “unit” designation both while staged and when activated. With multiple units assigned to RIC the IC will assign a different designator (Div A RIC) LOCATION; LOCATION; On arrival, the crew reports to the IC, receives the assignment of RIC and stages with in visual and verbal contact of the point of entry. With the exception of a multi division incident, in which the team will report to the division commander and stage at the entry point being used by that division.

29. Crew’s REQUIREMENTS RIT Members should be trained and experienced They should have strong decision making ability under stress Team members must be in good health and physically fit

30. RAPID INTERVENTION Crew PROCEDURES MINIMUM TOOLS; e & halligan,Axe & halligan, Search rope,Search rope, RIT pack,RIT pack, TIC camera,TIC camera, Radios,Radios, Box light,Box light, RIC tarp (Do we want to have?)RIC tarp (Do we want to have?) Power saw,Power saw, Defib and EMS bag.(new)Defib and EMS bag.(new)

31. RAPID INTERVENTION Crew PROCEDURES ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT; The RIT team must evaluate the need for additional equipment based on building construction and risk assessment. Electric sawzall,Electric sawzall, Battery operated toolsBattery operated tools Airbags,Airbags, Hydraulic and pneumatic rescue tool systems,Hydraulic and pneumatic rescue tool systems, Air resources, etc.Air resources, etc. Team members must be trained in the use of specialized equipment.

32. RAPID INTERVENTION Crew PROCEDURES WALK AROUND Size up the structure for rescueSize up the structure for rescue –Where is the fire –Where are the crews working –Where are the entry and egress points –Is the fire growing or declining –What is the condition of the structure –How will the fire affect the structure –Are there signs of structure collapse –Are there obstacles to rescue or egress –Is there a basement or multiple stories

33. RAPID INTERVENTION Crew PROCEDURES ACCOUNTABILITY/ MONITORING One crew member is to maintain accountability of the interior crews by monitoring their time in the hazard area, location, tasks and progress. This is done by monitoring radio traffic, hose movement, sounds, talking with and tracking personal entering and exiting the hazard and by watching the structure and smoke conditions.

34. RIC RADIO PROCEDURES The team must monitor the radio at all times.The team must monitor the radio at all times. If a MAYDAY is declared, all other fireground units will move to another channel. Do not switch the downed team!If a MAYDAY is declared, all other fireground units will move to another channel. Do not switch the downed team! The victim, RIC team and the rescue group leader will be the only ones using the radio frequency that the MAYDAY was declared on.The victim, RIC team and the rescue group leader will be the only ones using the radio frequency that the MAYDAY was declared on. The radio maylead you to the trapped firefighter!The radio may also lead you to the trapped firefighter! Remember, you may only get one chance to hear the “MAYDAY”Remember, you may only get one chance to hear the “MAYDAY”

35. RAPID INTERVENTION Crew PROCEDURES RIC IS ESTABLISHED WHEN, IC /div officer has your passport You know: who, what, were, &when Your tools are checked and in the staging area RIC crew has completed a walk around You have stated “RIC is established” over the radio

36. REASONS FOR DEPLOYING A RIC Crew ON THE FIREGROUND For any report of a firefighter who has become: LOST TRAPPED INJURED LOW ON AIR UNACCOUNTED FOR

37. RAPID INTERVENTION CREW PROCEDURES PRIMARY TASK To respond to any report of a firefighter in distress To locate the firefighter Secure their air supply (less than 5 min.) Assess their situation Make a plan Give a report Execute the plan

38. AWARE Air: Secure air supply Water: Protect the victim A Radio: Provide victim with a radio Extrication:

39. RAPID INTERVENTION CREW PROCEDURES PROACTIVE ACTIONS Remember the teams job is to reduce injury and death of firefighter. Don’t sit around waiting for a tragedy to occur, help prevent one! Scan the fireground for potential hazards; Steel bars/mesh covering windows, signs of collapse, changes in smoke or fire conditions, etc.Steel bars/mesh covering windows, signs of collapse, changes in smoke or fire conditions, etc. “plan ahead”It is the teams responsibility to “plan ahead”

40. BASIC SEARCH PROCEDURES Always size up the building yourself before entering. Take a few seconds to look for window locations, fire escapes, tree locations by windows, or other possible means of escape.

41. BASIC SEARCH PROCEDURES TOOL ASSIGNMENTS & ENTRY ORDER: 1.Fire fighter #1: halligan, light 2.Officer: tic, radio, axe 3.Fire fighter #2: search rope, RIT air supply Do we want to adopt??????

42. BASIC SEARCH PROCEDURES team leader leadssearchesThe team leader leads and the search person searches, do not mix the two. The team leader and the search rope person should stage at the doorway “holding the door”The team leader and the search rope person should stage at the doorway “holding the door” Once the search is complete, search teams should promptly report to the officer in charge.

43. BASIC SEARCH PROCEDURES ACCOUNTABILITY In a rescue operation, the RIC team may become involved in drastic and aggressive activities. The team leader is responsibility for the safety and accountability of the team.

44. PASS GUIDED SEARCH PROCEDURES Search for the sound of the PASS first. If there is no PASS device sounding start at the last known location of the victim. GO FOR THE ACTIVATED PASS DEVICE FIRST GO FOR THE ACTIVATED PASS DEVICE FIRST.

45. BASIC SEARCH PROCEDURES If their last known location is not known, search the fire floor first, The floor above the fire next. If rescuers become trapped in the building or have located a victim, they can go to a window and call for assistance.

46. BASIC SEARCH PROCEDURES If fire is encountered, close the door to contain the fire temporarily, allowing the search to continue. Request an attack team to handle the fire.

47. BASIC SEARCH PROCEDURES neverAlways take in a tool and never leave it behind The search team can use the tool to extend their reach.

48. BASIC SEARCH PROCEDURES Keep “personal” self rescue equipment in your turn out gear such as; wire cutters, rescue rope, etc. Self rescue equipment is your responsibility

49. SEARCH ROPES

50. SEARCH ROPES SEARCH ROPES RIC teams should always use a search rope when deploying on a mayday RIC teams should always use a search rope when deploying on a mayday

51. SEARCH ROPES SEARCH ROPES Search ropes should be at least 3/8” in diameter and 150 feet in lengthSearch ropes should be at least 3/8” in diameter and 150 feet in length Search ropes should be deployed from a separate rope bagSearch ropes should be deployed from a separate rope bag Attach the rope to a secure object at the entry point. Place carabiners on the ends of your search ropes for this purpose.Attach the rope to a secure object at the entry point. Place carabiners on the ends of your search ropes for this purpose. The search rope person should then enter last and feed the rope from the bag.The search rope person should then enter last and feed the rope from the bag.

52. SEARCH ROPES SEARCH ROPES WHAT WILL A SEARCH ROPE DO FOR A RIC TEAM? Allow the team to go directly for the pass reducing search timeAllow the team to go directly for the pass reducing search time Give the team an immediate escape pathGive the team an immediate escape path Promote confidence in the teams location speeding up the searchPromote confidence in the teams location speeding up the search Allow additional teams entering the building to assist to have a direct route to the rescue roomAllow additional teams entering the building to assist to have a direct route to the rescue room

53. SEARCH ROPES SEARCH ROPES When the team is ready to exit the search area, turn around and the rope person collects the rope while guiding the team from the area.

54. PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL OF DOWN FIREFIGHTER

55. PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL After the team has located the victim, an assessment of the victim must be completed. 1. First, locate & shutoff the downed firefighters pass device if it is activated. 2. Next, notify command that you have located the downed firefighter & give an approximate location.

56. PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL 3. If the victim is unresponsive, place your ear next to their facepiece exhalation valve to determine if they are breathing or not. If they are not breathing and not trapped, immediately remove them from the building to advanced life supportIf they are not breathing and not trapped, immediately remove them from the building to advanced life support

57. PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL 4. If they are breathing, check the amount of air remaining in their SCBA cylinder 5. If there is little or no air left in their cylinder, perform an emergency SCBA regulator swap or a quick fill if pack is known to be in good condition.

58. PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL 6. Perform a survey using your hands to determine if there is entrapment or entanglement 7. If entrapped or entangled, you must notify command immediately and initiate an extrication operation

59. PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL REMEMBER!!!REMEMBER!!! If the firefighter is not breathing, and is not trapped in any way, you must perform a rapid removal using the best exit, to increase their chances of survival.

60. PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL Provide them with psychological support.Provide them with psychological support. Let them know that you are the RIC team and you are there to help them.Let them know that you are the RIC team and you are there to help them. Ensure them that you have an air supply for them.Ensure them that you have an air supply for them. If the downed firefighter is conscious you must,

61. PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL Be prepared for the unexpected When a person is trapped & almost out of air, they will take drastic measures to keep themselves breathing. This could include pulling the rescuers facepiece off for a breath of air, BE PREPAREDBE PREPARED

62. PREPARATION FOR REMOVAL If the area that you find the downed firefighter in is untenable, drag the downed firefighter to a safer area. Stairwell, uninvolved room, etc. Stairwell, uninvolved room, etc. Ensure a protective hose line is deployed into the building behind the team for safety.

63. EMERGENCY SCBA RESCUE PACK 1 hour bottle Regulator assembly Quick fill hose Face-piece Carry bag Wire cutters and door chocks

64. EMERGENCY SCBA RESCUE PACK It is the RIC teams responsibility to know what type of SCBA the interior crews are working with.It is the RIC teams responsibility to know what type of SCBA the interior crews are working with. The RIC airpack “should” be compatible with those used by the interior firefighters.The RIC airpack “should” be compatible with those used by the interior firefighters. You may have to switch out the victims facepiece due to it being damaged, missing or incompatibleYou may have to switch out the victims facepiece due to it being damaged, missing or incompatible

65. DOWNED FIREFIGHTER REMOVAL PROCEDURES Once the firefighter has been assessed & extricated, a method of removal must be chosen; ALS” careA removal begins with a drag or carry and ends when the firefighter is receiving “ALS” care

66. DOWNED FIREFIGHTER REMOVAL PROCEDURES “handle”The simplest way to drag a downed firefighter is to grab a SCBA shoulder strap, and use the strap as a “handle” to pull with. You can also grab the FF DRD strap on his turnout coat.

67. DOWNED FIREFIGHTER REMOVAL PROCEDURES 2 PERSON DRAG, Position 1 firefighter at the head, attach a hose strap to a shoulder strap and pull. The second firefighter will get down on hands and knees by the down firefighters legs, lift one leg over his shoulder and push

68. DOWNED FIREFIGHTER REMOVAL PROCEDURES STOKES BASKET Can be used in place of a drag or carry, if time & conditions allows Maybe advised if the firefighter has suffered severe trauma

69. DOWNED FIREFIGHTER REMOVAL PROCEDURES A fresh team must be at the removal point to assist the interior team with removal. This exterior team should be in full PPE and SCBA

70. DOWNED FIREFIGHTER REMOVAL PROCEDURES Use enlarged openings and ladders for removal from elevated areas. Note the use of rowed ground ladders for easier removal.

71. INTERIOR USE OF SPECIALIZED TOOLS & EQUIPMENT

72. Air Bags & Cribbing Hydraulic Tools (connect tools outside) Flood Lights Ventilate the room as quickly as possible. Have a selection of hydraulic jacks or porto powers available for tight spaces

73. INTERIOR USE OF SPECIALIZED TOOLS & EQUIPMENT visibility will be poorIn a smoky environment visibility will be poor. Use extreme caution when operating specialized tools. Know the location of all team members & victims before making lifts/cuts.

74. INTERIOR USE OF SPECIALIZED TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Do not walk on top of debris piles with firefighters trapped underneath. The extra weight may Further injure or kill the firefighter.

75. You may not always have to use every technique taught in this program to accomplish a firefighter rescue. If a technique is working, use it! If it is not, try something else! The purpose of this program is to give you options. A safer and faster removal should be the end result. REMEMBER!!!!!

76. No one is coming in for us, but us! We have to be good at this…..