1. Rapid Intervention Crews
Tactical Considerations

2. 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

3. When do we need RIC?
At the Worst Time!

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

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

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

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

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

9. 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

10. What does OSHA say about RIC?

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

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

13. 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

14. 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

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

16. 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?

17. 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.

18. Communications Model
Message
Sender
Receiver
Interference
Feedback

19. 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

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

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

22. 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

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

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

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

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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.

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

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

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

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

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

34. Tactical Considerations of RIC
The End
Tactical Considerations of RIC