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Tactical Considerations for Rapid Intervention Crews: Techniques to Rescue Firefighters

This lesson delves into the crucial world of Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC), highlighting the techniques used to rescue firefighters in distress. Dive into topics including when RIC is needed, reactions of firefighters during emergencies, and the importance of preparation and control in RIC operations. Understand the roles, responsibilities, and best practices for an effective RIC crew, as mandated by OSHA regulations. From size-up to communication strategies and rescue techniques, this informative piece covers all the essential aspects of RIC operations.

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Tactical Considerations for Rapid Intervention Crews: Techniques to Rescue Firefighters

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  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 • Not a specialized team

  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 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. The End Tactical Considerations of RIC

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