I-B-16 Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) 01/15/2020

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Questions and Answers

When should a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) be identified at an emergency incident?

Only during hazardous materials incidents

At all emergency incidents with immediate life hazards (correct)

When there's a risk of structural collapse

Whenever firefighters are conducting training exercises

What is the purpose of the Emergency Breathing Support System (EBSS)?

To provide a low-pressure supply for extended breathing

To enable buddy breathing from SCBA or RIC airpack (correct)

To assist in the transfill of medical oxygen

To filter toxins from the air supply

What does a MAYDAY signal indicate during an emergency incident?

That immediate assistance is needed for firefighters' safety (correct)

That the incident command structure is failing

That the situation is under control

That all personnel should prepare for evacuation

What does PAR stand for and what is its purpose?

Personnel Accountability Report, to verify incident resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the Rapid Intervention Crew-Universal Air Connection (RIC-UAC) used for?

To transfill air into SCBA from RIC airpack Signup and view all the answers

What constitutes a Rapid Intervention Crew?

At least three personnel with full protective gear and SCBA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a roll call in emergency incidents?

To confirm accountability of all personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is involved in the process of size-up during an emergency incident?

Gathering information to create a mitigation plan Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)?

To locate downed firefighters and provide air supply Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met before establishing a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)?

Critical incident tactical priorities must be addressed Signup and view all the answers

According to the two-in/two-out rule, how many firefighters need to be available outside when firefighters are operating within an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) atmosphere?

Two Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken upon the transmission of a MAYDAY communication?

Confirm the location needing assistance and activate the RIC Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum personnel requirement for a RIC to operate effectively?

Three personnel in full protective gear Signup and view all the answers

Who coordinates the rescue of downed firefighters once the RIC has been deployed?

The RIC Group Supervisor Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the RIC's operational duties?

They must maintain a focus on their air situation and avoid tunnel vision Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a Rescue is assigned as a RIC and they are the only Rescue on scene?

Request an additional Rescue team. Signup and view all the answers

During what scenarios is it advisable to consider implementing more than one RIC?

During large-scale and/or complex incidents Signup and view all the answers

How should the RIC be positioned during extended operations?

In an area that maintains operational effectiveness Signup and view all the answers

What should be done immediately after establishing a RIC?

Initiate a Roll Call to account for all personnel Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a MAYDAY or URGENT signal is transmitted and not acknowledged?

The Fire Communications Dispatcher must monitor radio transmissions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the required action of a RIC once they have located a downed firefighter?

Provide an alternate oxygen supply if necessary Signup and view all the answers

What should the RIC OIC do immediately upon arrival at an incident?

Receive a report from the IC. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the acronym L-U-N-A-R in emergency communications?

It helps convey critical information about the situation. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered during the size-up of a building?

Potential for unauthorized personnel access. Signup and view all the answers

What action can the RIC OIC take to ensure effective operations?

Stage all required equipment. Signup and view all the answers

When should a MAYDAY be declared?

When a firefighter becomes trapped or lost. Signup and view all the answers

What should happen if a MAYDAY transmission is not acknowledged?

Another unit should immediately inform the IC of the emergency. Signup and view all the answers

What does the RIC need to maintain at all times?

A constant state of readiness. Signup and view all the answers

Which situation warrants the use of an URGENT transmission?

A crew member is injured but not in life-threatening condition. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done before any changes in ventilation are made?

Notify the incident commander for approval. Signup and view all the answers

What is needed when the distressed firefighter has connected to an alternate air supply?

A report on the firefighter's air supply status. Signup and view all the answers

Which action contributes to 'safing' the building during a rescue operation?

Remove security barriers from windows and doors. Signup and view all the answers

During what type of incident should the RIC prepare at least one ground ladder per side of a building?

For buildings with more than one floor. Signup and view all the answers

What should the RIC OIC do with the RIC members after arrival?

Stage all required equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What is one component that should be included in initial tool staging for RIC?

RIC airpack bag. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tools is NOT included in the RIC bag?

Hose clamp Signup and view all the answers

What must be done with the downed firefighter’s bottle when using the EBSS?

Close it to preserve remaining air Signup and view all the answers

In what situation might the downed firefighter's SCBA need to be removed?

Due to entrapment or diminished clearance Signup and view all the answers

How much air is provided to the downed firefighter when using the RIC-UAC?

Half of the RIC bottle's contents Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation when removing multiple firefighters connected via EBSS?

Only ambulatory personnel should be removed together Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the RIC regulator?

It features a standard SCBA mask Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential consideration when making an air connection decision during rescue operations?

The incident circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the three tubular webbing pieces contained in the RIC bag?

For rescue and securing operations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) Overview

RIC is mandatory at emergency incidents with immediate life hazards for firefighters using SCBA in IDLH atmospheres.
RIC consists of a minimum of three firefighters in full protective gear, equipped for immediate entry.
Duties include locating downed firefighters, providing air supply, and ensuring effective communication with Incident Command (IC).

Emergency Breathing Support System (EBSS)

EBSS provides low pressure air connections for "buddy breathing."
Dual male/female port located on hip pouch of each SCBA enables connections to RIC airpack.

MAYDAY and URGENT Announcements

MAYDAY indicates immediate life-threatening emergencies for firefighters; transmitted three times for acknowledgment.
URGENT signals need for immediate assistance to prevent injury, broadcasted to halt other radio communications.

Personnel Accountability Report (PAR)

PAR is used for verifying personnel on an incident scene, often conducted via roll call to ensure safety and accountability.

Incident Command Responsibilities

IC must establish RIC based on incident specifics; RIC should not be set up before addressing critical life safety priorities.
The two-in/two-out rule, based on OSHA and FFOSHA regulations, requires two firefighters outside for operations in IDLH scenarios.
IC coordinates RIC to respond to any MAYDAY and may request additional alarms or tactical frequencies if needed.

RIC Operational Guidelines

RIC must remain in standby mode until activated, focusing on readiness and effective communication.
Activation should follow proper reporting to the IC, including a size-up of the incident scene for situational awareness.
The RIC OIC reports all relevant information back to the IC, including locating downed firefighters and their air status.

Tool Staging and Equipment

Equipment for RIC deployment must be staged in accessible locations determined by the IC or RIC OIC.
Essential tools include RIC airpack bag, forcible entry tools, search rope, TIC, spare SCBA packs, and a K-12 saw based on incident needs.
Too much equipment may hinder rescue efforts; focus on necessary tools for expediting rescue.

Emergency Communications

All communications must cease after a MAYDAY alert to prioritize the response.
Personnel should leverage L-U-N-A-R: Location, Unit, Name, Air supply status, Resourcesneeded for effective communication during distress.
Slow or failure to transmit a MAYDAY can lead to life-threatening situations—speed is critical.

Training Notes

Personnel must not use RIC-UAC connection during training evolutions to ensure preparedness during actual incidents.
Situations triggering MAYDAY: trapped firefighters, structural collapses, life-threatening injuries, or unaccounted personnel.
URGENT scenarios include serious injuries needing hospital care, structural issues, or changing conditions threatening firefighters' safety.

Size-Up Considerations

RIC OIC should identify crew locations, assess fire conditions, locate utilities, evaluate egress points, and potential hazards during size-up.
Safety precautions include establishing multiple egress points and deploying hoselines as needed—only with IC's approval for changes influencing ventilation.

Crew Readiness and Communication

RIC must maintain a state of readiness with all PPE and equipment prepared for operation.
Efficient communication between RIC and IC is crucial for effective rescue operations, with constant monitoring of radio transmissions to stay abreast of incident developments.

RIC Bag Components

Contains a 4500 psi SCBA bottle with a 1-hour duration.
Features a low-pressure regulator with a shorter hose compared to standard regulators.
Equipped with a standard SCBA mask and a high-pressure regulator attached to a 60” hose with an Emergency Breathing Support System (EBSS).
RIC regulator lacks a heads-up display and vibra-alert features.

Tools Included

Compact metal/wood cutting saw for quick access and use.
Heavy-duty lineman’s pliers for strong grip in operations.
Tin snips and aviation snips for cutting metals effectively.
Three 20-foot tubular webbings each with locking carabiners for secure fastening and safety.

Deployment Protocols

RIC mask remains connected to both the RIC regulator and EBSS for rapid deployment.
Emergency air connections depend on circumstances such as firefighter position and access.
Must assess equipment failure and removal methods during incidents.

EBSS Usage Guidelines

Close the downed firefighter’s bottle to preserve remaining air when using EBSS.
If EBSS disconnection is necessary, the downed firefighter’s SCBA needs to be turned back on.
Using RIC-UAC (transfill) allows only half of RIC bottle contents to transfer, and should not remain attached to the downed firefighter.

Removal Procedures

Typically, downed firefighters are removed with SCBA attached unless trapped or clearance is reduced.
Multiple firefighters can connect via open ports on any EBSS, limited by air supply and proximity.
Removing multiple connected personnel should prioritize ambulatory individuals; non-ambulatory should be removed separately.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the roles and responsibilities of an Incident Commander and the importance of a Rapid Intervention Crew in emergency situations. This quiz covers critical safety measures for firefighters operating in life-threatening environments. Ensure you understand the Emergency Breathing Support System and its significance in preserving lives.