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Questions and Answers
When should a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) be identified at an emergency incident?
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)?
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?
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?
What does PAR stand for and what is its purpose?
What is the Rapid Intervention Crew-Universal Air Connection (RIC-UAC) used for?
What is the Rapid Intervention Crew-Universal Air Connection (RIC-UAC) used for?
What constitutes a Rapid Intervention Crew?
What constitutes a Rapid Intervention Crew?
What is the primary purpose of conducting a roll call in emergency incidents?
What is the primary purpose of conducting a roll call in emergency incidents?
What is involved in the process of size-up during an emergency incident?
What is involved in the process of size-up during an emergency incident?
What is the primary focus of the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)?
What is the primary focus of the Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)?
What condition must be met before establishing a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)?
What condition must be met before establishing a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)?
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?
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?
What action should be taken upon the transmission of a MAYDAY communication?
What action should be taken upon the transmission of a MAYDAY communication?
What is the minimum personnel requirement for a RIC to operate effectively?
What is the minimum personnel requirement for a RIC to operate effectively?
Who coordinates the rescue of downed firefighters once the RIC has been deployed?
Who coordinates the rescue of downed firefighters once the RIC has been deployed?
Which statement best describes the RIC's operational duties?
Which statement best describes the RIC's operational duties?
What should be done if a Rescue is assigned as a RIC and they are the only Rescue on scene?
What should be done if a Rescue is assigned as a RIC and they are the only Rescue on scene?
During what scenarios is it advisable to consider implementing more than one RIC?
During what scenarios is it advisable to consider implementing more than one RIC?
How should the RIC be positioned during extended operations?
How should the RIC be positioned during extended operations?
What should be done immediately after establishing a RIC?
What should be done immediately after establishing a RIC?
What happens if a MAYDAY or URGENT signal is transmitted and not acknowledged?
What happens if a MAYDAY or URGENT signal is transmitted and not acknowledged?
What is the required action of a RIC once they have located a downed firefighter?
What is the required action of a RIC once they have located a downed firefighter?
What should the RIC OIC do immediately upon arrival at an incident?
What should the RIC OIC do immediately upon arrival at an incident?
What is the purpose of the acronym L-U-N-A-R in emergency communications?
What is the purpose of the acronym L-U-N-A-R in emergency communications?
Which factor is NOT considered during the size-up of a building?
Which factor is NOT considered during the size-up of a building?
What action can the RIC OIC take to ensure effective operations?
What action can the RIC OIC take to ensure effective operations?
When should a MAYDAY be declared?
When should a MAYDAY be declared?
What should happen if a MAYDAY transmission is not acknowledged?
What should happen if a MAYDAY transmission is not acknowledged?
What does the RIC need to maintain at all times?
What does the RIC need to maintain at all times?
Which situation warrants the use of an URGENT transmission?
Which situation warrants the use of an URGENT transmission?
What must be done before any changes in ventilation are made?
What must be done before any changes in ventilation are made?
What is needed when the distressed firefighter has connected to an alternate air supply?
What is needed when the distressed firefighter has connected to an alternate air supply?
Which action contributes to 'safing' the building during a rescue operation?
Which action contributes to 'safing' the building during a rescue operation?
During what type of incident should the RIC prepare at least one ground ladder per side of a building?
During what type of incident should the RIC prepare at least one ground ladder per side of a building?
What should the RIC OIC do with the RIC members after arrival?
What should the RIC OIC do with the RIC members after arrival?
What is one component that should be included in initial tool staging for RIC?
What is one component that should be included in initial tool staging for RIC?
Which of the following tools is NOT included in the RIC bag?
Which of the following tools is NOT included in the RIC bag?
What must be done with the downed firefighter’s bottle when using the EBSS?
What must be done with the downed firefighter’s bottle when using the EBSS?
In what situation might the downed firefighter's SCBA need to be removed?
In what situation might the downed firefighter's SCBA need to be removed?
How much air is provided to the downed firefighter when using the RIC-UAC?
How much air is provided to the downed firefighter when using the RIC-UAC?
What is a limitation when removing multiple firefighters connected via EBSS?
What is a limitation when removing multiple firefighters connected via EBSS?
Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the RIC regulator?
Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the RIC regulator?
What is an essential consideration when making an air connection decision during rescue operations?
What is an essential consideration when making an air connection decision during rescue operations?
What is the purpose of the three tubular webbing pieces contained in the RIC bag?
What is the purpose of the three tubular webbing pieces contained in the RIC bag?
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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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