Rapid Intervention Team and MAYDAY - IRP

Questions and Answers

What is the first step to take in a MAYDAY situation?

LUNAR or ULUNAR

Activate PASS

Inform someone nearby of the emergency (correct)

Attempt to self rescue

What must an EMS unit NOT do according to established protocols?

Engage before IC orders

Notify command prior to action

Respond to known patients (correct)

Stage outside the collapse zone

In a non-structural fire, who determines the tier of rapid intervention?

The Incident Commander (IC) (correct)

The dispatcher

The unit officer

The RIC Officer

What must a RIC Officer do prior to engaging in operations?

Conduct a site assessment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the four primary planning considerations for RIG?

Engage directly with the fire Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred method for RIC to resume normal responsibilities?

By direct communication face to face Signup and view all the answers

What should personnel do after declaring a MAYDAY with the phrase 'MAYDAY' three times?

Attempt self-rescue immediately Signup and view all the answers

What action is NOT appropriate for non-MAYDAY personnel?

Leave their assigned position Signup and view all the answers

Which situations require a MAYDAY to be called?

Fallen through roof or floor Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary requirement for the firefighter in charge of the Rapid Intervention Team?

Must be FF3 and preferably an officer Signup and view all the answers

What must the officer of the first arriving unit announce when entering without two out?

Units involved, mission, and location Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial structure for forming an Initial Entry Team in an IDLH environment?

2 Interior Firefighters and 1 IECS unit officer Signup and view all the answers

What should an incident report include when entering without two out?

Justifications for starting operations without two out Signup and view all the answers

Who can be counted as part of the team to fulfill the two out requirement?

Qualified personnel from other units Signup and view all the answers

What role do EMS resources play during emergency responses?

Provide care for sick or injured individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a criterion for initiating a MAYDAY?

Equipment failure affecting operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary method for resolving a MAYDAY situation?

Self-rescue with assistance from nearby companies Signup and view all the answers

During a MAYDAY, what should personnel do to orient themselves towards an exit point?

Use LIGHTs at egress points Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the '2 out' team in the Rapid Intervention protocol?

To maintain visual, verbal, or radio contact with the entry team Signup and view all the answers

What does the RIG consist of during structure fires?

1 aerial, 1 squad, 1 ALS provider, and a second EMS transport unit Signup and view all the answers

Which is a responsibility of the RIC once they arrive on scene?

Assume normal duty and prepare for rapid intervention responsibilities Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical requirement for a firefighter operating under MAYDAY conditions?

To have a prepared mindset and appropriate tools for the situation Signup and view all the answers

How are special teams determined for rapid intervention?

By the Incident Commander on a case-by-case basis Signup and view all the answers

What should be prioritized when a MAYDAY is sounded?

Gathering self and reducing noise Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rapid Intervention Team and MAYDAY Procedures

Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) required in any situation where an Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) scenario is possible or likely.
Interior Firefighters in Incident Command must have a Tier 2 leader who is Firefighter 3 or an officer.
Supervisors can delegate proactive tasks but must be ready for a MAYDAY once the Rapid Intervention Group (RIG) is assembled.
EMS resources are available to care for sick or injured individuals at the scene.
Officers must carry thermal imagers for enhanced visibility and safety.
Any unit dispatched after the initial alarm must bring a RIT bag to the command post.

MAYDAY Activation

A MAYDAY must be called under conditions such as being:
- Entangled, trapped, or pinned.
- Fallen through a roof or floor.
- Involved in a flashover event.
- Off hose line or tag line in zero visibility.
- Experiencing a low air alarm without finding an exit.
Criteria for initiating a MAYDAY:
- Personal situation meeting MAYDAY conditions.
- Witnessing someone else in a MAYDAY situation.
- Lack of response to multiple radio calls during personnel accountability report (PAR).

Procedure for Initial Entry

An Initial Entry team must consist of two interior firefighters and one IECS unit officer before entering an IDLH.
Teams may enter without a 2-out backup only when life hazards are known and acknowledged.
The first arriving unit officer must announce:
- Units involved in the operation.
- Mission objectives.
- Location of operations.
If the life hazard is resolved, the team must back out and await the formation of a 2-out team.

2-Out Procedure

Various personnel may be assigned for the 2-out requirement:
- Personnel from the first arriving unit exceeding minimum staffing.
- Qualified personnel from other units.
- A combination of qualified personnel.
- As a last resort, an EMS unit (not assigned with known patients).
A 2-out assist/rescue team must notify of problems before entry.

RIC and RIG Procedures

Rapid Intervention Group (RIG) is established by dispatch and managed by the incident commander (IC).
During non-structure fires, the IC determines the tier of rapid intervention needed.
The fifth due engine on-scene is considered the RIC officer and RIG supervisor unless directed otherwise by the IC.
RIC must maintain readiness and monitor for possible collapse situations.

MAYDAY Response Steps

Inform someone nearby immediately of the emergency.
Call MAYDAY three times on the radio.
Provide information using LUNAR (Location, Unit, Name, Assignment, Resources).
Attempt self-rescue without waiting for RIT assistance.
Activate PASS device if applicable.

Non-MAYDAY Personnel Actions

Personnel can take action to relieve experienced MAYDAY situations while informing supervisors of their actions.
A small recon team may be deployed to assist in locating firefighters in distress.

Rapid Intervention Strategy

A four-tiered approach balances mission effectiveness and rapid intervention capabilities:
- 2-Out Stage: Two personnel at the entry point with one maintaining contact with entry teams.
- RIC: First response team that allows 2-out personnel to perform regular duties while remaining ready to intervene.
- RIG Formation: Includes specialized resources for structure fires, ensuring all necessary units are on standby.
- Special Teams: Formed as directed by the IC based on specific incident needs.

Policy and General Guidelines

Command officers must adapt to dynamic situations where rapid intervention is necessary.
Effective MAYDAY handling involves thorough preparation, prompt self-rescue, and close coordination with nearby teams to facilitate efficient assistance.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) protocols and MAYDAY procedures critical for firefighter safety. This quiz covers essential scenarios where a MAYDAY might be necessary and the responsibilities of incident commanders. Ensure you're prepared for emergency responses in life-threatening situations.

Rapid Intervention Team and MAYDAY - IRP - I