Test Your Knowledge on Firefighter Safety and Accountability Procedures

Study Notes

Conducting search and rescue operations is possible in compartments not yet involved in fire
All fire fighters working inside a structure should be provided with a portable radio
Proper use of radios is essential for good scene management and fire fighter safety
Progress reports are essential for the Incident Commander (IC)
Fire fighters in need of assistance transmit a "mayday"
An accountability system must be established on the fire ground
Crew unity is essential for accountability and safety
SOPs should address the initial accountability process and how to include units already on scene
The IC should call for a personnel accountability report (PAR) in certain situations
Assigning an accountability officer is critical and the safety officer should ensure accountability is established.
The safety officer should be separately staffed when the IC can no longer effectively monitor safety at the scene.
Alternative egress routes should be identified and under the control of the fire department.
Laddering the building should be accomplished early in the operation to provide an alternative means of escape for fire fighters.
A dedicated RIC team should be assigned for rapid deployment to rescue lost or trapped members.
The RIC should assemble necessary tools and equipment based on department operations, tools available, types of buildings protected, and other factors.
A TIC is an indispensable tool when the exact location of the fire fighter(s) needing assistance is unknown.
Additional tools and equipment needed because of building features could be known in advance and thus identified in the preincident plan.
The dedicated RIC can determine the best access locations, assemble tools and equipment, and generally preplan potential rescue operations according to conditions.
The RIC can improve egress by forcing doors, placing ladders, and removing obstacles.
Mobile and stationary RICs can survey the building and provide valuable information to the IC and incident safety officer.
RICs have advantages and disadvantages
Some departments use a combination of the two types
RIC procedures should consider staffing and response area factors
Access to preincident plan is important for RIC
USFA conducted a study on RIC operations
RIC operations and staffing vary greatly
RIC names are not standardized
Additional staffing for RIC is questioned
Two-person IRIC is inadequate in most situations
Four-person RIC may be inadequate in some situations.

Description

Are you prepared for search and rescue operations during a fire emergency? Test your knowledge on fire safety protocols and procedures with our quiz. Learn about the importance of accountability, proper use of radios, and assigning a dedicated RIC team for rapid deployment. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of different RIC procedures and staffing options. Challenge yourself and see how much you know about fire safety and rescue operations.