the rapid intervention crew

7/30/2019 The Rapid Intervention Crew

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The Rapid Intervention CrewThis evenings discussion will include the following subjects:

Review of the 2010 on duty Firefighter deaths in the U.S.

A review of the MAYDAY

The RIC duties leading up to deployment

A review of a prominent RIC study on finding and removing the downed firefighter

Training that should be required to be successful at a RIC deployment

Example SOG, SOP, General Orders (GOs) or Best Practice for your department

Review carries & drags for removing the downed firefighter


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The Rapid Intervention Crew

Saving Our OwnIn 2010, a total of 72 on-duty firefighter deaths occurred in the U.S.

Of the 72 firefighters who died while on duty, 44 were volunteer firefighters, 25 were career

firefighters, 2 were employees of state land management agencies, and 1 was a member of a

prison inmate crew.

Twenty one deaths occurred while firefighters were operating on the fire ground.

Fourteen of the 21 fire ground deaths occurred at 12 structure fires.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewThe average number of career firefighter deaths on the fire ground over the past 10 years is 12

deaths per year, while the average for volunteer firefighters is 16 deaths per year.

Eighteen firefighters died while responding to or returning from emergency calls.

All 18 victims were volunteer firefighters.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewAccording to the NFPA,smoke inhalation is

responsible for up to

80% of the more than

4,000 fire related

deaths and more than

18,000 civilian andfirefighter injuries that

occur annually in the

US.

These statistics

indicate the US is oneof the worst places to

live in terms of fire

related death and

injury.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewRapid Intervention has been given different names but they all operate very similar during deployment:

IRIC Initial Rapid Intervention Crew (2 in 2 out rule)

RIC Rapid Intervention Crew (Term used by the NFPA and NIMS)

RIT Rapid Intervention Team

FAST Firefighter Assist and Search (or Safety) Team (Started by the FDNY)

IRT Immediate Response Team

RAT Rescue Assist Team

FRAT Firefighter Rescue Available Team

RDU Rapid Deployment Unit

RICO Rapid intervention company operations

RRT Rapid Response Team

GO Team

FAT Firefighter Assist Team (not widely used)


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The primary purpose and duty for one or more RIC's being deployed on

the fire ground should be to provide a dedicated and specialized team of

fire fighters (a minimum of at least 4 per crew) ready to rescue fire

fighters who become lost, trapped, injured, disoriented, have a medical

problem, or any other reason for immediate rescue or other assistance.

The RIC must be adequately staffed, well trained, properly equipped,

and under the direction of a competent leader.

The list on the next slide contains information pertaining to the

successful deployment of the RIC

What is the RIC


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The Rapid Intervention CrewNFPA 1407: Standard for Training Fire Service Rapid Intervention Crews

NFPA 1404: Standard for Fire Service Respiratory Protection Training

NFPA 1500: Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program

NFPA 1521: Standard for Fire Department Safety Officer

NFPA 1561 Standard on Emergency Services Incident Management System

NFPA 1710: Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical

Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Career Fire Departments

NFPA 1720: Organization and Deployment of Fire Suppression Operations, Emergency Medical

Operations, and Special Operations to the Public by Volunteer Fire Departments

OSHA Standard 29CFR1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Subpart: I, SubpartTitle: Personal Protective Equipment.

OSHA Standard 29CFR1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Subpart: L, Subpart

Title: Fire Protection.

SOP's, SOG's, General Orders (GOs) and Best Practices for your specific department
http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1407http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1404http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1500http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1521http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1561http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1710http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1720http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10118http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10123http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10123http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10118http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1720http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1710http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1561http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1521http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1500http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1404http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=1407


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The Rapid Intervention CrewRIC training is now covered by the NFPA 1407 standard which explains how we should train and what

procedures we need to be proficient in, to be deployed as a member of the RIC.

I have a sample document that can be customized for your department, and will lay out a successful

RIC training program, and a sample document that can be used as a SOP, SOG or Best Practice.

This Special Report from the U. S. Fire Administration represents ideas, insights, and information fromnumerous fire service representatives about firefighter rescue.

Eighty-three departments contributed information on how they approach rescuing a downed firefighter.

Many of these departments sent detailed policies and procedures regarding their operations, enclosing

some examples of when a Rapid Intervention Team was mobilized.

These document's are available for viewing or downloading

The Rules of Engagement Project was developed to increase firefighter survival and hopefully not have

to deploy the Rapid Intervention Crew

This document, "Rules of Engagement for Structure Firefighting" was developed by the Safety, Health

and Survival Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIC_TrainingPlan.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIT-SOP-SOG.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIT-SOP-SOG.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIT-123.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/Rules_of_Engagement.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/Rules_of_Engagement.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIT-123.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIT-SOP-SOG.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIT-SOP-SOG.dochttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIC_TrainingPlan.doc


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Here is another document Understanding Rapid Intervention . Very good information for training and

understanding the operations of the Rapid Intervention Crew.


(NIOSH ALERT) Preventing Deaths and Injuries of Fire Fighters When Fighting Fires in Unoccupied

Structures. This report has good information to help firefighters as much as possible remain safe when

involved in an incident occurring in an unoccupied structure. A great deal of this information can also beused when dealing with occupied structure fires. If we follow most basic firefighting related information,

training, safety polices and procedures one would hope to see a decrease in the deployment of the RICand a decline in firefighter deaths.

Surviving the Fireground. A training aid released for the 2011 Safety Week from FDNY & IAFC.

It will cover: Preventing The MAYDAY / Being Ready For The MAYDAY / Self-Survival / FirefighterExpectations Of Command

A Training Manual from the FDNY IRIC AND RIC OPERATIONS will cover most aspects needed by the

RIC.
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/UnderstandingRapidIntervention.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/NIOSH_UnoccupiedStructuresFeb2009.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/SurvivingtheFireground_SafetyWeek2011.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/SurvivingtheFireground_SafetyWeek2011.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIC_OPS_FDNY.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIC_OPS_FDNY.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/SurvivingtheFireground_SafetyWeek2011.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/SurvivingtheFireground_SafetyWeek2011.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/NIOSH_UnoccupiedStructuresFeb2009.pdfhttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/UnderstandingRapidIntervention.pdf


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"Moving The Downed Firefighter" This document will help you train on various method's of removalfor a downed firefighter.

http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/MovingTheDownedFirefighter1.ppshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/MovingTheDownedFirefighter1.ppshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/MovingTheDownedFirefighter1.ppshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/MovingTheDownedFirefighter1.pps


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The Rapid Intervention CrewToo many times firefighter injuries and death occur in all types of structures andsituations that are avoidable if we apply a different mindset we are all familiar with:

We will risk our lives a LOT, in a calculated manner, to save SAVABLE LIVES.

We will risk our lives a LITTLE, in a calculated manner, to save SAVABLE

property.

We WILL NOT risk our lives at all for a building or lives that are already lost.

We really need to start listening to what we are saying.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewHere is a PowerPoint Presentation that will reviewthe MAYDAY call that sets the RIC in motion.
http://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIC_MaydayReview.ppshttp://localhost/var/www/apps/conversion/tmp/scratch_1/RIC_MaydayReview.pps


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The Rapid Intervention CrewRISK MANAGEMENT

Risk management shall be utilized by the RIC, IC and the ISO when formulating the RIC

Incident Action Plan. The objective is to rescue and/or assist to safety any firefighter or

firefighters that are in need of assistance, provided said assistance can be rendered to

those presumed not to have passed on.

All members of the RIC need to continually address the Risk Management objective

and discuss the objective among the members of the team.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewRIC INCIDENT ACTION PLAN:

On arrival, the RIC officer should report to the IC. The IC, in conjunction with

the ISO and the RIC officer will develop a RIC incident action plan. The RIC

incident action plan must be flexible and continually assessed.

Realize that, as hard as it may be, the

incident action plan may be to do

nothing, depending on the severity of theevent.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewNOTE:

The accountability of the RIC members must be maintained.

This means that we all work as a team.

Remember, we enter as a team and we exit as a team.


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As the RIC officer performs the 360deg. size-up, one of the members should

be given the job of monitoring the working incident frequency, noting where

firefighters are actually being deployed and listening for a MAYDAY call.

The remaining RIC members should gather tools and place them on a tarp.

The IC should appoint a command officer to oversee the RIC operations and the ISO

should appoint a Safety Officer specifically for RIC operations.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewEach incident will influence your selection of equipment. The list below provides some suggestions:

RIT Tarp for tool placement

Salvage tarp (possible use for a blanket carry)

RIT Rope Rescue bag (Through the floor/window & ladder scenario)

Search Rope 200-ft. Team Search, Kevlar rope with tag lines and carabineers

Complete SCBA with mask

Extra SCBA mask

SCBA spare bottles 2

TIC

Hand LightsHalligan bar

Irons (Flat-Head Axe/Halligan)

Pick head axe

Sledge hammer

Pry bar

Short pike poles or closet hook

Defibrillator

Cribbing Kit

LightingCord Reel

Water Extinguisher

Dry Chemical Extinguisher

Stokes basket

Backboard

Hand saws

Sawsall

K-12 Chain Saw (wood cutting blade)

Attic Ladder

Sump Pump (cellar rescue)

Hand Line

Extrication equipment

Cutting Torch


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All members should be discussing and taking mental notes of the building's entrance and exit points,

windows, type of construction and floor layout. Knowledge of where one can enter and exit the building

may save you valuable time getting to the downed fire fighter and performing a successful removal.

As the incident progresses the RIC should assign one of the members to complete a 360deg. size-up at

10 minute intervals. This will keep the entire team informed of any changes on the fire ground or withthe structure itself.

The first RIC to be deployed should enter with a limited amount of tools. Their immediate objective

should be to locate, evaluate, and stabilize the downed firefighter. Secondary teams can be used to

shuttle tools as the incident unfolds.

When the first RIC deploys for an incident, the IC or ISO should make sure there is a second RIC inplace, always keeping a fresh RIC ready to deploy.

If you are involved with a large incident that has multiple entrances and exits the IC or ISO should

have multiple RIC's stage at various locations around the incident.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewRADIO COMMUNICATIONS

The RIC will be assigned the radio designation "RIC 1". When multiple RIC's are assigned,

designators will be RIC 2, RIC 3, etc.

The Fire Dispatcher shall activate an "emergency traffic tone" whenever a RIC is deployed on arescue assignment unless already transmitted with the Mayday.

The Fire Dispatcher shall request all firefighting operations to switch to an alternate channel and

continue firefighting operations.

Please keep all your radio communications as short as possible. Remembersomeone my need to

transmit a MAYDAY.


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Also remember that in some instances it would be advisable to keep the RIC in place even while

overhaul is taking place.

TERMINATING THE RIC

Rememberwhat can go wrong will go wrong and Murphy's law should always be RESPECTED.

After the IC and the ISO have thoroughly evaluated the situation and have determined that the

operation no longer presents hazardous risks to personnel necessitating the need for a RIC, the IC

or the ISO may suspend the operations of the RIC. The IC or the ISO shall have the Fire

Dispatcher advise over the radio that the RIC is being terminated, so that all personnel on the fire

ground are aware of this.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewRapid Intervention is never rapid.

Both the Phoenix and Seattle Fire Departments have carried out extensive studies on rescuing a downed

firefighter and have concluded that it will most likely take 11 or 12 firefighters approximately 7 minutes to

reach a downed firefighter and an additional 18 to 21 minutes to perform an extrication of a trapped

firefighter.

It will take a dozen (12) firefighters on the scene, organized into teams, to rapidly complete a firefighter

rescue. All fire departments should have procedures in place to ensure this staffing level is on scene and

available during working incidents. If more than one firefighter is lost in the building, additional resources

must be immediately available. Rapid intervention teams must be closely coordinated and well-organized to

be effective and safe.

Rapid intervention search and rescue is a high risk operation. As noted in the Phoenix research, 20% of the

rescuers got themselves in trouble and became potential victims.

The times obtained in these studies were not under heat and smoke conditions as may be experienced in

a real incident.


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Training is an essential component and extremely important for any firefighter that

wishes to become a successful member of a Rapid Intervention Crew.

Rapid Intervention is never rapid. Multiple RIC's will most likely need to be

deployed to rescue a downed firefighter.


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The Rapid Intervention CrewA parting thought:

All departments train some of their members to be interior firefighters, entering the

IDLH atmosphere to perform their duties. Departments also keep training records

and names of their firefighters who are interior qualified. They even mark

firefighters helmet's so everyone on the fire ground can differentiate who is and

who is not interior qualified.

Have we given any thought to using the same process to qualify firefighters to be

RIC qualified? This is an extremely complex task we are asking our firefighters to

accomplish. Does your training as a RIC member really qualify you to take onthis extremely difficult task?


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Always Expect the Unexpected!!!

Be safe in all your firefighting duties.

TRK

the rapid intervention crew

Documents