Organized September 11, 1929 - Union Fire House, Mount Holly, NJ

County Guidelines / Policies

Thursday, 10 October 2019 20:22

Rapid Intervention Crew

PURPOSE:
To establish minimum standards and provide recommended practices for Burlington County Emergency Services
Organizations with regard to Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) operations protocols where an Immediately Dangerous to Life
and Health (IDLH) environment would be present or any such incident where the Incident Commander deemed appropriate.


SCOPE:
The application of this guideline shall apply to all Emergency Services Organizations actively engaged in mitigating an incident
where the safety of personnel would be enhanced.


GENERAL PROVISION:
There shall be an established list of qualified RIC teams to assist Emergency Services Organizations in setting up their response
boxes/grids. The Communications Center Operators shall have the authority to automatically move up a RIC when a RIC is
committed for firefighting duties by Incident Commander (IC).

GUIDELINE:
INITIAL DISPATCH
1. Local jurisdictions shall ensure that a RIC consisting of at least four qualified members is dispatched in conjunction with
the first alarm structure response. Depending upon the respective agency’s minimum staffing standards, the initial
response may require more than one company.
2. Commercial or High Hazard Boxes/Grids should have two or more RIC Teams on the first alarm structure dispatch or
as pre-determined by the local response agency.


CONFIRMED FIRES OR IDLH RESPONSES
1. It is recommended the following Rapid Intervention resources (a RIC Task Force) be dispatched or established upon confirmed
fires (all-hands) or any time an IDLH environment exists:
• A second RIC Team
• A RIC Group Supervisor
• Additional BLS Unit(s)
2. Incident commanders shall be cognizant of unique incidents (i.e. technical rescue) and ensure that established RICs are
qualified in such disciplines.


MAYDAY BOX
1. Local jurisdictions should establish a predetermined mayday box so that resources are automatically dispatched by the
Communications Center upon the receipt of a mayday on an incident. Responding resources shall be assigned to the RIC
Group Supervisor. Resources should include:
• Engines/Ladders for general RIC functions
• Rescues with capabilities such as lifting/moving and breaking/breaching
• Cascade for breathing and/or tool air
• ALS & BLS for treatment/triage/transportation of injured responders
• Additional Chief level officers for assistance with command/control of the incident
• Aeromedical on standby


RIC COMPANY STAFFING
1. A Minimum of 4 (four) interior structural firefighters, 1 (one) of which should be the Team Leader with a NJ IMS Level 1
certification. This may be met by merging multiple companies on an incident.
2. RIC staffing for technical rescue and other incident types will be determined in coordination with the IC and responding
entities.


TRAINING
1. Members of the RIC shall have received formal training in rapid intervention skills and techniques to a minimum
competency level of Operations. RIC members are strongly encouraged to be training to a competency level of
Technician.
2. RIC team members shall take part in at least two RIC focused training sessions per year. This may be accomplished
in-house or through formal outside educational sessions. Department Chiefs are encouraged to monitor their
organization’s RIC readiness and proactively remove themselves in order to undergo additional training should their
member’s capabilities be insufficient.
3. Recognizing that RIC functions are self-serving and citing the nature of the emergency response system within
Burlington County, organizations are strongly encouraged to develop multi-agency training partnerships in order to
facilitate effective working relationships before being tasked with a RIC response on an incident.
4. The Chief Fire Coordinator shall have the authority to determine whether an organization’s RIC capabilities (including
but not limited to training, equipment and staffing) are acceptable in order to be designated as a RIC.


COMMUNICATIONS
1. Responding companies shall operate on the radio frequency for that response area or as designated by the
Communication Center.
2. While enroute and once on scene, the RIC shall monitor all tactical fireground frequencies being utilized.
3. If the crew splits for proactive RIC operations each team should monitor the frequencies in use.
4. All RIC members should be equipped with portable radios with the appropriate channels programmed. At a minimum,
one portable radio shall be available for each team of two members. Consideration shall be given to the use of
technology (i.e. cross band repeater) in order to overcome communication gaps through frequency differences.
5. Radio and fire ground identification shall follow NIMS terminology for single resources (i.e. RIC 241 or RIC 161)
6. Upon the declaration of a mayday, the Communications Center shall activate an emergency tone followed by an
announcement indicating that a mayday has been transmitted and all unnecessary communications are to cease unless
urgent. The IC or his/her designee should transmit the same information over the fire ground operations channel unless
this is covered by the Communications Center.
7. All companies not involved in the RIC operation should be switched to a secondary frequency at the IC’s discretion;
RIC Operations shall continue on the channel which the Mayday was declared.
8. In the event a mayday has been declared and the Communications Center is unable to raise the IC via radio, the
Communications Center shall have the authority to dispatch the jurisdiction’s mayday box. In the absence of a
predetermined mayday box, the communications center will dispatch the next alarm.


TEAM STAGING AND IDENTIFICATION
1. The size/complexity of the incident will dictate the RIC’s staging area and may be modified by the IC. In the event the
situation is a high-rise building (6 stories or higher), RIC should stage one floor below the fire floor. At least one RIC or
a logistics company should be staged in the lobby.
2. The IC may make adjustments in the RIC designation based on evolving incidents, size and complexity (i.e. Multiple
RIC’s and/or various staging locations).
3. Individual RIC team members should be identified by their seating position or job assignment when necessary while
away from or if separated from their crew. The RIC team’s leader should answer for the entire team when the team is
called.
4. Tool staging for RIC should be in close proximity to the team location.
5. Only RIC members shall be authorized to utilize RIC tools.


TERMINATION
1. RIC Termination will be done at the discretion of the IC. Considerations for termination may include:
• IDLH atmosphere has been eliminated or none exists due to suppression / control actions
• Present and potential hazards no longer exist.
• The IC has placed the incident under control.


RESPONSIBILITIES
Lost Firefighter
1. Transmit a MAYDAY message using the “LUNAR” acronym.
• Last Know Location
• Unit number
• Name/notable event
• Assignment
• Remaining air and resources needed
2. Activate PASS device.
3. If awaiting rescuers:
• Stay calm and conserve air
• Position flashlight toward ceiling
• Assume a horizontal position in order to maximize audible effects of the PASS device
• Monitor conditions and report and change to the IC.
4. Advise the IC if moving or attempting to self-extricate.


Incident Commander
1. Gather LUNAR (Location, unit number, name/noteable event, assignment, remaining air and resources needed) information from
the firefighter(s).
2. Conduct a risk analysis to determine if a RIC team can and/or should be deployed. If a rescue operation will be initiated, deploy
the RIC team.
3. Announce the confirmed receipt of the Mayday.
4. Make an announcement on the fireground’s tactical channel that a Mayday has been transmitted and for all companies not
involved in the RIC Operation to switch to another tactical frequency as determined by the IC. The downed firefighter, IC and RIC
group will remain on the initial tactical frequency on which the Mayday was transmitted or the last channel the firefighter was
operating on.
5. Assign group supervisors (fire attack, vent, search) to oversee the continued suppression activities.
6. Notify the Communication Center that there is a report of lost, trapped or disoriented firefighter(s).
7. Assign a RIC Group Supervisor, if one has not already been assigned.
8. Assign a radio operator to monitor the RIC Operations channel.
9. Assign a scribe to monitor time and benchmarks.
10. If the MAYDAY was caused due to a collapse, flashover, or explosion, the IC, his/her designee, or the Safety Officer will assess
the need to evacuate the building or area. If deemed necessary, an immediate evacuation may be initiated based on conditions
and safety.
11. Call for a PAR (Personnel Accountability Report) of all companies on the fire ground.
12. Withdraw and maintain control of all non-essential crews; those not directly involved with the suppression efforts.
13. Ensure the incident stabilization operation continues.


Communications Center
1. Transmit an alert tone and make the following statement:
“Attention all units operating at location. A mayday has been transmitted. All unnecessary communications are to cease”
2. Dispatch the jurisdiction’s mayday box. In the absence of a predetermined mayday box, the communications center will dispatch
the following:
• Next alarm
• An ALS unit and an ALS Supervisor.
• Additional BLS Unit
• Place Aeromedical on standby
3. Notify the County Fire Coordinator.
4. In the event a mayday has been declared and the Communications Center is unable to raise the IC via radio, the Communications
Center shall have the authority to dispatch the jurisdiction’s mayday box. In the absence of a predetermined mayday box, the
communications center will dispatch the aforementioned resources.


RIC Group Supervisor
1. Upon arrival, the initial RIC Group Supervisor shall report to the IC to receive a briefing. If a RIC group supervisor has been
established, each Team Leader will report to him/her. The briefing will include communications plan, the team’s staging
location, the current incident mode (offensive/defensive/transitional), and known hazards.
2. Conduct a 360 size-up (walk-around the building, incident, etc.) and report any findings (construction features, forcible entry
problems, special hazards, fire location, etc.) to the IC as necessary.
3. Develop an incident action plan should a Mayday be transmitted. This plan shall include alternate courses of action should
the initial actions be ineffective.
4. Prepare the incident scene for RIC activation (additional ground ladders, removal of barriers that could impede ingress/egress
from the IDLH environment. This shall be done in coordination with the IC or his/her designee.
5. Monitor fireground communications for the duration of the incident listening for important intelligence being transmitted by
personnel within the IDLH including location of operating personnel, staffing levels within the IDLH, important incident
characteristics, and any other pertinent information.
6. Assign a Control Officer to maintain entry of all RIC members. This person will track names, air supply and time of all RIC
members as they enter the IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) environment.
7. Request additional RIC Teams from the IC as needed. A logistics company may be assigned to the RIC Group to aid in the
gathering or transport of equipment to/from the scene.
8. Conduct ongoing size ups of the IDLH. Be prepared to stop the RIC operation if conditions warrant.
9. Work with the IC or his/her designee to:
• Position hose lines to protect trapped firefighters and rescuers in fire areas
• If warranted, ventilate to improve conditions and visibility
• Oversee collapse hazard and debris stabilization as rescue efforts proceed
• Ensure RIC equipment is staged
• Provide lighting in the area as necessary
10. Recognize and report the benchmarks of the RIC operation
• Firefighter located
• Air secured
• Packaging complete
• Removal started
• Removal complete
11. Monitor the physical condition of each RIC Team ensuring appropriate work/rest cycles are provided. Weather conditions and
incident duration should be factors in that decision making process.


RIC Team
1. Upon arrival, report to the RIC Group Supervisor to receive a briefing. The briefing will include communications plan,
the team’s staging location, the current incident mode (offensive/defensive/transitional), and known hazards.
2. It is recommended that the RIC team(s) be divided based on their operational responsibility; Recon, Rescue.
3. Monitor fireground communications for the duration of the incident listening for important intelligence being transmitted by
personnel within the IDLH including location of operating personnel, staffing levels within the IDLH, important incident
characteristics, and any other pertinent information.
4. Deploy the Recon team to locate the firefighter.
5. The Recon team should
• Ascertain last known location from the RIC Group Supervisor or IC. Follow hose lines when possible.
• Listen for PASS devices.
• Listen for tapping noises being made by the firefighter. Look for flashlight beams pointed at the ceiling.
• Stop and listen for breathing noises.
• Communicate with the firefighter on the radio when possible. Report any findings to the RIC Group Supervisor.
6. Once the firefighter is found, report the location where found, air supply of the firefighter and the team, and resources needed to
extricate the firefighter.
7. The Rescue team will only deploy if requested by the Recon team or as instructed by the RIC Group Supervisor.
8. The Rescue team will work to package and remove the firefighter from the IDLH. All reports, findings and updates will be
communicated to the RIC Group Supervisor.

 

 

Appendixes

Appendix 1 – RIC Leader Checklist

Appendix 2 – Tools and Equipment

 

APPENDIX 1

 

RIC LEADER CHECKLIST

 

Set-Up

□ IC Briefing     □ Crew location(s)     □ Team Location     □ Assemble Equipment       

□ Accountability System □ Radio channel   □ Designate Company Assignments

 

Equipment

□ RIC Equipment List

 

Initial Size-Up

Building Dimensions ____ x ____                  Occupancy: ______________________

Type: □ Wood Frame     □ Heavy Timber     □ Ordinary     □ Noncombustible    

□ Fire resistive            Roof Type: _______________           □ Utilities controlled

 

Access/Egress

□ Windows     □ Doors     □ Scuttles/Hatches     □ Basement Access     □ Ladders

 

Obstructions

□ Window Bars     □ Storm Doors   □ Fences   □ Animals  □ Window AC Units

 

Tactics

□ Offensive     □ Defensive   □ Attack line(s)     □ Back-up line(s) 

 □ Master Streams   □ Number of Interior Crews   □ Division(s)       □ Time Factor

 

Responsibilities

Size-up:   □ 10 minutes   □ 15 minutes □ 20 minutes             □ 25 minutes   □ 30 minutes

Utilities:   □ Secured   □ Unsecured   □ Natural gas  □ Propane    □ Oil    

                        □ Electric

Collapse Potential:  □ High     □ Moderate     □ Low

Ventilation:

 

Tasks

□ Open Egress Points

□ Additional Ladders Placed to all sides

□ Open entire window/door area

□ Secure back-up/protection line

□ Monitor number and locations of interior crews

□ Evaluate need for additional RIC’s

□ EMS Location

□ Check with Safety/Accountability Officer

□ Review Pre-Plans

□ Provide additional scene lighting

 

 

APPENDIX 2

 

Burlington and Camden County Regional Guidelines

Rapid Intervention Crew

 

TOOLS and EQUIPMENT

 

Upon arrival the Rapid Intervention Crew should assemble the following equipment.  The equipment compliment listed below will serve as the minimum requirement for a Rapid Intervention Company.

 

___ Full Turnout Gear, SCBA, & Pass Device

 

___ Flashlight (Each Member)

 

___ Portable Radio (Each Member, If Available)

 

___ Thermal Imaging Camera

 

___ RIC Emergency Air Supply for Downed Firefighter

 

___ Search Rope - (Minimum of 100’)

 

___ 100ft Life Safety Rope

 

___ Steel 6ft Hook

 

___ Sets of Irons (Flat Axe/Halligan)

 

___ Sledge Hammer/Maul

 

___ Rotary Saw (Metal & Wood Capable)

 

___ Chain Saw

 

___ Bolt Cutters

 

___ Stokes Basket or Ground Ladder for Tool Transport

 

 

Commercial/Multi-Story Occupancies add the following equipment:

 

     ___ Search Rope (Minimum 200’ w/ Tag Lines)

    

___ Hydra Ram/Rabbit Tool

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