January-February  2007
   

Rapid Intervention Responsibilities

By Michael Terpak

The successful rescuing of a lost, trapped or missing firefighter requires a tremendous amount of dedication and preparation. Searching and removing one of our own at an emergency scene will challenge the best-trained firefighters.

Case studies over the years continually point to the lack of preparation and training to deal with these type of emergencies. Having a dedicated Rapid Intervention Crew or Company at an incident is one thing; having a highly trained crew or company to handle this responsibility is another. Fire departments must have dedicated procedures and training to handle a MAY-DAY.

Below is a small sample in our on-going attempt to meet this challenge and get everyone home.

Rapid Intervention Company

Quick Reference Sheet

EN ROUTE / UPON ARRIVAL:

  • Review any pre-plan information specific to the address.

  • Monitor radio communications en route and upon arrival.

  • Set up and stage equipment near the command post or designated area.

  • Hi-rise buildings, report and set up at the operations post.

  • Review the command tracking board/computer.

  • Identify division assignments and company/crew locations.

  • Size up the building, noting the fire location and its extension possibilities and probabilities.

  • Size up the building, noting the location and number of entrances and exits.

  • Focus on identifying/predicting and solving problems.

  • Place additional ladders on the fire building and attached exposure buildings.

  • Remove obstructions (barred windows, roll down gates, etc.) and create additional means of egress.

  • Note location and use of aerial/tower ladders for emergency use and repositioning.

  • Note location and use of hose lines for emergency use and repositioning.

 

TOOL INVENTORY:

  • RIC Pack/Kit

  • Thermal Imaging Camera

  • Search Rope

  • Power Saws

  • Defibrillator/EMS Kit

  • Forcible Entry Tools

  • Stokes Basket / Sked

Editors Note: Chief Terpak is the author of Fireground Size-Up, available from Fire Engineering Books. To purchase, return to Fire Nuggets home page, scroll down and click on the book icon.

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