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PART 1 – EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
“MAYDAY”, “EMERGENCY BUTTON ACTIVATION”, and “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” Declarations
A. SCOPE
This procedure is intended to insure that all members operating at an emergency scene or other departmental
detail are aware that an emergency situation exists. This procedure will outline the difference between the terms
utilized to express the emergency.
1. The procedure will outline the difference between the terms “MAYDAY”, EMERGENCY BUTTON
ACTIVATION”, and “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC.”
2. The rescue of a firefighter or EMS personnel in distress is extremely time sensitive. It is extremely important
that a firefighter NOT DELAY in calling a MAYDAY when the circumstances dictate that such action is
appropriate. The sooner Command is notified and a RIC team activated, the greater the chances of the
firefighter(s) being successfully rescued.
B. DEFINITIONS
1. “MAYDAY” – the term and radio traffic to be utilized in ANY situations where a firefighter’s life or safety is in
jeopardy and he is unable to remove himself from the threatening situation or IDLH environment.
2. EMERGENCY TRAFFIC – the term and radio traffic to be used when priority communication is necessary to
address potentially dangerous circumstances that exist.
3. EMERGENCY EVACUATION SIGNAL – the audible signal used on the fireground to alert personnel present
of the need/order to evacuate the structure and regroup outside for safety and accountability purposes. The
signal is: One (1) thirty second long air horn blast accompanied by the EMERGENCY ALERT TONE (Alert 2
Tone) and radio announcement by the dispatcher on assigned TAC Channel for the incident.
“EMERGENCY EVACUATION” – an order given to cause the immediate evacuation of a structure, portion of
a structure, or geographical area as identified by Command.
4. EMERGENCY ALERT TONE – an audible tone of consistent frequency and duration intended to draw
attention to radio traffic. This tone is generated by the dispatcher and is called the ALERT 2 TONE by the
Warren County Communications Center.
5. EMERGENCY BUTTON ACTIVATION – the term and radio traffic to be used in conjunction with that
activation of a firefighter or EMS personnel emergency button on his portable radio.
C. SITUATIONS INVOLVED IN THIS PROCEDURE
The following situations dictate the use of the MAYDAY, EMERGENCY TRAFFIC, EMERGENCY BUTTON
ACTIVATION, EMERGENCY EVACUATION, and ALERT TONE:
1. “MAYDAY” – to be used in ANY situation where a firefighter’s life or safety is in jeopardy and is unable to
remove him/herself from the threatening situation or IDLH environment.
A firefighter MUST DECLARE A “MAYDAY” when confronted by, but not limited to, the following situations:
a. Immediately believing the firefighter is disoriented or lost and unable to exit any existing IDLH
environment.
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b. Immediately upon the sounding or detection of a firefighter’s low air alarm and a firefighter not being able
to promptly exit any existing IDLH environment.
c. Immediately upon a firefighter becoming trapped or entangled to the point of requiring assistance.
d. Immediately upon a firefighter sustaining ANY injury which impairs his ability to exit any existing IDLH
environment.
e. Immediately upon discovery of a vital PPE problem which poses a substantial threat of harm with the
firefighter unable to immediately exit the IDLH environment.
f. Immediately upon a firefighter becoming lost or missing from their crew.
g. Immediately upon discovery of another firefighter experiencing any of the above situations.
2. “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” – to be used when a priority communication is necessary to address a potentially
dangerous circumstance:
a. Any imminent potential for or an actual structural failure.
b. Rapidly changing fire conditions.
c. Water supply interruption.
d. Any circumstance that poses a material risk to firefighter safety.
e. Immediate evacuation of the building is necessary for any circumstance the Incident Commander deems
necessary.
f. Any non-fire related incident where information must be transmitted immediately for the safety of those
operating at the incident.
All personnel operating at the emergency scene (or on the same radio talk group) shall refrain from
transmitting any non-critical message upon hearing the “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” transmission and remain
alert for all radio transmissions from the Incident Commander until such time that the “resume normal radio
traffic” directive is issued by Command.
3. EMERGENCY EVACUATION SIGNAL – The Incident Commander will activate the Emergency Evacuation
Signal any time a fireground situation exists that warrants the regrouping of all personnel to their apparatus or
a staging area for purposes of safety and accountability. A PAR will be taken immediately following an
emergency evacuation.
The EMERGENCY EVACUATION SIGNAL shall be: One (1) thirty second long air horn blast accompanied by
the EMERGENCY ALERT TONE (Alert 2 Tone) and radio announcement by the dispatcher on assigned TAC
Channel for the incident.
4. EMERGENCY ALERT TONE – during any situation on the fireground for which a MAYDAY has been
declared, an EMERGENCY EVACUATION has been ordered, or at times as otherwise requested by the
Incident Commander, the dispatcher shall broadcast the “EMERGENCY ALERT TONE” and echo the
MAYDAY, EMERGENCY EVACUATION, or other command from the Incident Commander to further insure
that all those operating on the radio talk groups are aware of the need for the actions outlined in these
procedures.
5. EMERGENCY BUTTON ACTIVATION – the activation of firefighter or EMS providers Emergency Button to
indicate that the firefighter or EMS provider is declaring that they are experiencing an EMERGENCY and
need immediate assistance. The EMERGENCY BUTTON ACTIVATION may occur in tandem with a
MAYDAY on a fire scene or may occur on an EMS, Inspection, Investigation, or other detail where the crew or
crewmember has become endangered and needs immediate assistance. This may be the only indication that
an individual is in trouble.
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D. FIRE GROUND MAYDAY PROCEDURE
The following procedure will be used to alert firefighters on the emergency scene of a MAYDAY.
1. To clear all radio traffic on the fire ground talk group (TAC Channel) the firefighter requesting the MAYDAY
shall precede the message by repeating the word “MAYDAY” three (3) times followed by “FIREFIGHTER
DOWN”:
Example: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, FIREFIGHTER DOWN.”
2. The firefighter shall follow the initial MAYDAY call with information indicating:
a. The nature of the MAYDAY
b. The location of the firefighter
c. Company identification
d. Firefighter identification by name(s)
e. Number of firefighters involved
f. What, if any, plans they have to remove themselves from the situation.
Example: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, FIREFIGHTER DOWN, Second Floor, Firefighter Doe
from Engine 15.
3.
Any fire company finding a firefighter down shall declare a MAYDAY and the MAYDAY information shall be
repeated including the manner of removal from the structure.
Example: “MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY, FIREFIGHTER DOWN, Lieutenant Doe from Engine
15, We will be coming out the Side C door, first floor.”
4. At the time of the MAYDAY, the Incident Commander will direct all companies to switch to a Mayday
Talkgroup (Mayday 1-4) for continuation of routine fireground communications. The original fireground
talkgroup (TAC Channel) will only be used for the MAYDAY and (RIC) Rapid Intervention Crew(s), and the
RIC Group Supervisor.
5. Incident Command will assure that all operating companies have switched to the Mayday Talkgroup. This
shall be accomplished by conducting a PAR.
6. Command will request that the Warren County Communication Center assign a dispatcher to the talk group
on which the MAYDAY originated.
7. In cases of a MAYDAY transmission, an extra alarm assignment will be automatically dispatched by the
dispatcher and the extra alarm companies assigned to staging unless another assignment is given by the
incident commander.
8. After the MAYDAY is cleared, the Incident Commander will decide how talk group (TAC Channel)
reassignments will be handled with the Communications Center.
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E. FIRE GROUND EMERGENCY TRAFFIC PROCEDURE
The following procedure will be used to clear radio traffic for priority communication when necessary to address
potentially dangerous circumstances.
1. To clear all traffic on the fire ground talk group, the firefighter requesting exclusive use of the talk group shall
announce his/her radio ID or assignment ID (i.e. vent group, search, etc) and declare “EMERGENCY
TRAFFIC”. At this time no other radio traffic shall be transmitted until the nature, location, and type of
emergency is identified. The “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” declaration shall be reserved for situations on the fire
ground presenting imminent danger to firefighters. (e.g. potential building collapse energized electrical wires
posing electrocution hazard, loss of water supply with firefighters inside a structure, etc.)
The Incident Commander, upon hearing the EMERGENCY TRAFFIC declaration, shall immediately repeat
the EMERGENCY TRAFFIC as well as the issuance of orders to rectify or retreat from the situation. The
Incident Commander upon hearing the Emergency Traffic Declaration shall immediately request the
EMERGENCY ALERT TONE (Alert 2 Tone) and repeat the emergency traffic as well as orders to rectify or
retreat from the situation.
Example – ALERT TONE “EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY - All Companies operating
at 12345 Main Street, retreat!
2. If the building is to be evacuated, Incident Command shall authorize the activation of the Emergency
Evacuation Signal. “Which is followed by the radio talk group announcement to “Evacuate.”
3. Subsequent to evacuation, a PAR is to be immediately taken and appropriate action taken based on the
result.
Note: The MAYDAY declaration is reserved for only those situations when a firefighter is or is believed to be in
peril as described above. When a hazardous condition exists, the “EMERGENCY TRAFFIC” declaration shall be
utilized.
F. EMERGENCY BUTTON ACTIVATION
1. Emergency Button Activation will cause the portable radio to automatically switch to the Fire Hailing Talk
Group if the radio is not operating on a TAC channel. If the radio is operating on a TAC channel it will remain
locked on that TAC channel.
2. Warren County Communications shall immediately attempt to contact the affected portable and follow
established WCCC policies for Emergency Button Activation (Appendix A), when the radio reverts to Fire
Hailing.
3. When an Emergency Button is activated on the scene of working incident, Warren County Communications
Center will advise Command of the Emergency Button Activation if the established clearing policy in not
followed.
4. Command will attempt to contact the crew/crewmember who has activated the Emergency Button. This
communication will take place on the affected TAC channel.
5. If no contact is made with Command, a MAYDAY will be declared and RIC will be activated in accordance
with the RIC Policy.
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6. In the case where RIC has been deployed after an EMERGENCY BUTTON ACTIVATION, the RIC Team(s)
and RIC Group Supervisor will remain on the assigned TAC and all emergency scene operations will switch to
the Mayday Talk Group.
PART 2 – RAPID INTERVENTION CREW (RIC)
G. SCOPE
This policy is intended to create a standardized approach as possible to firefighter safety on the emergency
scene. The wide variance to staffing and capabilities within Warren County makes a set, absolute policy nearly
impossible to implement. The following is intended as a guideline to enable the Incident Commander to
determine RIC requirements, dictated by the incident and escalate these needs as necessary. The ability for the
Incident Commander to immediately recognize and respond to a missing or downed firefighter is a crucial element
of personnel safety. A properly trained, equipped, and deployed Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) give the Incident
Commander a critical resource to meet these goals.
H. RIC ASSIGNMENT
1. An additional fire company (engine, ladder, or rescue) will be dispatched or assigned upon arrival on all
reported structure fires. The additional company is deemed to be above what is determined to be adequate
resources to bring the incident under control.
a. The RIC Company designation will be determined by need and arrival sequence by the Incident
Commander.
b. Communications will automatically assign the next due company to a call if any of the pre-determined
companies are unavailable.
2. The RIC Company will not be expected to fill out the standard tactical assignments necessary to bring the
incident under control.
3. During a working incident, a RIC will be designed and available for immediate deployment until the incident is
under control and recognized life hazards are secured
4. The Incident Commander may change the company assigned to the RIC function, providing another on-scene
company is available and has resources to cover the assignment.
a. The RIC should only be utilized to mitigate life safety hazards; use to complete fire control tactical
functions is an exception to RIC use and deployment
b. If the designated RIC Company is re-assigned, then the newly assigned company must be clearly
identified.
5. Company may request additional RIC companies and assign multiple RIC teams as required by the incident.
As a rule of thumb, one additional RIC should be requested for each additional alarm dispatched (an alarm
consisting of 2-3 additional fire companies). Additionally, any incident that naturally presents an increased
danger to firefighters simply by size or complexity should warrant additional RIC companies assigned as soon
as possible.
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I.
RIC RESPONSE
1. Response of RIC Companies will be on an emergency basis
2. Upon arrival, if initial crews are in an investigation mode the RIC Company will respond to Level 1 staging and
report to the Incident Commander via radio. If initial crews are engaged in a working incident, the RIC
Company will position their apparatus for effective RIC deployment.
3. The RIC will assemble their equipment and the Company Officer will report to the Incident Commander.
4. The RIC Officer will receive a briefing from the Incident Commander or Operations Section including: building
construction and use, fire and smoke conditions, current and anticipated tactical assignments, and crew
locations.
5. The RIC officer at a minimum will conduct a 360 survey of the incident structure where practical to gather
information including: confirmation of construction and use, location access/egress points, identify potential
safety problems (utilities, exterior storage, windowless basements/floors), assess effectiveness of operations.
6. The RIC will report significant information from their walk-around and completion of their preparation and
readiness for deployment to the Incident Commander.
7. The RIC Officer will report to their crew the results of the 360 and the tactical plan.
J. PRE-DEPLOYMENT
1. The RIC will position within sight of the Incident Command Post, but away from tactical cress. The RIC will
monitor their staged equipment to prevent its misappropriation.
2. The RIC Officer will communicate with the IC any pre-deployment action which may be taken to improve
conditions or egress paths for interior crews, then direct RIC to their completion.
a. The RIC Company must stay together and the assignment should not delay emergency deployment
of RIC.
3. The RIC may conduct proactive safety operations from the exterior: stage additional tools or equipment, place
secondary egress ladders, assure remote doors are available for egress, pre-placement of back-up line,
ventilation as coordinated with Command and Interior Companies.
4. The RIC will remain committed until the incident is under control, personnel hazards are controlled, and all
personnel operating on the scene are accounted for. After these conditions are met, the RIC may be
released or deployed as a relief crew.
K. COMMITMENT
The purpose of the RIC Company is to fulfill the two-in, two out safety requirement. This should not be
considered available manpower to fulfill normal fireground functions.
1. The RIC Company(ies) are to be used for situation where their intervention will directly save lives of
firefighters or civilians. Their primary mission is firefighter safety. These duties include but are not limited to:
a. Reports of trapped or downed firefighters
b. Reports of missing or unaccounted firefighters
c. Confirmed reports of civilians trapped or missing
d. Any situation in which the Incident Commander decides immediate a direction action by the RIC
Company is necessary to save lives.
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2. RIC Companies are not to be used to compete standard engine or ladder company assignments except as
noted above.
3. If the RIC Team is placed in action, the next arriving company must immediately be designated for RIC
assignment, and an additional alarm assignment (fire companies) requested.
4. Only the Incident Commander may direct the RIC Company to action, RIC Companies may not self-deploy.
5. Requests for RIC action must go to the Incident Commander for action. The Incident Commander must be
aware of and approve all exterior support work the RIC is engaged in.
6. The RIC will deploy using the following guidelines. The ultimate goal is for the team to remain together as a
unit, but should it be necessary or advantageous within the scope of training to split the RIC then the following
identifies will be utilized.
a. RIC 1A is primarily responsible for entering and locating the missing/downed firefighter.
b. RIC 1B is primarily responsible for identifying the best path of exit and assisting RIC 1A with the
rescue/removal of the downed firefighter.
c. Command will have the necessary support personnel in position to assist with the rescue/removal
and care for the injured firefighter(s).
L. SUPPORTING RIC DEPLOYMENT
1. The Incident Command will order all companies not involved in the firefighter rescue to a Mayday Talkgroup
(Mayday 1-4).
2. The Incident Commander will order a PAR on the Mayday Talkgroup in conjunction with the RIC entering the
hazard area and immediately upon their exit.
3. The Incident Commander should assign a RIC Commander to coordinate and command the rescue operation
while the Incident Commander manages the overall incident. The Incident Commander may be in the best
position to serve as the RIC Commander and may elect to pass Command.
4. Radio Traffic will be limited on the original Talkgroup to allow the RIC, IC, and RIC Commander and
endangered firefighter clear communications.
5. An on-scene company will be designated as RIC – Support and prepare for immediate deployment to assist
the first RIC, relieve the first RIC, or stand-by for any additional Firefighters who become trapped.
6. If multiple firefighters are downed or missing, on RIC should be available for each firefighter. Additional
resources must be requested by the Incident Commander.
7. The Incident Commander should provide the following additional resources:
a. An additional company will be assigned to support the RIC from the exterior.
b. One ALS-staffed EMS unit will be provided for each downed firefighter.
8. Individual disciple is critical. Personnel not directly assigned in support of the RIC effort must not freelance;
they must be available for assignment.
9. The IC, with the Safety Officer, must closely monitor fire and building conditions for deteriorating conditions
and effectiveness of operations.
10. After the rescue is completed, and organized recommitment of tactical assignments must be conducted. This
may require additional resources as companies involved in the rescue operation may not be able to be
recommitted.
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M. ORGANIZATION
1. The RIC reports directly to the Incident Commander until activated at which time it will be under the control of
the RIC Commander
2. When deployed, the RIC Officer will assume “Rapid Intervention Group Supervisor (RIC Group)” and direct
rescue operations and resources.
3. If multiple RICs are deployed independently they will be designated as RIC1, RIC2 or Alpha RIC, Bravo RIC,
etc.
N. COMMUNICATIONS
1. When a Mayday is announced, all radio traffic should cease on the Tactical Talkgroup except
communications between the IC, RIC Crews, the trapped firefighter, and Communications, when their traffic is
directly related to the downed firefighter.
2. Upon hearing a “Mayday” declaration, Warren County Communications will transmit an emergency tone a
“Hold All Traffic” message on Primary and the TAC Talkgroups.
3. Communications will verify the Mayday transmission with the Incident Commander.
4. At the transmission of the Mayday, the Incident Commander should request additional resources to the scene
as soon as practical. At a minimum 3 additional engine companies, 1 ladder company, and 3 additional
medic units will be requested and directed initially to staging.
5. If the Incident Commander does not immediately request additional companies, the Communications Center
shall attempt to contact Command and verify the need. After two failed attempts to contact Command, the
Communications Center shall dispatch the appropriate units outline in line #7.
6. Communications should use discretion when selecting units from the host agencies CAD to not dispatch units
that will be unavailable/unmannable.
7. All units not assigned to the RIC operation will switch to the Mayday Talkgroup in their current talkgroup bank
(Mayday 1 or 2 for Bank A, Mayday 3 or 4 for Bank B). Generally speaking the downed firefighter(s), the
down firefighter(s) company, the RIC Group, and the RIC Commander will remain on the original Tactical
Frequency. All other companies will switch to the Mayday Talkgroup, operations should continue unless
directed otherwise by Command.
8. The IC or RIC Commander will communicate directly with the firefighter or their group/division officer for
missing firefighters, to determine location and nature of the emergency.
9. The IC will the assign the RIC as the RIC Group.
O. CALLING FOR ASSISTANCE – MAYDAY
1. The word “Mayday” will be used exclusively to announce that a firefighter needs immediate assistance and
attract the attention of the Incident Commander.
2. Mayday will be announced three times: “MAYDAY – MAYDAY – MAYDAY”
3. A firefighter shall announce a “MAYDAY” when they are in the following circumstances:
a. Tangled, Pinned, or Stuck; low air alarm activation
b. Tangled, Pinned, or Stuck and do not extricate self within 60 seconds.
c. Fall through floor
d. Fall through roof
e. Caught in back draft or flashover
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f. Primary exit blocked by fire or collapse, not at secondary exit in 30 seconds
g. Low air alarm activation, not at exit (door or window) in 30 seconds.
h. Zero visibility, no contact with hose or lifeline, do not know direction to exit
i. Cannot find exit (door or window) in 60 seconds
j. Similar life endangering issues
4. Additional Action an endangered firefighter should take:
a. Activate their radio’s emergency button if unable to communicate
b. Communicate their position to the Incident Commander and what actions they are planning or
currently pursuing.
c. Activate their PASS device if beneficial and appropriate, flashlight
d. Deliberate, systematic actions
P. ON DECK
1. A RIC shall be assigned at every incident where fire companies are operating in an IDLH atmosphere and at
other incidents where the Incident Commander determines that it is necessary or appropriate.
2. When operating at residential structures smaller than 3500 square feet the Incident Commander may elect to
utilize an On-Deck Company to serve as the RIC.
3. The On-Deck company shall be available at the point of entry and shall be replaceable by a company in
staging or in a recycled status (quick change of scba bottle and hydrating).
4. When utilized, On-Deck companies should be available at each crew entry point.
5. When multiple On-Deck companies are in place, the Incident Commander will dictate which company(ies) will
be utilized for the Mayday operation.
6. The first assigned On-Deck company shall ensure that exterior utilities are controlled and all sides of the
buildings have egress points. This may involve deploying ground ladders.
7. The first On-Deck Company shall assemble RIC equipment for stand-by at the primary entry point.
Q. CANCELLING THE MAYDAY
1. In the event that the circumstances that necessitated the Mayday are mitigated either through self-rescue or
RIC intervention the RIC Commander upon confirmation will notify the Incident Commander, at which time a
PAR will be performed. Once all personnel operating on the fireground are accounted for the following will be
performed.
a. The Incident Commander will make notification over the Mayday talkgroup of the status of the
Mayday operation.
b. The RIC Group will be deactivated.
c. As necessary, the current RIC will be replaced with a fresh crew and rehabbed or reassigned
assuring a RIC operation at 100%.
d. The RIC Commander, once briefed on conditions, action, etc by the RIC Officer, will remain with the
Incident Commander as previous but will assume oversight of the new RIC.
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R. QUALIFICATIONS/ADMINISTRATION
1. Personnel assigned to RIC should have the following minimum qualification in addition to the RIC
Training as identified in Section S.
a. Certified Firefighter, Ohio Firefighter I is the recommendation but all personnel must be certified
at the Volunteer Firefighter Level or greater.
b. Completed RIC Training through the Operations Level (Section S)
c. Departmental check off on RIC tolls and equipment
2. Standard Staffing – A RIC Company will consist of 4 firefighters
3. A Company of three that meet the qualifications with a company officer meeting section R. 5. Is
acceptable but a crew of 4 or more is preferred
4. A two unit response is acceptable to meet the minimum staffing requirements of RIC but any company
who is assigned RIC functions and cannot supply the minimum trained personnel shall immediately notify
Command.
5. The firefighter or officer responding as the company officer or crew leader for the RIC should have met
the requirements for Fire Officer I as specified in NFPA 1021.
6. The Incident Commander will designate a Command Level Officer as the RIC Commander should the
team be activated. This Command Officer can assist the IC in any function (safety, accountability, etc.)
until needed for RIC activation. Ideally, the command officer assigned will have completed training in
commanding Rapid Intervention Operations.
7. The responding RIC Company will wear full structural protective equipment until released from their
assignment.
a. PPE will be in a state of readiness for immediate donning of SCBA face piece.
b. For operations other than firefighting, RIC will utilize appropriate PPE for the incident
8. Individual firefighter equipment list (to be carried by each FF on the RIC Company)
a. Full PPE with SCBA and PASS
b. Flashlight/Hand Lantern
c. Individual Rope or Webbing 30’ length
d. Scissors or knife
e. Portable Radio
f. Door chocks (2 each)
9. RIC Company Equipment List (must be on-scene and be dedicated solely for RIC Company use)
a. Thermal Imagine Camera
b. 200 feet of search rope with directional markings
c. Gas powered saw (metal cutting)
d. Gas powered saw (wood cutting)
e. Rescue SCBA (aka RIC Pack): face mask, quick fill hose with universal fittings, 60 minute rated
air cylinder with Spare cylinders available
f. Rescue rope and hardware (minimum 100 feet of 9 mm (or larger) rescue rope and 4
carabineers)
g. Pry bar
h. Wire cutters
i. Four 30” lengths of tubular webbing
j. Set of irons (flat head axe and halligan tool)
k. Sledge hammer
l. Egress Rope
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m. EMS Trauma Shears
n. Stokes or Reeves Stretcher
o. Ladders suitable for the building
10. Each apparatus will have a durable card listing the above equipment, carried in a place easily accessible
by the Company Officer
11. The requesting department can provide the necessary RIC equipment provided there is a prior
understanding between the departments regarding what equipment is needed.
12. It is the responsibility of each Department participating in RIC response to ensure these requirements are
met and maintained.
13. Any department unable to fulfill requirements in training or equipment should make appropriate
notification to opt out of RIC responsibilities.
S. RIC TRAINING
1. A fire department designating a company as a RIC Company shall assure members assigned have obtained
a minimum of twenty-four hours of training or to the Technician Level, meeting the objectives outlined within
this policy.
2. The additional levels of Awareness and Operations have also been outlined, allowing a department to obtain
the level of training desired, divided into three parts to reach the Technician Level.
3. Training Program
A. 24 hour Program
a. Phase I – 8 Hours
i. Classroom – 3.5 hours
ii. Down FF Assessment – 0.5 hours
iii. FF Drags
iv. Entanglement
v. Denver Drill
vi. Preventing the Mayday
b. Phase II – 8 Hours
i. Classroom – 2.5 hours (LODD)
ii. Nance Drill – 1.5 hours
iii. Coglianese Drill – 1.0 hour
iv. Stairs – 1.5 hours
v. Ladder Placement/Rescue/Bailouts – 1.0 hours
vi. Low Profile – 0.5 hours
c. Phase III – 8 Hours
i. Classroom – 2 hours (WAS, Accountability, RIC)
ii. WAS Practical – 0.5 hours
iii. RIC Packs – 0.5 hours
iv. Scenarios – 5 hours
B. Three Level Phased in Method
a. Awareness – 8 hours (Self Rescue)
i. Classroom – 4 hours
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ii. Entanglement – 1.5 hours
iii. Bailouts – 1 hour
iv. Low profile - .5 hours
b. Operations – 8 hours (Moving FFs – Single Company)
i. Drags – 1 hour
ii. Coglianese – 1 hour
iii. Ladder Placement/Rescues – 1 hour
iv. Stairs – 1.5 hours
v. WAS – 2.5 hours
vi. Classroom – 1 hour
c.
Technician – 16 hours (Multi-Company Ops)
i. Denver Drill – 2 hours
ii. Nance Drill – 2 hours
iii. RIC equipment (Pack/TIC/Rope) – 1 hour
iv. RIC size up Classroom – 2 hours
v. Practical – 8 hours
4. Additional Training
a. RIC for the Company Officers – 4 hours – Tactical Issues
b. RIC for the Incident Commander – 4 hours – Strategic Issues
c. RIC Continuing Education – 8 hours Annually
5. RIC Instructors – Requirements for RIC Instructors
a. Must be a State of Ohio Certified Fire Instructor
b. Must have the recommendation for designation as a RIC Instructor from the Chief of their Department
or the Warren County Career Center Public Safety Program Director
c. Must have successfully completed the outlined RIC class
d. Must have shadowed an existing instructor in a RIC class
e. Must be recommended to be a lead instructor by an existing RIC instructor
f. An existing list of instructors will be maintained by the Warren County Fire Chiefs Association
Adopted: 08/05/2010
Revised: 07/09/2013
Combined: 04/03/2014 (WCFC Rapid Intervention Teams Policy and WCFCA Mayday, Emergency Button Activation,
and Emergency Traffic Declarations Polices and Added Training Requirements)
(D004) Emergency Communications & RIC Policy
Adopted: 4/3/14 at WCFCA
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