What must a RIC do before leaving the staging area to begin reconnaissance or size-up?

Before a Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) leaves the staging area to begin reconnaissance or size-up, it is essential to inform the Incident Commander (IC). This communication is crucial because the IC needs to be aware of the RIC’s deployment and any potential changes in the operational strategies. By informing the IC, the RIC ensures that everyone involved in the incident is updated on their movements, which enhances situational awareness and overall safety for both the RIC and other personnel on scene.

The RIC's actions are not conducted in isolation; they must coordinate with the IC to align their efforts with the overall incident objectives. This step fosters effective communication, allowing for strategic decision-making and further resource allocation if necessary. The integrity of the operations relies heavily on this clear line of communication.

While distributing assignments among team members, checking equipment readiness, and gathering additional resources are also important tasks, they typically take place after the RIC has established communication with the IC regarding their readiness and intended actions. This ensures that all parties are informed and that the RIC operates effectively in alignment with incident management protocols.