When should a RIC be established during an incident?

A Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) should be established upon arrival at an incident scene where firefighters are operating. This practice ensures that a dedicated team is immediately available to respond to any situation in which firefighters inside the structure may need assistance. Having a RIC in place from the outset enhances safety and promotes a proactive approach to incident management. It allows for quick deployment in case of emergencies, such as a firefighter becoming lost, trapped, or injured.

Establishing a RIC only after the fire is controlled would delay potential life-saving actions. Waiting for training exercises to implement RIC procedures misses the critical need for safety measures in real-world scenarios. Additionally, while it's important to prepare and strategize before entering a structure, pre-establishing a RIC only at that point may not provide the immediate support needed should something go wrong. Therefore, having the RIC ready as soon as firefighters begin their operations at the scene is essential for ensuring their safety and readiness to assist.