How often should RIC drills and training be conducted?

Conducting Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) drills and training on a monthly basis is essential for several reasons. The nature of firefighting is dynamic and continually evolving with new techniques, equipment, and tactics being developed. Monthly drills ensure that team members stay proficient in their skills, which is critical for maintaining readiness when responding to emergencies where a firefighter may need to be rescued.

Regular training helps in reinforcing the knowledge of both individual crew members and the RIC as a whole, ensuring that everyone is familiar with the procedures, tools, and strategies used in rapid intervention scenarios. This frequency allows teams to address any skill deficits promptly, practice new techniques, and maintain a high level of readiness.

Furthermore, a monthly schedule allows for a balance between sufficient frequency for retention and the ability to conduct thorough training without overwhelming the team, which might occur if the drills were too frequent. Thus, making monthly drills a practical and effective strategy for enhancing team effectiveness in high-stakes situations.