During ice rescue planning, what is the primary function of Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC)?

• A. To plan and be in place before operations
• B. To monitor weather
• C. To manage bystanders
• D. To operate the hoist

Answer: (A)

Rapid Intervention Crews are a standby team trained to act immediately if a rescuer becomes a victim during ice rescue operations. Their main function is to be planned for and in place before operations begin, with equipment and a clear action plan ready so they can move in without delay to rescue a rescuer in trouble. This readiness minimizes exposure time and reduces risk to everyone involved.

Other options aren’t the primary focus of an RIC. Monitoring weather is typically handled by the command team or meteorology resources, not the intervention crew. Managing bystanders is a crowd-control task, not the job of the RIC. Operating the hoist is specialized equipment operation and would be handled by the appropriate technical rescue operators, not the standby intervention team.