How many personnel should be included in a second phase Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC)?

The correct answer is that a second phase Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC) should include four personnel. This composition is crucial for effectively responding to emergencies involving firefighters who may become trapped or lost.

Having four members in the crew allows for a balanced approach in both safety and capability. Two personnel can focus on the rescue operations while the other two can provide backup and maintain communication with the incident command structure. This ensures that there are enough personnel to perform the rescue, while also providing adequate support and situational awareness.

The RIC's primary role is to ensure the safety of firefighters on the scene, and this requires a team that is adequately staffed to manage various tasks simultaneously, including tending to the safety of the crew in distress and managing the overall scene. The concept of having four members maximizes efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring that the crew can perform their duties without compromising safety.