In a MAYDAY, which unit is responsible for performing the search and rescue and reporting progress to the IC?

• A. RIC
• B. Engine Company
• C. Ladder Company
• D. Medic Unit

Answer: (A)

In a MAYDAY, the priority is to locate and rescue the firefighter in distress, and the Rapid Intervention Crew is the unit assigned to that job and to report progress to the Incident Commander. This dedicated team stays ready outside the immediate interior attack, equipped and positioned to act quickly if a firefighter becomes trapped or incapacitated. Their mission is to conduct the interior search for the downed member, execute rescue operations, and continually communicate updates—location, status, obstacles, needs, and estimated times—to the IC so the overall incident can be managed safely and efficiently.

Engine and ladder companies remain integral to inside operations like search beyond the RIC’s rescue function, ventilation, forcible entry, and other tactical tasks, but the explicit rescue of a firefighter in distress and the ongoing progress reports to the IC are the responsibility of the RIC. The Medic Unit handles medical assessment and transport, not the primary rescue of a downed firefighter.