You might have definitely heard about ambulances. However, not everyone might have heard about rapid intervention vehicles (RIV). A rapid intervention vehicle can be described as a small airport firefighting vehicle especially suited for quick and safe operation in heliports and small airports. This vehicle prototype quickly demonstrates the limit of its possibilities thanks to its sturdy chassis and components that operate without a hitch. It is the ideal all-around tool for any airport fire department thanks to innovative product ideas. Airports and airfields might encounter threats of fire from time to time. They need to be protected from this threat, as the collateral damage that will take place on the occasion of a fire will be dire. In such circumstances, a large fire truck might be inconvenient. The need for small airport firefighting trucks has increased recently due to this. Compared to large fire engines, they are simple to use. RIV are lightweight, quick-reaction vehicles supported by sturdy chassis and made with top-quality components.
Besides fire threats in airports, such vehicles can also help in road accidents. Some fire and rescue departments offer two stages of assistance for crashes involving motor vehicles. A RIV is particularly designed to carry carefully selected equipment, such as hydraulic rescue equipment like combi tools, and consists of fewer employees that will aid the emergency. Prior to beginning the “Team Approach” and obtaining access to patients on the scene, the crew’s responsibility is to guarantee that a safe method of work and strategic planning is developed. To accomplish the extrication, RIV will rush to the scene swiftly and help with the emergency at hand. However, they are not created at an industrial scale. They are usually seen in smaller automobiles such as pickup trucks. They are seen to have a tank capacity of about 700 to 1000 liters.
Some of the main features of RIV are that they can be equipped with water/foam-based firefighting systems, extrication tools, DCP or CO2 as well as medical equipment. It is possible to install firefighting systems with low pressure or high pressure. On request, the equipment can be added. These vehicles are specifically developed for the application required for quick intervention on the road or at an airport. These vehicles use the smallest dedicated fire apparatus.
Due to its smaller size, it can respond to minor accidents that don’t call for big fire trucks. They are also much faster and easier to get through traffic. They can get to the scene of the emergency much faster and help with whatever is needed. Even though RIV are known for their small size, there are larger RIVs too. Although it can be employed in other firefighting scenarios, the RIV is primarily intended to be a collision response vehicle. Due to its ability to pump and roll, the RIV has a lot of potential for putting out wildland fires. The truck’s two 200-foot hand lines enable firemen to undertake interior firefighting and rescue operations while within an airplane. Additionally, it includes extending LED floodlights that can illuminate the area.
Some of the occasions RIV are found are: in the case of small fires. It can be anywhere. The fire that starts in airports is especially attended by rapid intervention vehicles. Small cases of fires in buildings or in public areas might also be attended by these RIVs. They also aid in road accidents. In instances of car crashes where passengers get trapped inside the vehicle, these RIVs are called for rescue. They save lives in traffic collisions as well. RIV are called to pump the water out of public spaces and roads in the event of a flood. They can also be seen being instrumental in special service rescues.
RIV are mostly known for their swift acceleration and quick intervention. These vehicles are great at the time of emergencies and they can get to the scene immediately and help with whatever is going on. The vehicles possess heightened stability so that they can be useful in situations that are dire. RIVs are built differently than normal cars. They are built with high-quality materials and are more than capable of delivering effortless performance even on challenging terrains. Since RIV are mostly used in airports in the case of a fire or any threat of fire that might potentially take place, they are specifically created using cutting-edge firefighting equipment.
RIV are constructed with twin-axle, permanent all-wheel drive, and dual-tire vehicle chassis which is usually done by American manufacturers. The vehicles can have additional systems, such as optional dry powder units and CO2 systems. Usually, there are two types: a 2-door single cab for two persons and a 4-door double cab for five persons. The compressed air breathing apparatus system can be stored in stowages on the back row of seats. According to American standards, both engine types as well as the gasoline engine with 326 hp and the diesel engine with 300 hp can be chosen.
In the initial stages of the rescue, there will typically be fewer resources available when it comes to RIV responding. However, the same guidelines still hold true, and the Team Approach should be used as much as possible given the resources at hand. The selection of tools and equipment for fast intervention attendance is essential since smaller vehicles are used; size and weight are vital considerations, and it must be made sure that the tools needed to complete the necessary activities are on hand and available throughout.
Although it is frequently discussed, rapid intervention is rarely defined. It is growing increasingly widespread throughout the world and gives fire and rescue services another way to deploy personnel and equipment while also altering the kind and size of the vehicle that responds initially. In order to access the patient during this transformation, rescuers frequently need to use lightweight, small, yet powerful instruments. Although Rapid Intervention necessitates having fewer personnel and pieces of equipment on the scene early in the rescue, the Team Approach still holds true. The crew that is operating the RIV should be aware of the precise goals of the Rapid Intervention response, and Incident Commanders are responsible for determining the crew’s top priorities, briefing them appropriately, and supervising the arrival of additional resources to maintain productivity. Last but not least, it must be kept in mind that such a vehicle must include numerous agencies on the scene and that it cannot increase extrication timings; 20 minutes or less is still the goal, and the patient’s dynamic condition must drive all extrication plans and activities. RIV have revolutionized fire and rescue services. This vehicle has enabled swift access to the scene and made the process much easier. Contact us to know more about RIV