FCTC Reading Comprehension Skills 3

Question 1

Read the following:

'Rapid Intervention Teams (RIT), also called Rapid Intervention Crews (RIC), are dedicated crews assigned solely to rescue firefighters who become lost, trapped, or injured inside a structure. NFPA 1710 requires that a RIT be assembled and ready before interior firefighting operations begin. The RIT must be equipped with tools appropriate for rescuing a downed firefighter, including rescue rope, spare SCBA, and forcible entry tools.'

What does NFPA 1710 require regarding RIT according to the passage?

Accepted Answer

RIT must be assembled and ready before interior operations begin

Answer

RIT must enter the structure immediately upon arrival

Answer

RIT should be assembled after the fire is controlled

Answer

RIT carries only rope and SCBA equipment

Question 2

Read the following:

'Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by incomplete combustion. It binds to hemoglobin in the blood approximately 200 times more readily than oxygen, displacing oxygen and causing hypoxia. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. CO detectors should be installed on every level of a residence.'

Why is carbon monoxide particularly dangerous according to the passage?

Accepted Answer

It binds to hemoglobin far more readily than oxygen, causing oxygen deprivation

Answer

It is highly flammable and explosive

Answer

It has a distinctive smell that causes panic

Answer

It destroys lung tissue on contact

Question 3

Read the following operational bulletin:

'Effective immediately, all engine companies responding to residential structure fires will deploy a 1¾-inch attack line as the primary line. A backup 2½-inch line will be stretched simultaneously for large-room or fully involved scenarios. Incident commanders retain discretion to modify line selection based on conditions observed on arrival.'

Who retains authority to change line selection according to the bulletin?

Accepted Answer

The incident commander

Answer

The crew member first on scene

Answer

The department training officer

Answer

Any senior firefighter on scene

Question 4

Read the following passage:

'Turnout gear must be inspected after every use. Inspections should check for tears, burns, thermal damage, contamination, and compromised reflective trim. Gear that fails inspection must be tagged out of service and sent for professional cleaning or repair. Under no circumstances should damaged gear be returned to service without written authorization from the safety officer.'

What must happen before damaged gear can be returned to service?

Accepted Answer

Written authorization must be obtained from the safety officer

Answer

The firefighter must clean the gear personally

Answer

A senior firefighter must verbally approve its return

Answer

The apparatus officer must sign a form

Question 5

Read the following:

'The fire behavior concept known as 'flow path' describes the movement of hot gases and smoke from areas of high pressure and temperature to areas of lower pressure. Understanding flow path is critical — opening a door creates a bidirectional flow path where cool air enters low and hot gases exit high. Firefighters who position themselves in the flow path are at risk of being exposed to high-heat gases traveling toward an exhaust opening.'

What creates a bidirectional flow path according to the passage?

Accepted Answer

Opening a door

Answer

Starting a positive pressure fan

Answer

Cutting a hole in the roof

Answer

Activating a sprinkler system

Question 6

Read the following hazardous materials passage:

'The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) provides first responders with initial guidance for hazardous materials incidents. It is organized by UN/NA identification numbers and by chemical name. Each entry references a Guide Number that provides evacuation distances, fire and spill response actions, and health hazard information. The ERG should be consulted immediately upon arrival at any suspected hazmat incident.'

According to the passage, what two organizational systems does the ERG use?

Accepted Answer

UN/NA identification numbers and chemical name

Answer

Color code and chemical formula

Answer

Material Safety Data Sheets and DOT placard codes

Answer

Hazard class and response code