Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV)
Here you'll learn about the role of a Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV). If you've ever wondered what an RIV looks like, where it's used or how big or small it is, you'll find out here.
What an RIV is
This is the smallest dedicated fire appliance in service. Because of its reduced size, it's able to respond far more quickly and more easily through traffic to incidents that don't require major attendance.
You'd find an RIV:
- attending incidents
- extinguishing smaller fires
- rescuing people from buildings
- pumping floodwater
- rescuing at Road Traffic Collisions (RTCs)
- at Special Service rescues.
What it looks like
Where it's used
There are currently 15 RIVs in service, including reserves, which are based strategically around the two counties.
How it's maintained
All vehicles and their equipment are maintained by the Fleet Maintenance team, who are based at one of four workshops throughout the two counties.
The only exceptions to this are the vehicle's communications systems (radio or mobile data links). These are maintained by the Communications department, which is based at Service Headquarters.
People who crew the vehicle
An OIC (which stands for Officer-In-Charge), a driver or pump operator and up to four other crew members.
Equipment on the vehicle
Each appliance carries a variety of tools and equipment to deal with the emergencies they face. The RIV's equipment includes:
- breathing apparatus
- water delivery capabilities
- multi-gas monitoring equipment
- a Thermal Imaging Camera (TIC)
- rescue or working from height equipment
- ladders (up to nine meters long)
- water rescue equipment
- hydraulic rescue equipment (used when attending RTCs).
The different types
- Iveco Daily/Emergency One.