The two-in/two-out method requires a two-person entry team and at least how many outside firefighters ready for rescue?

• A. One outside
• B. Two outside
• C. Three outside
• D. Four outside

Answer: (B)

The safety concept being tested is the setup for interior operations in hazardous environments: there must be a ready rescue backup outside whenever firefighters are inside. In practice, two firefighters are inside as the entry team, and there must be at least two outside who are prepared to act in a rescue or to relieve the interior crew if conditions deteriorate. Having two outside ensures a rapid rescue capability and supports accountability and protection for the interior team, without leaving the outside without enough personnel to perform a rescue or to maintain scene safety. While more than two outside can be used depending on the incident, two is the minimum required to provide an effective standby rescue capability.