Emergency Services Search and Rescue Operations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the role of a 'search manager' in a SAR operation?
- To physically lead all field teams
- To coordinate all search planning, resource management, and strategy under ICS (Correct answer)
- To interface with the media on behalf of the family
- To provide medical care to rescued subjects
Correct answer: To coordinate all search planning, resource management, and strategy under ICS
The search manager coordinates the overall strategy, assigns search segments, tracks coverage, and manages resources within the ICS structure.
Question 2: What is 'grid searching' in SAR?
- Using GPS coordinates to navigate to a specific point
- A systematic method where searchers move in parallel lines across an area to ensure thorough coverage (Correct answer)
- A search pattern used only by helicopter teams
- Dividing a search area into quadrants on a map
Correct answer: A systematic method where searchers move in parallel lines across an area to ensure thorough coverage
Grid searching involves spacing searchers evenly and moving systematically across a defined area to maximize coverage and probability of detection.
Question 3: In water rescue, what does 'reach, throw, row, go' describe?
- Steps to deploy a rescue boat
- A priority sequence for water rescue, favoring non-entry methods before entering the water (Correct answer)
- The four types of water rescue equipment
- The chain of command for water rescue operations
Correct answer: A priority sequence for water rescue, favoring non-entry methods before entering the water
The reach-throw-row-go sequence prioritizes safer rescue methods (reaching, throwing a device, rowing out) before a responder enters the water.
Question 4: What is a 'go-kit' for SAR volunteers?
- A pre-packed bag with essential equipment needed to respond to an SAR mission immediately (Correct answer)
- A vehicle kit for SAR team leaders only
- A first aid kit kept at SAR base camp
- Software for rapid SAR planning
Correct answer: A pre-packed bag with essential equipment needed to respond to an SAR mission immediately
A go-kit is a prepared personal bag containing navigation tools, first aid supplies, communication devices, food, water, and gear for extended field deployment.
Question 5: What is an 'ELT' (Emergency Locator Transmitter) used for in SAR?
- Communicating between field teams and base
- Transmitting a distress signal to satellites to help locate downed aircraft or shipwreck survivors (Correct answer)
- Locating lost hikers via cell phone towers
- Tracking SAR team locations in real time
Correct answer: Transmitting a distress signal to satellites to help locate downed aircraft or shipwreck survivors
ELTs are devices installed in aircraft that automatically activate upon impact and transmit distress signals to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system for SAR coordination.
Question 6: What is 'confinement' in SAR planning?
- Holding a recovered subject for medical evaluation
- Establishing boundaries to prevent the subject from moving outside the search area undetected (Correct answer)
- Confining search teams to a specific grid
- Locking down an area after a crime-related disappearance
Correct answer: Establishing boundaries to prevent the subject from moving outside the search area undetected
Confinement uses road blocks, observers, and natural barriers to keep the subject within a defined search area and alert teams if the subject exits.
Emergency Services Search and Rescue Operations 2
What is the role of a 'search manager' in a SAR operation?