FDNY FDNY Technical Rescue Operations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In FDNY rope rescue operations, what is the minimum tensile strength required for a life-safety rope used for rescue according to NFPA 1983?
- 2,000 lbs (8.9 kN)
- 4,500 lbs (20 kN) (Correct answer)
- 9,000 lbs (40 kN)
- 20,000 lbs (89 kN)
Correct answer: 4,500 lbs (20 kN)
NFPA 1983 requires life-safety rope to have a minimum breaking strength of 4,500 lbs (20 kN) for general use rescue applications.
Question 2: During a structural collapse rescue, the FDNY uses a systematic victim search approach. What does the acronym 'LAST' stand for in collapse rescue?
- Locate, Access, Stabilize, Transport (Correct answer)
- Listen, Assess, Search, Treat
- Locate, Assess, Secure, Triage
- Listen, Alert, Stabilize, Tag
Correct answer: Locate, Access, Stabilize, Transport
LAST stands for Locate, Access, Stabilize, and Transport — the four sequential phases of victim rescue in a structural collapse operation.
Question 3: Which FDNY unit is specially trained and equipped to perform high-angle rope rescue, confined space rescue, and water rescue operations?
- Engine Company
- Ladder Company
- Rescue Company (Correct answer)
- Battalion Chief Unit
Correct answer: Rescue Company
FDNY Rescue Companies (Rescue 1–5) are the department's elite technical rescue units trained in high-angle, confined space, water, and structural collapse rescue.
Question 4: In confined space rescue operations, which atmospheric condition is most likely to cause sudden incapacitation of a rescuer who does not wear SCBA?
- Carbon dioxide concentration of 0.5%
- Oxygen concentration of 20.8%
- Oxygen-deficient atmosphere below 19.5% (Correct answer)
- Nitrogen concentration of 78%
Correct answer: Oxygen-deficient atmosphere below 19.5%
An oxygen-deficient atmosphere (below 19.5% O2) can cause rapid disorientation, loss of consciousness, and death, making SCBA mandatory for entry.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of a 'shore' in FDNY trench rescue operations?
- To pump water out of the trench
- To support the walls and prevent further collapse while rescuers work (Correct answer)
- To mark the boundary of the collapse zone
- To provide a platform for the rescue team to stand on
Correct answer: To support the walls and prevent further collapse while rescuers work
Shoring systems (timber, pneumatic, or hydraulic) are installed to support trench walls and prevent secondary collapse while rescuers access and remove the victim.
Question 6: In water rescue, what does the FDNY motto 'Reach, Throw, Row, Go' represent?
- The order of commands given to a drowning victim
- A progressive sequence of rescue techniques from least to most risk to the rescuer (Correct answer)
- The four types of water rescue equipment carried on apparatus
- The radio channels used during water rescue operations
Correct answer: A progressive sequence of rescue techniques from least to most risk to the rescuer
This progression describes water rescue methods in order of increasing risk to the rescuer: reach with a pole, throw a line, row a boat, and only then go in the water as a last resort.
FDNY FDNY Technical Rescue Operations 1
In FDNY rope rescue operations, what is the minimum tensile strength required for a life-safety rope used for rescue according to NFPA 1983?