OEC Technology & Digital Tools 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which satellite communication device sends a distress signal with GPS coordinates to NOSAR/COSPAS via dedicated emergency satellites?
- SPOT Gen4
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) (Correct answer)
- Garmin inReach Mini
- Satellite phone
Correct answer: Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
PLBs transmit a dedicated 406 MHz distress signal to COSPAS-SARSAT satellites, providing GPS coordinates to search and rescue authorities.
Question 2: When using a GPS device for navigation in avalanche terrain, which additional digital tool is most critical for OEC providers?
- A weather radar app
- An avalanche transceiver (beacon) (Correct answer)
- A satellite phone
- A digital altimeter watch
Correct answer: An avalanche transceiver (beacon)
An avalanche transceiver (beacon) allows searchers to locate buried victims via 457 kHz signal, making it essential alongside GPS in avalanche terrain.
Question 3: In the RECCO system used by ski patrol, what technology does the passive reflector use to assist in victim location?
- GPS triangulation
- Radar harmonic detection (Correct answer)
- RFID scanning
- Infrared thermal imaging
Correct answer: Radar harmonic detection
RECCO reflectors use passive harmonic radar technology — they return a doubled-frequency radar signal to the detector, revealing the victim's location.
Question 4: An OEC technician uses a pulse oximeter in a high-altitude environment. Which physiological effect of altitude most directly invalidates peripheral SpO2 readings?
- Increased cardiac output
- Peripheral vasoconstriction reducing perfusion (Correct answer)
- Hyperventilation raising pCO2
- Polycythemia thickening blood
Correct answer: Peripheral vasoconstriction reducing perfusion
Cold-induced peripheral vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to fingertips, causing poor signal quality and inaccurate pulse oximeter readings.
Question 5: Which app feature is most useful for an OEC provider coordinating a backcountry rescue with no cell service?
- Offline downloadable topographic maps (Correct answer)
- Social media check-in tools
- Online weather forecasts
- Cloud-synced contact lists
Correct answer: Offline downloadable topographic maps
Offline topographic maps (e.g., Gaia GPS, CalTopo) allow navigation and location sharing without cellular connectivity during backcountry rescues.
Question 6: When an OEC provider uses a two-way satellite messenger to request evacuation, which information is most critical to include in the initial message?
- Patient's insurance information
- GPS coordinates, number of patients, and chief complaint (Correct answer)
- Weather conditions at base camp
- Names of all rescue team members
Correct answer: GPS coordinates, number of patients, and chief complaint
GPS coordinates, patient count, and chief complaint give responders the location and situational awareness needed to dispatch appropriate resources.
Question 7: A digital wound documentation app is used by patrol. What is the primary advantage of photographing injuries with a timestamp at initial assessment?
- It replaces written SOAP notes entirely
- It provides objective baseline documentation for tracking wound progression (Correct answer)
- It automatically uploads to hospital EHR systems
- It eliminates the need for patient consent
Correct answer: It provides objective baseline documentation for tracking wound progression
Timestamped wound photos create an objective baseline that allows care providers to assess whether a wound is improving or deteriorating over time.
OEC Technology & Digital Tools 2
Which satellite communication device sends a distress signal with GPS coordinates to NOSAR/COSPAS via dedicated emergency satellites?