SRT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield SRT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is a tethered swimmer used for in rescue operations? → To approach victims while connected to a rope system
2. Which PFD feature is most critical for swiftwater rescue operations involving entanglement hazards? → Quick-release buckles on all straps
3. What is the primary hazard of using a carabiner in the 'tri-loaded' or 'cross-loaded' orientation? → Loading across the minor axis dramatically reduces the rated strength, sometimes by 60-70%
4. When a patient is removed from cold water, rescuers should handle them with extreme care because: → Afterdrop can cause cardiac arrest as cold peripheral blood returns to the core
5. When sizing a personal flotation device (PFD) for swiftwater rescue operations, what is the most critical fit check? → Shoulder straps cannot be pulled above the wearer's ears when tugged upward
6. Which river feature creates the most consistent entrapment risk at ALL water levels, making it uniquely dangerous compared to natural hydraulics? → Low-head dams
7. During the chest assessment of a swiftwater trauma patient, absent breath sounds on the left combined with bowel sounds in the left chest suggests: → Diaphragmatic rupture with bowel herniation
8. A 'Stokes basket' used in swiftwater rescue must be modified by: → Adding flotation and drainage holes before use in water
9. A rescuer notices a second hazard (strainer forming downstream) not identified in the initial briefing. What is the correct protocol? → Immediately notify the Safety Officer or IC and update the IAP
10. In the SRT context, what is a 'knot-passing maneuver' relevant to in mechanical advantage haul systems? → Passing a mid-rope knot through a pulley without dropping the load
11. Which ICS position is responsible for coordinating medical care for both victims and injured rescuers at a swiftwater incident? → Medical Unit Leader (MEDL)
12. What is the primary reason that helical (spiral) currents form on the outside of river bends? → Differential velocity between surface and deeper water combined with centrifugal force
13. Which body area is most critical to insulate in cold-water swiftwater rescue to delay onset of hypothermia? → Core (torso and groin)
14. A SRT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing mechanical advantage & z-drag duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
15. What is the function of a 'progress capture device' (also called a ratchet or cam) in a haul system? → Prevents the haul system from slipping backward when the haul team rests
16. What is a strainer in a river environment? → An obstruction that lets water through but traps solids
17. When assessing a swiftwater victim's head during rapid trauma assessment, Battle's sign (bruising behind the ear) indicates: → Basilar skull fracture
18. Standing waves (haystacks) in a river are formed when: → Fast water enters a pool and decelerates, causing the water surface to oscillate
19. Which factor most directly causes an increase in a river's erosive power during flood conditions? → Exponential increase in velocity and discharge
20. In ICS radio protocol, what does the term 'over' signify? → You have finished speaking and await a reply
21. In swiftwater rescue, wet suits and dry suits serve different purposes. A dry suit is preferred when: → Water temperatures are below 60°F and extended immersion is possible
22. During a pre-use inspection, a rescue rope should be retired if it exhibits: → Any change in texture, stiffness, or diameter along its length, or visible core damage
23. During the extremity assessment in a rapid trauma assessment, which finding is LEAST immediately life-threatening? → Open tibia fracture with venous bleeding
24. When setting a rope across a river as a tag line, the rope should be rigged: → Angled downstream and sagging slightly above the water
25. What type of dry suit seal is most susceptible to tearing but provides the best watertight fit? → Latex rubber seals
26. To escape a keeper hydraulic, a swimmer should generally attempt to: → Dive deep below the recirculating surface current to find the downstream escape flow
27. The 'painter line' on an inflatable rescue boat refers to: → A short line at the bow or stern used for quick securing to shore or other craft
28. Cold water immersion most immediately affects rescue boat crew by: → Impairing fine motor skills and cognitive decision-making within minutes of immersion
29. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in inflatable & rigid hull boats to verify that SRT professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
30. When checking a swiftwater victim's pelvis during rapid trauma assessment, the correct technique is to: → Apply gentle inward and downward compression once to detect instability