SRT Rescue Equipment and PPE 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a swiftwater rescue PFD's crotch strap?
- Improve buoyancy in fast current
- Prevent the PFD from riding up and coming off the rescuer (Correct answer)
- Attach a tow tether to the vest
- Secure a knife sheath to the harness
Correct answer: Prevent the PFD from riding up and coming off the rescuer
The crotch strap prevents a Type V rescue PFD from riding up over the rescuer's head in strong current or during swims.
Question 2: Which throw bag rope material is most resistant to UV degradation and maintains strength when wet?
- Polyester
- Nylon
- Polypropylene (Correct answer)
- Kevlar
Correct answer: Polypropylene
Polypropylene floats, resists UV degradation well, and retains its strength when wet, making it the standard for throw bag lines.
Question 3: A swiftwater helmet should be retired when:
- It has been used for more than 200 hours on the water
- It shows any visible cracks, deep gouges, or has sustained a significant impact (Correct answer)
- The padding compresses more than 50% under hand pressure
- It is more than 3 years old regardless of condition
Correct answer: It shows any visible cracks, deep gouges, or has sustained a significant impact
Any visible structural damage or significant impact event compromises the integrity of a helmet and requires immediate retirement.
Question 4: What does a Sticht plate or figure-8 descender primarily provide in a swiftwater rescue system?
- Mechanical advantage for hauling victims
- Friction for controlled rope descent or lowering (Correct answer)
- A progress-capture device to prevent backslide
- A means to attach multiple lines to a single anchor
Correct answer: Friction for controlled rope descent or lowering
Friction devices like Sticht plates and figure-8s create controlled friction to manage descent or lower a load on a rope system.
Question 5: In swiftwater rescue, a 'quick-release' buckle on a tow tether is required so the rescuer can:
- Adjust the tether length while swimming
- Immediately detach from a victim or line before becoming entrapped (Correct answer)
- Connect to an anchor without tools
- Convert the tether to a static line
Correct answer: Immediately detach from a victim or line before becoming entrapped
The quick-release allows a rescuer to instantly shed the tether if it becomes snagged or if being towed by a victim creates a drowning hazard.
Question 6: Which of the following is the correct way to store a throw bag after use?
- Coil the rope tightly and secure with a velcro strap before stuffing in the bag
- Stuff the rope loosely into the bag from the bitter end first so it deploys without tangles (Correct answer)
- Repack starting from the carabiner end so it deploys toward the victim
- Daisy-chain the rope before placing it in the bag for quick deployment
Correct answer: Stuff the rope loosely into the bag from the bitter end first so it deploys without tangles
Stuffing the rope loosely from the bitter (non-throw) end ensures it feeds out freely during deployment without tangles or loops.
Question 7: What minimum buoyancy rating (in Newtons) is required for a Type V rescue PFD used in US swiftwater operations?
- 50 N
- 70 N
- 100 N (Correct answer)
- 150 N
Correct answer: 100 N
Type V rescue PFDs must provide a minimum of 100 Newtons (approximately 22 lbs) of buoyancy to meet US Coast Guard standards for rescue use.
SRT Rescue Equipment and PPE 2
What is the primary purpose of a swiftwater rescue PFD's crotch strap?