SRT Rescue Equipment and PPE 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A carabiner rated for rescue use must have a minimum gate-closed, major-axis load rating of:
- 10 kN
- 15 kN
- 20 kN
- 25 kN (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 25 kN
Rescue-rated carabiners must withstand a minimum of 25 kN on the major axis with the gate closed to meet NFPA 1983 Technical Use standards.
Question 2: In swiftwater rescue, wet suits and dry suits serve different purposes. A dry suit is preferred when:
- Water temperature is above 70°F and air temperature is warm
- Immersion time will be brief and the water is clean
- Water temperatures are below 60°F and extended immersion is possible (Correct answer)
- The rescuer will be operating from a boat rather than swimming
Correct answer: Water temperatures are below 60°F and extended immersion is possible
Dry suits provide thermal protection by keeping the rescuer's insulating layers dry, which is critical in cold water where hypothermia risk is high.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'pig tail' or pigtail attachment on a swiftwater rescue PFD?
- Provides an attachment point for a whistle and knife
- A short tether that connects the rescuer to a line for a live-bait or contact rescue (Correct answer)
- Loops used to clip gear to the PFD for accessibility
- A drag handle so rescuers can pull a swimming victim
Correct answer: A short tether that connects the rescuer to a line for a live-bait or contact rescue
A pigtail is a short tether on the PFD with a quick-release that allows a rescuer to be connected to a shore-based line during a live-bait rescue.
Question 4: Which knot is MOST commonly used to tie a throw bag line directly to a carabiner for a rope rescue system?
- Bowline
- Figure-8 on a bight (Correct answer)
- Clove hitch
- Munter hitch
Correct answer: Figure-8 on a bight
The figure-8 on a bight creates a secure, easy-to-inspect loop that is the standard for attaching rope to a carabiner in rescue systems.
Question 5: A rescuer's knife in swiftwater operations should be:
- A folding lock-blade stored in a pocket for security
- A fixed-blade knife with a blunt tip, accessible with one hand on the body or PFD (Correct answer)
- A serrated folding knife stored in the throw bag for emergencies
- A multi-tool with blade, pliers, and scissors for versatility
Correct answer: A fixed-blade knife with a blunt tip, accessible with one hand on the body or PFD
A fixed-blade knife with a blunt or rounded tip minimizes puncture risk and can be deployed one-handed, essential for cutting entangled rope quickly.
Question 6: What does a 'Z-drag' or 'Z-rig' haul system provide in a swiftwater rope rescue?
- A 3:1 mechanical advantage to haul a load with less force (Correct answer)
- A 6:1 mechanical advantage using a piggyback pulley system
- A releasable anchor for controlled lowering of a victim
- A self-tending belay that stops automatically if the haul team lets go
Correct answer: A 3:1 mechanical advantage to haul a load with less force
A Z-drag is a 3:1 mechanical advantage haul system that allows rescuers to move a heavy load or pinned boat with approximately one-third the force needed.
Question 7: When selecting eye protection for swiftwater rescue operations, goggles are preferred over glasses because they:
- Provide better UV protection in direct sunlight
- Seal against the face to prevent water intrusion during immersion (Correct answer)
- Are rated to a higher impact standard than safety glasses
- Allow better peripheral vision in fast-moving water
Correct answer: Seal against the face to prevent water intrusion during immersion
Goggles create a watertight seal that protects the eyes from debris and water intrusion during immersion, unlike open-frame glasses.
SRT Rescue Equipment and PPE 3
A carabiner rated for rescue use must have a minimum gate-closed, major-axis load rating of: