SRT Rescue Techniques and Operations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing a live-bait rescue in swiftwater, which body position should the rescuer maintain while being swept downstream?
- Face down, arms extended forward
- On their back, feet downstream, toes up (Correct answer)
- On their side to reduce drag
- Vertical with arms raised above water
Correct answer: On their back, feet downstream, toes up
The defensive swimming position—on your back with feet downstream and toes up—protects the rescuer from foot entrapment and allows them to push off rocks.
Question 2: A 'strainer' in swiftwater rescue terminology refers to:
- A filter used to purify rescue water supplies
- An obstruction that allows water to pass through but traps solid objects (Correct answer)
- A type of hydraulic feature at the base of a drop
- A knot used to tension a highline system
Correct answer: An obstruction that allows water to pass through but traps solid objects
Strainers (e.g., fallen trees, rebar, fences) are among the most lethal swiftwater hazards because water flows through while a victim is pinned against them by hydraulic force.
Question 3: What is the primary advantage of a vector pull (V-pull) when extracting a pinned boat?
- It eliminates the need for mechanical advantage systems
- It multiplies force by creating a perpendicular angle on the tensioned line (Correct answer)
- It requires only one rescuer to operate safely
- It prevents rope abrasion on sharp rocks
Correct answer: It multiplies force by creating a perpendicular angle on the tensioned line
A vector pull applies a perpendicular force to a tensioned line, creating significant mechanical advantage that can multiply the input force several times over.
Question 4: During a helicopter rescue over moving water, the primary hazard of static discharge is mitigated by:
- Wearing rubber-soled boots
- Allowing the rescue line or basket to ground in the water before touching it (Correct answer)
- Keeping both hands on the aircraft skid
- Using a non-conductive throw bag line
Correct answer: Allowing the rescue line or basket to ground in the water before touching it
A hovering helicopter builds up significant static charge; allowing the line or basket to touch water or ground first dissipates that charge before rescuers touch it.
Question 5: Which knot is most commonly used to tie a tensionless hitch for anchoring in a swiftwater highline system?
- Figure-eight on a bight
- Bowline
- Munter hitch
- Tensionless wrap (tree saver) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Tensionless wrap (tree saver)
The tensionless hitch (multiple wraps around an anchor with a locking carabiner) preserves nearly full rope strength because the load is distributed across the wraps rather than a single knot.
Question 6: In swiftwater rescue, the term 'hydraulic' (or 'hole') describes a feature where:
- Water pressure forces a victim to the riverbed
- Recirculating water below a drop creates a powerful backwash cycle (Correct answer)
- A narrow channel accelerates current to dangerous speeds
- Submerged rocks create unpredictable eddy currents
Correct answer: Recirculating water below a drop creates a powerful backwash cycle
Hydraulics form when water pours over a drop and the surface flow recirculates back upstream, trapping and tumbling victims in a washing-machine cycle.
Question 7: When sizing a personal flotation device (PFD) for swiftwater rescue operations, what is the most critical fit check?
- The PFD color is high-visibility orange or yellow
- Shoulder straps cannot be pulled above the wearer's ears when tugged upward (Correct answer)
- The PFD has at least two chest buckles
- The foam panels extend below the waist
Correct answer: Shoulder straps cannot be pulled above the wearer's ears when tugged upward
If a PFD can be pulled over the head when tugged upward at the shoulders, it will float off an unconscious victim in the water, rendering it useless.
SRT Rescue Techniques and Operations 2
When performing a live-bait rescue in swiftwater, which body position should the rescuer maintain while being swept downstream?