Search and Rescue (SAR) Certification Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• Which of the following is FALSE about crew mission debriefings?
• What is the approximate elevation at Point B?
• What is the general purpose of the SAR (Search and Rescue) operation?
• What is the contour interval on the topography map?
• What should SAR providers do if they discover potential evidence during a search?
• Select the answer that best reflects the priorities of life in order of importance.
• What should an Incident Action Plan include to ensure its effectiveness?
• After the avalanche passes harmlessly, the stage you enter when you feel weak and sit in the snow is known as:
• Loft is a term generally used to specify what aspect of sleeping bags?
• When climbing mixed rock and ice, when should you wear crampons?
• Which three fundamental skills are vital for Search and Rescue training?
• Maintaining a positive mental attitude during an emergency is crucial because it:
• Which practice is essential during the preplanning stages of a SAR mission?
• In terms of survival, what is your lowest priority?
• What is one of the primary factors influencing the spacing of searchers during an operation?
• What is a crucial aspect of a containment search that distinguishes it from other types?
• What should be done with water used for brushing teeth or gargling?
• How far apart would you report searchers were if instructed to maintain a 20-meter interval?
• A water knot is primarily used for which of the following?
• To navigate around an obstruction, after turning, what should your next movement be?
• Which of the following is a primary function of the Planning section in ICS?
• What is the approximate elevation at Point E?
• What should be the first step when encountering a waste disposal problem in the field?
• When traveling in a wooded area on a 24-degree bearing and turning right 90 degrees, what is your new bearing?
• What is a unit of linear measurement equal to the length of a step or stride called?
• What are three ways to document clues?
• What is the number one drawback of using down in a sleeping bag?
• Which group is generally imposed with the policy of "do no harm"?
• Sleeping bags are generally compared by what characteristic?
• Which characteristic is important to have in a water bottle?
• Approximately how long do most survival situations last?
• Which natural fiber material best maintains its insulative properties when wet?
• How is rescue defined in Search and Rescue?
• How can SAR providers ensure they are following ethical practices?
• In what situation does the ready pack become worthless?
• Which tracking method involves seeing each step while proceeding no further than the last visible track?
• In extreme environments, how much water might SAR providers require daily?
• What did T.J. Setnicka describe Search and Rescue as being fundamentally about?
• What does the "S" in the survival situation plan mnemonic stand for?
• When systematically circling a point last seen to track a subject, the crew is utilizing which technique?
• What is the approximate elevation at Point D?
• Why is the figure eight family of knots a good choice for rescue work?
• A waterproof, non-breathable shell layer is also referred to as a?
• In an area search, what defines the direction of travel for searchers?
• Feeling overwhelmed and having to take a moment to collect oneself in a critical situation refers to which stage?
• Which component is NOT a primary purpose of the Incident Command System?
• What is the best practice regarding biodegradable soap usage while bathing?
• Which skill is essential for desert Search and Rescue operations?
• What action must searchers take if permission is denied to search a property that is not posted?
• Which north arrow on a USGS topographic map points toward the North Pole?
• What can be used to create an artificial line that substitutes for a natural feature to provide guidance to search crews?
• Which eating utensil is NOT typically needed by SAR providers in their ready pack?
• What does map scale refer to?
• What do the brown lines represent on a woodland topography map?
• What is the primary ingredient in manufacturing rescue rope?
• To determine distances on a topographic map, you would use which feature located at the bottom of the map?
• Which of the following is NOT a type of trained human search resource?
• Which of the following is not one of the five primary ICS management functions?
• The highest priority in an emergency situation is:
• Which stage of behavior is most commonly recognized as the "fight or flight" syndrome?
• Upon arrival at an incident out of town, what is your first responsibility?
• Which shelter structure is known for being quick and efficient to set up in emergency situations?
• What does a closed contour line typically indicate on a topographic map?
• Which method of water purification allows for odor or flavor to gauge its effectiveness?
• What is a space-based radio-navigation system consisting of satellites and ground stations called?
• What is the main purpose of determining AMDR in search and rescue missions?
• During which phase should instructions on handling evidence or clues be provided?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the three characteristics on which clue detection is based?
• Why is it important for SAR providers to stay adequately hydrated during missions?
• Who is the federal SAR coordinator for all inland SAR operations?
• Where should a temporary spot for human waste disposal be located?
• If instructed to use "10-compass 15-30," what would your guide be?
• What type of consent allows a SAR provider to treat unconscious subjects?
• What is the purpose of spreading dry leaves in a shelter made in a rocky forest?
• What is a primary concern when traversing an avalanche-prone area?
• Which of the following can provide communications support during SAR missions?
• In an emergency, which factor should be addressed first according to survival prioritization?
• Why is it important to document clues in multiple formats?
• True or False: Injured subjects should never be assessed or treated before law enforcement arrives on the scene.
• Of the main types of rope construction in use, which is the most commonly used construction in rescue work?
• How should clues found in a search area be treated if there is a suspicion of a crime?
• What is the main goal of a tight grid searching technique?
• What is meant by magnetic declination?
• What is the correct sequence of stages in response to a life-threatening situation?
• What typical mistake should be avoided when planning for search and rescue missions?
• The tactics of route blocks, track traps, and patrols are referred to as what type of tactics?
• When securing an area overnight at a crashed plane site, how should human waste be disposed of?
• When carrying food on a SAR mission, what type do you NOT want to carry?
• What does the intermittent "blue" dashed line represent?
• Which component of a compass is primarily used to determine the direction?
• What role does pace counting play in the assessment of a search area?
• In the "7-Area-124" instructions, where can you find details about the spacing between searchers?
• In a survival situation, why is it recommended to use a tarp instead of constructing a shelter from natural materials?
• To prevent convective heat loss, air movement around the body must be:
• What is a primary goal of ICS during an incident?
• Common terminology in the ICS should be used for which of the following?
• What is the correct order of the terms in the mnemonic for finding answers in an emergency?
• What is the distinctive feature of iodine when used for water purification?
• What element is least likely to help in tracking?
• A searcher outside of their comfort zone is likely to experience:
• How can resources be categorized in SAR?
• In the survival situation plan, what does the letter "O" stand for?
• What is a key characteristic of an effective searcher when confronting the unknown?
• Which statement is true regarding wilderness travel and body weight?
• How is the "whole person concept" defined?
• Energy conservation and waste removal are two needs satisfied by:
• What does the Incident Command System refer to?
• When speaking with individuals not involved in a search, what should a competent searcher do?
• What is the minimum number of sources of water a SAR provider should carry?
• What type of units are FLIR (forward looking infrared) used for during SAR operations?
• Approximately what percent of the weight of most tents is attributed to the pole system?
• What does Cospas-Sarsat utilize to aid search and rescue efforts?
• The investigation performed by a sheriff's deputy is characterized as what type of search tactic?
• What factors influence the rate of heat transfer in clothing?
• Which of the following would NOT be considered a "pocket item"?
• If a SAR organization claims to provide services only through specially qualified members, which principle could be violated?
• The body's primary method of regulating its temperature involves finely adjusting the flow of heated blood between its core and periphery. True or False?
• In the context of SAR, what does the term 'clue' refer to?
• What is one effective way to improve the visibility of a signal for searchers?
• In search scenarios, what is a potential benefit of knowing your teammates' clothing colors?
• Which method of tracking utilizes a three-person team with a point person and two flankers?
• In a search operation involving "7-Area-124," where would you find instructions on the number of searchers in your control line?
• In desert SAR, knowledge of what factor greatly contributes to strategy?
• What was the purpose of the SAR TECH certification criteria developed by NASAR?
• During a survival scenario, what is a common reason for not using natural materials to construct a shelter?
• Which of the following is NOT included in the Citizens Corps programs?
• When crossing a stream, which technique is NOT recommended?
• What is the expected behavior of a guide person in a search formation?
• What is the main goal of using formations like "10-guide right-30" and "5-guide right-30" during search operations?
• What is the impact of a full pack on a SAR provider?
• Where can an available resource's reporting location, time, and likely length of mission be found?
• For determining navigation routes, which tool is primarily used to correct magnetic declination on a map?
• In an emergency, the necessities of life should be prioritized in terms of:
• What is a significant advantage of GPS units?
• What is the optimal length-to-width ratio for signals made to attract aerial searchers?
• What is a means of controlling fear?
• Water is a higher priority in an emergency than:
• True or False: The clothing layer should saturate and encourage the evaporation of perspiration.
• What is a "bend" knot made by?
• What advantage does the step-by-step method of tracking provide?
• On a search crew, who is responsible for tracking the crew's whereabouts in relation to the search area?
• Webbing can be used by rescuers for which of the following purposes?
• What is the approximate elevation at Point A if it is indicated to be between 740 to 760 feet?
• A hasty search primarily focuses on what aspect of the search process?
• As a searcher, you should expect ALL of the following EXCEPT:
• Which statement about competent searchers is FALSE?
• Which of the following is NOT part of necessary preplanning and preparation?
• What do Good Samaritan Laws generally provide for SAR providers?
• The National Search and Rescue Supplement (NSS) supplements which manual?
• In an incident with many kinds of resources, how many incident bases may be established?
• What is the primary purpose of HIPAA standards?
• In tracking, what does the term "evidence" primarily refer to?
• What phrase can "Positive mental attitude" also be referred to as?
• In the geographic coordinate system, which way do parallels run?
• Which of the following describes the Command function in the ICS?
• What material is typically used in the stuffing of high-quality sleeping bags?
• What is one advantage of having a metal bowl or cup?
• What does the National Search and Rescue Plan ensure compliance with?
• Which type of insect repellent is most often recommended?
• How deep should a spot for human waste disposal be dug?
• Determining the probability of detection helps us to:
• When facing a survival situation, which human need is often overlooked during initial response?
• In a scenario where two searchers face identical adverse conditions, what is the most likely factor contributing to the second searcher's survival?
• When choosing boots for SAR work, what is NOT an important consideration?
• Why would taking cover in the shadows beneath a rock overhang be preferred over building a shelter in the desert?
• What does the direction-of-travel arrow on a compass indicate?
• Ideally, insulating ground pads should be:
• Which of the following are reasons to have a SAR ready pack?
• Cordura® is a type of?
• When comparing sleeping bags, why is loft an important factor?
• What does not qualify as an effective strategy to expand one's comfort zone?
• Is it necessary for every incident to have a written Incident Action Plan?
• What does the standardization of job titles in ICS help to identify?
• What color is the least often occurring in a natural environment?
• What is the recommended procedure for waste disposal in emergency configurations?
• If you travel on a course heading at 29 degrees for 50 paces, followed by 263 degrees for 63 paces, what would your return heading and paces be for Leg 1?
• What do hatchures on contour lines indicate?
• True or False: Polyester fibers are hollow, don't absorb moisture, and are poor at wicking moisture.
• What is the name of the line that indicates the starting points for each crew member in an area search?
• Which type of sleeping bag shape is considered the most efficient in design?
• Which statement about a crew mission briefing is FALSE?
• Who offers the CERT course?
• When selecting a flashlight for SAR work, what type of light is preferred?
• When encountering steep slopes, what method is recommended for traversing?
• How does body protection equipment aid SAR providers?
• Which of the following pieces of information from a subject profile may help predict the behavior of a lost person?
• What is considered the best treatment for snake bites?
• Check-in may occur at which of the following locations?
• What is one step that a SAR provider could take to maintain their necessary fluid level?
• When search management has exhausted resources without finding the subject, what tactic might they use involving previous search areas?
• What is defined as following someone or something by stringing together a continuous chain of their sign?
• You are hiking on a 24-degree magnetic bearing and turn right 90 degrees to go around an obstacle. What is your new compass bearing?
• What is the purpose of an Incident Action Plan?
• According to the Provisional International Civil Aviation Organization, what is the essence of search and rescue?
• If left untreated, what can frostnip lead to?
• What are the recommended five layers of clothing for SAR providers?
• What is a crucial step in the treatment for all heat-related injuries?
• The prepared searcher seeks to expand their comfort zone through:
• What do close contour lines on a topographic map indicate?
• What survival step is crucial when dealing with hypothermia risk in a shelter?
• In SAR, what is defined as a qualified asset that is ready for use or can be drawn upon for aid?
• What is the primary function of Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELTs)?
• Which of the following is likely to affect the performance of a SAR provider on a mission?
• What initiative does the National SAR Committee (NSARC) oversee?
• What type of environment is typically considered challenging for searchers due to heavy undergrowth?
• What is the best item to use for water purification if iodine tablets are not available?
• If a SAR provider encounters a conscious, mentally incompetent adult with nonlife-threatening injuries, what determines their authority to treat and transport?
• In a "10-guide right-30" formation, in which direction is your guide person positioned?
• What does the mnemonic STOP represent in an emergency?
• When in a survival situation, what is a significant cause of fluid loss through sweating?
• Who usually conducts crew mission debriefings?
• What is the recommended distance that searchers should maintain between each other on most trails?
• What is the weight of fresh water per gallon?
• If you fall into fast-moving water, what should you do?
• When should supplies for human waste disposal be checked or replenished?
• Which of the following equipment would not be suitable for SAR work?
• How is AMDR (average maximum detection range) determined during a search and rescue operation?
• What is the primary goal of constructing a shelter during search and rescue missions?
• What forms of travel may be required during SAR incidents?
• What type of search involves a skilled crew moving quickly over terrain to locate a subject?
• Which search technique aims for the location of very small objects while maintaining a strict chain of custody?
• Who has the ultimate responsibility for coordinating civil SAR services in the U.S.?
• On a search crew, what is the title of the person acting as a "scribe" and recording the chronology of events?
• Is cotton an appropriate material for SAR providers to wear?
• On a 1:24,000 scale map, one inch is equivalent to how many feet?
• What is the back azimuth of a course heading of 275 degrees?
• In a backcountry trail emergency, if night is falling and temperatures will drop quickly, what is your highest priority?
• What term describes a rope used specifically to support individuals during a rescue?
• On a search crew, who is responsible for maintaining information about the distance traveled in relation to the search area?
• What is the definition of search in the context of Search and Rescue?
• What is the magnetic bearing calculated from a true bearing of 180 degrees with a declination of 8 degrees east?
• Which type of beacon is typically associated with maritime safety?
• Where should bathing take place in the field?
• What is the daily caloric intake recommended for an average SAR provider weighing 165 pounds?
• Which practice is least likely to help expand the comfort zone?
• In what direction does the direction-of-travel arrow on a compass point?
• At what stage of a SAR incident should personal equipment be checked and prepared?
• What essential qualities are required for effective tracking?
• In a life-threatening situation, managing stress is important to:
• What type of search is conducted when one only has one chance and must be thorough because environment disruption can hinder future searches?
• What is the difference between an azimuth and a back azimuth?
• Which of the following methods is NOT a means to control fear?
• When is an Incident Action Plan typically developed?
• The "searcher cube" pattern of observation involves what type of awareness?
• If the declination diagram on a map shows a magnetic declination of 9 degrees west, what would your corrected compass heading be if you follow a 355-degree magnetic heading?
• In a contour map, what indicates areas of steep terrain?
• How do aluminum carabiners compare to steel ones?
• What may influence the standard of care among SAR providers?
• An imaginary line connecting points where the magnetic declination is zero at a given date is known as what?
• Which type of knife is considered better suited for SAR work?
• In a "5-guide right-30" formation, what is the average distance to place between searchers?
• In a challenging search area with dense undergrowth, what is the term for the greatest typical distance at which a crew member could see a clue?
• What are essential elements of the Incident Action Plan?
• What is the recommended duration one can typically survive without water?
• What term refers to the normal environment and behaviors in which a person operates?
• Which officer within the Command Staff is primarily responsible for ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in an incident?
• What action can hinder a crew member's ability to operate effectively at night?
• Who does the Resource Unit Leader report to in the Incident Command System?
• Why is it important to pack out waste in the field?
• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are primarily intended for which audience?
• Which department is responsible for developing a National Response Plan (NRP)?
• Which of the following does NOT help increase warmth in a sleeping bag?
• What should be your immediate action when lost in the wilderness to ensure personal safety?
• How should articles of waste, such as leftover food, be disposed of in the field?
• When is it appropriate to bathe or rinse your feet in the field?
• What distinguishes a Task Force from a Strike Team?
• Which of the following roles constitutes the Command Staff in an ICS?
• What is the term for the loss of heat to the environment?
• In what situation would implied consent apply in a SAR mission?
• What does engagement in SAR training usually aim to improve among members?
• Which sleeping bag feature can restrict movement but provide more warmth?
• When using a "trench" latrine, what should each user do?
• Where should heavy items be positioned in your pack for optimal balance?
• Which element is NOT essential in a 24-hour SAR pack?
• What phase of the threat response includes thinking about possible actions and options?
• Which of the following is NOT considered an indirect search tactic?
• Which type of pack is recommended for SAR work?
• In multi-agency and multiple jurisdiction incidents, how many Incident Commands may there be?
• How many feet are equivalent to one mile?
• How is a back azimuth calculated if the azimuth is less than 180 degrees?
• What is the primary purpose of the U.S. National Search and Rescue Plan (NSP)?
• After passing an obstruction while hiking, you need to turn left for a compass heading of 24 degrees. How far should you walk before turning again?
• The stage of the human response to a life-threatening situation characterized by muscle tightening, quickening pulse, and adrenaline flow is called:
• Why should SAR personnel know about local wildlife when operating in a given area?
• What are the three types of deserts?
• In wilderness search and rescue, thermal imaging devices can sense what type of heat?
• How often should searchers take breaks during a mission?
• During a life-threatening situation such as an avalanche, what is the first stage of response when hearing a crack on the mountain?
• Check-out occurs:
• Who is responsible for providing directional guidance to searchers during an assignment?
• How can a searcher effectively maintain their spacing on a control line?
• The strong physiological and psychological reaction to danger is often referred to as:
• What role does environmental analysis play in clue detection?
• What does the Logistics function in ICS primarily focus on?
• What factor is NOT typically considered when forming a search strategy?
• What is the area called where the victim was last known to be?
• When navigating difficult terrain, what is the best practice regarding your pace?
• What must be done to correct magnetic west declination when converting from a compass to a map?
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are designed for which type of application?
• What percentage of successful survival experiences last over 3 days?
• When is it easiest to see tracks?
• What search tactic involves crew members moving laterally and forward within their assigned search lanes?
• Which organization is primarily involved in international search and rescue operations?
• Why is it important to practice emergency communication techniques in SAR?
• What search technique is characterized by narrow parallel lanes and a focus on thorough coverage?
• What is the most desirable place to be during a thunderstorm?
• What is the function of the Mission Control Center (MCC) in SAR efforts?
• What role does a Local User Terminal (LUT) play in search and rescue operations?
• What does the term 'type of resource' in ICS refer to?
• What does "kernmantle" refer to?
• What type of organization is the National Association for Search and Rescue?
• Why is the 24-hour pack considered important for SAR providers?
• When using carabineers for rescue work, what is one of the primary considerations?
• Who is responsible for ensuring that crew tasks are conducted properly on a search crew?
• What do contour lines indicate?
• Which of the following is NOT one of the five types of clues?
• What is a disadvantage of a rectangular sleeping bag compared to a mummy bag?
• If you have traveled 200 meters on a bearing of 0 degrees and then 400 meters on a bearing of 90 degrees, can you return to your starting point? What course would you take?
• When transporting patients in a litter, you should do which of the following?
• If a crew leader instructs to "guide right," which direction will the crew maintain?
• In which part of the "7-Area-124" instructions might you find a compass bearing for direction of travel?