Chapter #4

Question 1

What is surface water as defined in the context of surface rescue?
A. Water found only in oceans
B. Water moving at less than 1 knot, including various environments like ponds and flooded roads
C. Water that is always in a natural body
D. Water moving faster than 1 knot

Answer 1

B)

Question 2

T/F: Surface water includes all of the following; pools, beaches, ponds, lakes, rivers, urban floods, industrial accidents, and even flooded basements.

Answer 2

T

Question 3

Why is surface water potentially hazardous to rescuers and victims?
A. It always includes deep water
B. It is often extremely hot
C. It can be physically cold and cover a wide range of environments
D. It is always contaminated

Answer 3

C

Question 4

What is a major threat posed by surface water?
A. Drowning from heat exhaustion
B. Flooding, which causes significant property damage and fatalities
C. Structural collapses only
D. None; surface water is generally safe

Answer 4

B

Question 5

Why is preplanning important in water rescue operations?
A. It allows rescuers to skip PPE
B. It ensures rescue teams can identify hazards and choose safe access routes
C. It is only required during summer rescues
D. It replaces the need for field training

Answer 5

B

Question 6

What is the purpose of operations-level rescuers in water rescue?
A. They only observe and report
B. They only carry communication devices
C. They prepare meals for victims
D. They operate under technician-level rescuers and perform preplanning tasks

Answer 6

D

Question 7

How can weather forecasts assist in water rescue planning?
A. By preventing rescues from happening
B. By identifying the best vacation spots
C. By predicting how many rescuers are needed
D. By forecasting rain and temperature conditions that may lead to flooding

Answer 7

D

Question 8

What makes scene access a challenge in surface water rescues?
A. Roads and banks may be underwater or inaccessible
B. Boats cannot be used
C. Victims are usually indoors
D. Victims always signal their location

Answer 8

A

Question 9

How does GIS (Geographic Information System) assist in water rescues?
A. It cooks meals for rescue teams
B. It helps visualize terrain, hazards, and water movement patterns
C. It tracks rescuers in real time
D. It stores extra rescue supplies

Answer 9

B

Question 10

What type of PFD (personal flotation device) is most commonly used by fire and EMS frontline rescuers?
A. Type II near-shore buoyant vest
B. Type III vest-style PFD
C. Type V inflatable PFD
D. Type I offshore life jacket

Answer 10

B

Question 11

Why is it recommended that rescuers use a quick checklist before beginning a water rescue?
A. To ensure all gear is present and properly fastened
B. To reduce the number of team members needed
C. To meet marine navigation requirements
D. To comply with rescue insurance policies

Answer 11

A

Question 12

Which helmet characteristic is essential for water rescue operations?
A. Equipped with Bluetooth communication
B. Thermal insulation
C. Ability to drain water
D. Carbon fiber shell

Answer 12

C

Question 13

What is a common material used in the construction of drysuits for water rescue?
A. Wool blend
B. Kevlar
C. Latex or neoprene
D. PVC vinyl

Answer 13

C

Question 14

According to the material, what should rescuers avoid when wearing drysuits?
A. Wearing two layers of socks
B. Wearing jewelry or watches
C. Using a zipper seal
D. Using a rescue radio

Answer 14

B

Question 15

What is one common cause of damage to drysuits mentioned in the text?
A. Rain exposure
B. Improper zipper alignment
C. Folding the suit incorrectly
D. Clip-on knives carried in pockets

Answer 15

D

Question 16

What does the “OK?/OK!” hand signal involve?
A. Both arms forming a large “O” over the head
B. One hand waving side to side
C. Two fists crossed at the chest
D. Thumbs-up held at shoulder level

Answer 16

A

Question 17

How is the “Stop” hand signal performed according to the material?
A. Both hands cupped to the mouth
B. Arms crossed at the chest
C. One fist clenched with arm raised above the body
D. Arms waved side to side

Answer 17

C

Question 18

What should rescuers do if a victim is stable in the water and able to respond?
A. Use a helicopter for extraction
B. Wait for backup before any contact
C. Encourage verbal self-rescue
D. Enter the water immediately

Answer 18

C

Question 19

What is the best way to gather information from witnesses at the scene?
A. Ask structured questions about what they saw
B. Ignore them and use only instruments
C. Interview them only after the rescue
D. Ask about their profession

Answer 19

A

Question 20

What does a single whistle blast typically mean?
A. Give slack!
B. Emergency on shore!
C. Look at me!
D. Take up slack

Answer 20

C

Question 21

According to the National Center for Cold Water Safety, what water temperature is considered dangerous for humans?
A. Below 80°F
B. Below 70°F
C. Below 50°F
D. Below 60°F

Answer 21

B

Question 22

What is the purpose of whistle signals in surface water rescue?
A. To communicate among rescuers when verbal communication is not possible
B. To measure water temperature
C. To warn bystanders of danger
D. To signal helicopter evacuation

Answer 22

A

Question 23

What factor must rescuers evaluate before performing a water rescue?
A. The number of available life jackets
B. The water temperature and scene hazards
C. The color of the victim’s clothing
D. The time of day only

Answer 23

B

Question 24

What is the difference between active and passive search measures?
A. There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable
B. Active searches are for warm water, passive for cold
C. Active uses drones; passive uses boats
D. Active involves committed rescue actions; passive focuses on observation or reports

Answer 24

D

Question 25

Which slogan summarizes the traditional approach to water rescue? A. Reach, throw, row, and go B. Run, reach, and rescue C. Swim, scan, and save D. Wait, assess, and engage

Answer 25

A

Question 26

T/F: 4 whistle blasts means take up slack.

Answer 26

False 4 whistle blasts means send help!

Question 27

What is the primary purpose of using poles or similar probing tools in water rescue? A. To help victims climb out of the water B. To locate submerged victims or objects C. To measure the depth of the water D. To push debris out of the way

Answer 27

B

Question 28

According to the text, when should rescuers consider using a reaching technique? A. Only if the water is deeper than 10 feet B. If the victim is too far to throw a rope C. When the victim is near the edge and can grab an object D. When a boat is not available for rescue

Answer 28

C

Question 29

What item is mentioned as working well for reaching victims in pools and swimming sites? A. Tree branches B. Shepherd’s crooks C. Tow ropes D. Lifebuoys

Answer 29

B

Question 30

What is the threshold water temperature below which humans are considered at risk? A. 80°F B. 60°F C. 70°F D. 75°F

Answer 30

C

Question 31

What type of information might be gathered during an interview with a witness at a water rescue scene? A. The time of year B. The color of the water C. The specific location where the victim was last seen D. The type of footwear the rescuer was using

Answer 31

C

Question 32

What factor significantly affects team safety in water rescues on large bodies of water? A. The number of victims B. The clarity of the water C. The size of the water area D. The type of vegetation nearby

Answer 32

C

Question 33

What is the importance of “Survivability Profiles” in water rescue? A. They help determine rescue team schedules B. They predict how long a victim can survive in given conditions C. They indicate which tools to use D. They assess the cost of rescue operations

Answer 33

B

Question 34

What is the primary purpose of water-type recovery jaws? A. To detect underwater obstacles B. To pick up victims off the bottom of a body of water C. To retrieve rescue gear from the water D. To provide flotation to the victim

Answer 34

B

Question 35

Why is it important to keep the jaws of the recovery device coming up steadily? A. It keeps water flowing over the tabs and locks the victim inside B. It alerts other rescuers to the recovery location C. It makes the process faster D. It prevents the jaws from closing too quickly

Answer 35

A

Question 36

What is a major advantage of sonar units in water rescue? A. They require no training to use B. They allow rescuers to physically touch the victim C. They work well in murky water and can read large areas D. They are cheap and disposable

Answer 36

C

Question 37

What is a key problem with using drag hooks? A. They often snag the boat instead of the victim B. They damage the sonar equipment C. Rescuers may not realize how light a body feels on drag hooks D. They are difficult to transport

Answer 37

C

Question 38

What is the main use of throw bags in water rescue? A. Securing gear during rescue B. Throwing rescue lines to victims in water C. Anchoring boats in strong currents D. Identifying underwater hazards

Answer 38

B

Question 39

What feature allows throw bags to float on the water's surface? A. A small float in the bottom of the bag B. A built-in life vest C. A sealed waterproof casing D. The type of rope

Answer 39

A

Question 40

What style of throwing is often best when throwing from a low or awkward position? A. Two-handed toss B. Sidearm or grenade-style throw C. Underhand throw D. Overhand throw

Answer 40

B

Question 41

When repacking a throw bag, why must it be done properly? A. So it looks neat in the rescue kit B. To allow for slower deployment C. To prevent the rope from tangling in the air D. To keep the rope dry

Answer 41

C

Question 42

Why are watercraft considered ideal in surface rescue operations? A. They replace the need for rescue teams B. They require no training C. They are faster and safer than swimming D. They are easy to operate without fuel

Answer 42

C

Question 43

What is a key limitation of helicopters in water rescue? A. They only operate in daylight B. They are banned from surface rescues C. They are expensive and require special training D. They cannot reach remote water areas

Answer 43

C

Question 44

What is the purpose of a ring buoy as shown in Figure 4-19? A. To be thrown to a person in distress in water B. To keep rescuers afloat during helicopter extraction C. To be worn by swimmers during training D. To mark safe swimming zones

Answer 44

A

Question 45

What is the sidearm lob method used for, as shown in Figure 4-20? A. To retrieve victims using a rope system B. To deploy rescue divers C. To throw a ring buoy accurately during rescue D. To train lifeguards in swimming strokes

Answer 45

C

Question 46

According to the text, what should rescuers avoid when approaching a low-head dam? A. Using boats for upstream rescue B. Standing on top of the dam C. Diving over the dam edge D. Swimming directly into the recirculating water

Answer 46

D

Question 47

Which swimming stroke is considered effective but tiring for inexperienced swimmers, as shown in Figure 4-23? A. Forward crawl B. Dog paddle C. Sidestroke D. Backstroke

Answer 47

A

Question 48

What is the correct way to escape a rip current as depicted in Figure 4-24? A. Swim parallel to the shore B. Float in place until help arrives C. Dive underwater to break the current D. Swim directly back to shore

Answer 48

A

Question 49

What is the purpose of the defensive swimming position shown in Figure 4-25? A. To allow breathing while diving B. To conserve oxygen C. To allow fast movement through water D. To protect the rescuer from underwater obstacles

Answer 49

D

Question 50

What is a Stokes basket typically used for, as shown in Figure 4-26? A. Holding supplies during floods B. Flotation support during water rescues C. Transporting patients up slopes or out of water D. Carrying equipment to rescue sites

Answer 50

C

Question 51

T/F: all rescuers without a PFD in water deeper than their neck, or in water flowing with enough force to knock them off their feet, must make an effort to get back to shore immediately.

Answer 51

False Must make some sort of an effort to keep their head above water.

Question 52

T/F: The easiest way to stay above water is to float. Deep inhalations with the lungs will help provide buoyancy, as well as positioning the body face up and arching the back slightly.

Answer 52

True

Question 53

T/F: Drownproofing is completed by being a competent swimmer in water.

Answer 53

False Drownproofing is done by lying face down in the water, without moving, and letting the head, arms, and legs hang down limply.

Question 54

FAILURE Acronym (pg132) F

Answer 54

Failure to understand the water environment

Question 55

FAILURE Acronym (pg132) A

Answer 55

Additional medical concerns not considered

Question 56

FAILURE Acronym (pg132) I

Answer 56

Inadequate rescue skills

Question 57

FAILURE Acronym (pg132) L

Answer 57

Lack of teamwork and/or experience

Question 58

FAILURE Acronym (pg132) U

Answer 58

Understanding logistics of an operation

Question 59

FAILURE Acronym (pg132) R

Answer 59

Rescue versus recovery not considered

Question 60

FAILURE Acronym (pg132) E

Answer 60

Equipment not mastered

Question 61

T/F: With the large amount of rescuers that show up to a water incident, a simple straight pull up a bank is the easiest to quickly grab someone, in this instance there would be no need for a safety line.

Answer 61

False (pg 127) A simple straight pull up the bank is possible and tempting but a safety line must be installed and manned as the rope feeds through it.

Question 62

What is the primary purpose of a Prusik hitch in a rope system? A. To anchor the rescuer to the rope B. To provide a backup safety device in case of slippage C. To help guide the rope through pulley systems D. To allow rescuers to descend rapidly

Answer 62

B

Question 63

Which command is discouraged when using rope systems during rescue operations? A. "Lift" B. "Ready to lift" C. "Whoa" D. "Lower"

Answer 63

C

Question 64

What is a critical safety step before performing any rope evolution? A. Making sure the rope is new B. Checking anchor points visually C. Having one or more people check the system and safety devices D. Ensuring the victim is conscious

Answer 64

C

Question 65

What defines the termination of a surface water rescue incident? A. When the victim has been located B. When media coverage ends C. When all personnel and gear are accounted for and the scene is deemed safe D. When the water level decreases

Answer 65

C

Question 66

According to the text, why might rescuers experience fatigue during termination stages? A. They are usually untrained B. They are emotionally distressed C. They are often working longer shifts while others rotate D. They are unfamiliar with water hazards

Answer 66

C

Question 67

What is the function of the aerial ladder in aerial extrication operations? A. To pump water for firefighting B. To raise and lower equipment and personnel safely C. To illuminate the rescue scene D. To serve as a lookout point

Answer 67

B

Question 68

What equipment is essential when removing rescuers from the water, especially in deep silt or debris-filled areas? A. Helmets and radios B. Fins and snorkels C. Hip waders or drysuits with PFDs D. Thermal blankets and first-aid kits

Answer 68

C

Question 69

What is the main goal of postincident debriefing in water rescue operations? A. To identify individuals responsible for mistakes B. To train new responders C. To recap the mission, challenges, and results D. To evaluate the rescue gear condition

Answer 69

C

Question 70

What does CIS stand for in the context of rescue operations? A. Crisis Incident Summary B. Critical Injury Scene C. Critical Incident Stress D. Coordinated Incident Support

Answer 70

C

Question 71

Why is it recommended to wash water rescue gear with fresh water after use? A. To lubricate moving parts B. To decontaminate and remove dirt/mud C. To cool down the equipment D. To improve visibility of labels

Answer 71

B

Question 72

What is the best defense against contamination from dirty gear? A. Change uniforms every hour B. Use only disposable gear C. Wash hands immediately after handling gear D. Avoid touching gear altogether

Answer 72

C

Question 73

Why is mission analysis important in postincident analysis? A. It ensures that gear is properly packed B. It helps identify ways to improve future operations C. It avoids having to assign blame D. It replaces the need for official documentation

Answer 73

B

Question 74

What is a common issue during postincident cleanup? A. Not enough gear is available B. Decontamination is too expensive C. Rescuers are not protected during cleanup D. The gear is left behind at the scene

Answer 74

C

Question 75

What does postincident analysis help prevent in future rescues? A. Equipment malfunctions B. Legal investigations C. Repeating the same mistakes D. All of the above

Answer 75

C