BASIC SAR EXAM (STUDY GUIDE 2) QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | LATEST STUDY GUIDE
2026/2027
ELEMENTS OF A SAR - correct answer ✔✔Preplanning• Initial contact• Call-out• Check-in•
Briefing• Assignment• Debriefing• Checkout• Return to service• Mission critique
Preplanning - correct answer ✔✔Resource lists should be up to date• Maps, vehicles, SAR ready
packs, ICS kits, flight gear should be prepackaged, labeled, in excellent condition, and ready to
goat a moment's notice• SAR caches should be inventoried, in order, and well stocked
Training - correct answer ✔✔SAR responders and managers must be qualified and current in
their skills• Training and/or scenarios should be conducted regularly
Initial Contact - correct answer ✔✔Keep the reporting party with you at all times• Get the
name, call-back number, and location of the reporting party if they are calling in there port by
phone• Assess the urgency of the report - Is it a true emergency?• Notify your supervisor
GOOD INTERVIEW SKILLS - correct answer ✔✔Maintain a good rapport• Ask open-ended
questions• Don't lead the witness• Let them talk at their own pace• Take copious notes (minute
details may become important as the search develops)• Keep an open mind when evaluating
information
WHY USE THE LOSTPERSON FORM? - correct answer ✔✔To determine:• Where to look• How to
look• Urgency• Whether special search resources are needed
Circumstantial - correct answer ✔✔Not substantiated
secondhand information - correct answer ✔✔Information passed on from someone else
2026/2027
ELEMENTS OF A SAR - correct answer ✔✔Preplanning• Initial contact• Call-out• Check-in•
Briefing• Assignment• Debriefing• Checkout• Return to service• Mission critique
Preplanning - correct answer ✔✔Resource lists should be up to date• Maps, vehicles, SAR ready
packs, ICS kits, flight gear should be prepackaged, labeled, in excellent condition, and ready to
goat a moment's notice• SAR caches should be inventoried, in order, and well stocked
Training - correct answer ✔✔SAR responders and managers must be qualified and current in
their skills• Training and/or scenarios should be conducted regularly
Initial Contact - correct answer ✔✔Keep the reporting party with you at all times• Get the
name, call-back number, and location of the reporting party if they are calling in there port by
phone• Assess the urgency of the report - Is it a true emergency?• Notify your supervisor
GOOD INTERVIEW SKILLS - correct answer ✔✔Maintain a good rapport• Ask open-ended
questions• Don't lead the witness• Let them talk at their own pace• Take copious notes (minute
details may become important as the search develops)• Keep an open mind when evaluating
information
WHY USE THE LOSTPERSON FORM? - correct answer ✔✔To determine:• Where to look• How to
look• Urgency• Whether special search resources are needed
Circumstantial - correct answer ✔✔Not substantiated
secondhand information - correct answer ✔✔Information passed on from someone else
