, Question 1
In search theory, which probability distribution is most appropriate for
modeling the location of a lost person when the subject's intended destination
is known but they are likely to have deviated due to terrain?
A. Uniform distribution
B. Normal (Gaussian) distribution
C. Bimodal distribution
D. Exponential distribution
Correct Answer: B - Normal (Gaussian) distribution
RATIONALE
A normal distribution models the likelihood of the subject being near
the intended destination with decreasing probability further away,
accounting for random deviation. Uniform assumes equal probability
everywhere, which is unrealistic; bimodal suggests two distinct likely
areas, not typical for a single destination; exponential is for
time-to-event data, not spatial location.
Question 2
A SAR team is navigating in a whiteout on a glacier. The compass bearing to a
known waypoint is 045° magnetic, but declination is 15° East. What is the true
bearing?
A. 030°
B. 045°
C. 060°
D. 015°
Correct Answer: C - 060°
Page 2
, RATIONALE
True bearing = Magnetic bearing + Easterly declination = 045° + 15°
= 060°. Adding westerly declination or subtracting easterly would be
incorrect. Options A and D result from misapplying the declination
sign, and B ignores declination entirely.
Question 3
During a swiftwater rescue, a team must perform a 'defensive swimming'
position. Which of the following best describes this technique?
A. Swimming aggressively upstream to reach a victim
B. Floating on back with feet downstream, using arms to steer
C. Diving underwater to avoid obstacles
D. Swimming diagonally across the current
Correct Answer: B - Floating on back with feet downstream,
using arms to steer
RATIONALE
Defensive swimming involves floating on the back with feet
downstream to fend off obstacles and using arms to ferry. Aggressive
swimming (A) is offensive and used for rescues, diving (C) is
dangerous, and diagonal swimming (D) is an offensive technique to
cross current.
Question 4
In incident command, which section is responsible for developing the Incident
Action Plan (IAP) and tracking resources?
A. Operations Section
B. Planning Section
C. Logistics Section
D. Finance/Administration Section
Correct Answer: B - Planning Section
Page 3
, RATIONALE
The Planning Section develops the IAP based on incident objectives
and tracks resource status. Operations executes tactical activities,
Logistics provides support, and Finance handles costs. This is a core
ICS distinction.
Question 5
A patient with suspected hypothermia is shivering violently and is alert.
According to current wilderness medical guidelines, which rewarming method
is most appropriate?
A. Active external rewarming with warm blankets and forced-air
B. Passive rewarming with insulation and warm environment
C. Immersion in warm water
D. Core rewarming with heated IV fluids
Correct Answer: B - Passive rewarming with insulation and
warm environment
RATIONALE
Mild hypothermia with shivering is managed by passive rewarming
(insulation, removal from cold, warm environment). Active external
rewarming (A) is for moderate hypothermia, immersion (C) is for
severe cases, and core rewarming (D) is for severe hypothermia with
cardiac instability.
Question 6
In rope rescue, which system provides a mechanical advantage of 3:1?
A. Simple pulley system with one fixed pulley
B. Z-rig
C. 3:1 piggyback
D. 4:1 block and tackle
Correct Answer: B - Z-rig
Page 4
In search theory, which probability distribution is most appropriate for
modeling the location of a lost person when the subject's intended destination
is known but they are likely to have deviated due to terrain?
A. Uniform distribution
B. Normal (Gaussian) distribution
C. Bimodal distribution
D. Exponential distribution
Correct Answer: B - Normal (Gaussian) distribution
RATIONALE
A normal distribution models the likelihood of the subject being near
the intended destination with decreasing probability further away,
accounting for random deviation. Uniform assumes equal probability
everywhere, which is unrealistic; bimodal suggests two distinct likely
areas, not typical for a single destination; exponential is for
time-to-event data, not spatial location.
Question 2
A SAR team is navigating in a whiteout on a glacier. The compass bearing to a
known waypoint is 045° magnetic, but declination is 15° East. What is the true
bearing?
A. 030°
B. 045°
C. 060°
D. 015°
Correct Answer: C - 060°
Page 2
, RATIONALE
True bearing = Magnetic bearing + Easterly declination = 045° + 15°
= 060°. Adding westerly declination or subtracting easterly would be
incorrect. Options A and D result from misapplying the declination
sign, and B ignores declination entirely.
Question 3
During a swiftwater rescue, a team must perform a 'defensive swimming'
position. Which of the following best describes this technique?
A. Swimming aggressively upstream to reach a victim
B. Floating on back with feet downstream, using arms to steer
C. Diving underwater to avoid obstacles
D. Swimming diagonally across the current
Correct Answer: B - Floating on back with feet downstream,
using arms to steer
RATIONALE
Defensive swimming involves floating on the back with feet
downstream to fend off obstacles and using arms to ferry. Aggressive
swimming (A) is offensive and used for rescues, diving (C) is
dangerous, and diagonal swimming (D) is an offensive technique to
cross current.
Question 4
In incident command, which section is responsible for developing the Incident
Action Plan (IAP) and tracking resources?
A. Operations Section
B. Planning Section
C. Logistics Section
D. Finance/Administration Section
Correct Answer: B - Planning Section
Page 3
, RATIONALE
The Planning Section develops the IAP based on incident objectives
and tracks resource status. Operations executes tactical activities,
Logistics provides support, and Finance handles costs. This is a core
ICS distinction.
Question 5
A patient with suspected hypothermia is shivering violently and is alert.
According to current wilderness medical guidelines, which rewarming method
is most appropriate?
A. Active external rewarming with warm blankets and forced-air
B. Passive rewarming with insulation and warm environment
C. Immersion in warm water
D. Core rewarming with heated IV fluids
Correct Answer: B - Passive rewarming with insulation and
warm environment
RATIONALE
Mild hypothermia with shivering is managed by passive rewarming
(insulation, removal from cold, warm environment). Active external
rewarming (A) is for moderate hypothermia, immersion (C) is for
severe cases, and core rewarming (D) is for severe hypothermia with
cardiac instability.
Question 6
In rope rescue, which system provides a mechanical advantage of 3:1?
A. Simple pulley system with one fixed pulley
B. Z-rig
C. 3:1 piggyback
D. 4:1 block and tackle
Correct Answer: B - Z-rig
Page 4
