SAR TECH MIDTERM EXAM STUDY
GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% VERIFIED. JUST RELEASED
1. What does the term ‘Probability of Detection’ (POD) specifically refer to in SAR operations?
A. The statistical likelihood that the subject is in a specific search segment.
B. The ratio of the area searched to the total area of interest.
C. The probability that a search resource will locate the subject, provided the subject is in
the area searched.
D. The confidence level of the search manager in the search crew’s navigation.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: POD is a measure of search effectiveness; it is the probability
that the object will be found if it is in the area searched.
2. In the ICS system, what is the optimum span of control for a supervisor?
A. 3 to 5 subordinates
B. 5 to 10 subordinates
C. 1 to 3 subordinates
D. 5 subordinates
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While the range is 3 to 7, the optimum span of control in the
Incident Command System is generally considered to be 5 subordinates per supervisor.
3. Which type of search is characterized by a rapid, non-thorough check of high-probability
areas and travel corridors?
A. Hasty Search
B. Evidence Search
C. Grid Search
D. Saturation Search
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A Hasty Search (Type 1) is a fast-paced check of the most likely
locations, intended to find highly mobile or responsive subjects quickly.
4. If you are following a magnetic bearing of 090 degrees and the local magnetic declination is
10 degrees East, what is your True bearing?
A. 080 degrees
B. 100 degrees
C. 090 degrees
D. 110 degrees
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: To convert from magnetic to true with an East declination, you
add the declination (90 + 10 = 100).
5. In START triage, a patient who is breathing but unconscious is tagged with which color?
A. Green
B. Yellow
C. Red
D. Black
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In START triage, unconsciousness (altered mental status) with
respirations present indicates an Immediate priority, which is the color Red.
6. Which knot is preferred for joining two ropes of unequal diameter?
A. Square Knot
B. Figure-Eight Follow-Through
C. Sheet Bend
D. Double Fisherman’s Knot
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Sheet Bend is the standard knot for joining ropes of
different sizes; a square knot is unreliable for this purpose.
GUIDE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% VERIFIED. JUST RELEASED
1. What does the term ‘Probability of Detection’ (POD) specifically refer to in SAR operations?
A. The statistical likelihood that the subject is in a specific search segment.
B. The ratio of the area searched to the total area of interest.
C. The probability that a search resource will locate the subject, provided the subject is in
the area searched.
D. The confidence level of the search manager in the search crew’s navigation.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: POD is a measure of search effectiveness; it is the probability
that the object will be found if it is in the area searched.
2. In the ICS system, what is the optimum span of control for a supervisor?
A. 3 to 5 subordinates
B. 5 to 10 subordinates
C. 1 to 3 subordinates
D. 5 subordinates
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While the range is 3 to 7, the optimum span of control in the
Incident Command System is generally considered to be 5 subordinates per supervisor.
3. Which type of search is characterized by a rapid, non-thorough check of high-probability
areas and travel corridors?
A. Hasty Search
B. Evidence Search
C. Grid Search
D. Saturation Search
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A Hasty Search (Type 1) is a fast-paced check of the most likely
locations, intended to find highly mobile or responsive subjects quickly.
4. If you are following a magnetic bearing of 090 degrees and the local magnetic declination is
10 degrees East, what is your True bearing?
A. 080 degrees
B. 100 degrees
C. 090 degrees
D. 110 degrees
Answer: B
, Conceptual Explanation: To convert from magnetic to true with an East declination, you
add the declination (90 + 10 = 100).
5. In START triage, a patient who is breathing but unconscious is tagged with which color?
A. Green
B. Yellow
C. Red
D. Black
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In START triage, unconsciousness (altered mental status) with
respirations present indicates an Immediate priority, which is the color Red.
6. Which knot is preferred for joining two ropes of unequal diameter?
A. Square Knot
B. Figure-Eight Follow-Through
C. Sheet Bend
D. Double Fisherman’s Knot
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The Sheet Bend is the standard knot for joining ropes of
different sizes; a square knot is unreliable for this purpose.
