Oregon SAR (WASCO) Flashcards
According to ORS chapter 404, who is legally responsible for Search and Rescue in
Oregon?
The sheriff of each county.
Who has the authority to close access to the search area?
The Incident Commander or a designated representative has the authority to close access to a search and rescue area.
What Legal Statute protects SAR personnel in a duty to act in that setting?
In Oregon, the primary legal statute protecting SAR personnel in their duty to act is the Oregon Good Samaritan Act (ORS 30.800).
The “Duty to Act” for a SAR volunteer means:
In Oregon, the “Duty to Act” for a SAR volunteer refers to the legal and ethical obligation they have to respond to a search and rescue mission when called upon by the appropriate authority (typically the Sheriff’s office or County Emergency Management).
This means that if a volunteer is available and qualified to participate in a rescue operation, they are expected to respond to the call for assistance.
When can you use mechanized equipment in a wilderness area?
Emergencies: Mechanized equipment can be used in emergency situations involving fire suppression, health and safety concerns, law enforcement pursuits, removal of deceased persons, or aircraft accident investigations.
Legal responsibility for the acts of others that are under your control or direction is called what?
Vicarious liability
When a search area would require entering private property, the SAR volunteer should?
Obtain permission from the landowner: The most important step is to get explicit consent from the property owner before entering. This can be done verbally or in writing. If the owner is not present, attempt to contact them by phone or other means.
Coordinate with law enforcement: If unable to obtain permission, or if the situation is urgent, SAR volunteers should coordinate with law enforcement. In some cases, law enforcement may be able to obtain a warrant for entry if there is probable cause to believe the missing person is on the property.
Document entry and search: It’s essential to document the entry onto private property, including the date, time, and reason for the search. This information can be useful for legal purposes and for debriefing after the search.
What type of clothing should be worn on SAR missions?
Layering:
Base layer: Moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry (e.g., merino wool or synthetic materials).
Insulation layer: Fleece or down jacket for warmth.
Outer layer: Waterproof and windproof shell to protect against the elements.
Visibility:
Bright colors: Choose bright colors like orange or red to increase visibility, especially in low-light conditions or dense vegetation.
Reflective elements: Reflective strips or patches can help you be seen at night.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots or shoes with good ankle support.
Headwear: Hat for sun protection or beanie for warmth.
Gloves: Depending on weather conditions, gloves can protect your hands and provide grip.
Pants: Consider pants made from durable materials like ripstop nylon or canvas. Some SAR teams recommend wearing pants with integrated gaiters to prevent debris from entering your boots.
Shirts: Long-sleeved shirts are generally preferred to protect against sun, bugs, and scratches. Look for shirts with breathable fabric.
Jackets: Depending on the weather, a lightweight rain jacket or a heavier insulated jacket might be necessary.
If a search member is injured, becomes lost or shows signs of an environmental illness
such as hypothermia, altitude sickness or heat exhaustion:
Assess the situation: Quickly evaluate the severity of the injury or illness and the immediate environment. Determine if the situation is life-threatening and requires immediate evacuation.
Provide first aid: If qualified, administer appropriate first aid to stabilize the injured or ill member. This may include treating for hypothermia, providing oxygen for altitude sickness, or cooling and hydrating for heat exhaustion.
Call for help: Immediately notify the Incident Commander or team leader of the situation. If necessary, activate emergency protocols and request additional resources, such as a medical team or helicopter evacuation.
Stabilize and monitor: While waiting for assistance, continue to monitor the injured or ill member’s condition and provide ongoing care as needed. Keep them warm, hydrated, and comfortable.
Evacuate if necessary: If the situation is critical or deteriorating, initiate evacuation procedures. Follow established protocols for transporting the injured or ill member to a safe location for further medical assessment and treatment.
Document the incident: Thoroughly document the incident, including the nature of the injury or illness, the first aid provided, and the actions taken to address the situation. This information is crucial for debriefing and future safety planning.
What are the three elements that are necessary for fire?
Heat: A source of ignition to raise the temperature of the fuel to its ignition point.
Fuel: Any combustible material that can burn, such as wood, paper, or gasoline.
Oxygen: This is necessary to sustain the chemical reaction of combustion.
What is the minimum amount of water that a SAR member should carry into the field on
a mission?
A general guideline is to carry enough water to last for 24 hours. This means having at least 2 liters (or about half a gallon) of water.
Some SAR teams recommend carrying a minimum of 3 liters (about 0.8 gallons) of water for any mission, regardless of the expected duration.
List as three methods to purify water in the field.
Boiling: The simplest and most reliable method. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at higher elevations) to kill most bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
Chemical Treatment: Using iodine tablets, chlorine dioxide tablets, or drops of bleach (unscented and without additives) can effectively disinfect water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and contact time.
Filtration: Portable water filters can remove bacteria, protozoa, and some viruses, depending on the filter type and pore size. Look for filters that meet EPA standards for microbiological purification.
Which of the previous three methods of water purification is most effective?
Boiling is generally considered the most effective method for water purification in the field.
The fundamentals of survival in a non-urban environment are:
Shelter: Protection from the elements (rain, wind, sun, cold) is crucial. This could mean building a temporary shelter, finding natural formations like caves or overhangs, or using a survival blanket.
Water: Staying hydrated is essential for survival. Knowing how to find, collect, and purify water sources like streams, rivers, or rainwater is critical.
Fire: Fire provides warmth, a way to cook food, purify water, signal for help, and can provide a psychological boost. Knowing how to start and maintain a fire in different conditions is vital.
Food: Foraging for edible plants, setting traps or snares for small animals, and fishing are potential ways to obtain sustenance. Knowledge of edible and poisonous plants is important.
Signaling: If lost or injured, being able to signal for help can be lifesaving. This could involve using a mirror to reflect sunlight, building a smoky fire, or using a whistle.
On a VHF radio, what does the frequency number (such as 146.5020 MHz) represent?
On a VHF radio, the frequency number (like 146.5020 MHz) represents the specific channel or wavelength that the radio transmits and receives signals on. This particular frequency is measured in megahertz (MHz) and falls within the “two-meter” band commonly used for amateur radio communication.
What does a Frequency length represent?
A frequency’s wavelength represents the physical distance between two consecutive peaks (or troughs) of a radio wave. It’s inversely proportional to the frequency, meaning higher frequencies have shorter wavelengths, and lower frequencies have longer wavelengths.
On a VHF radio, a stored frequency is called a what?
On a VHF radio, a stored frequency is commonly called a channel.
What is the function of a repeater?
A repeater is a combination of a radio receiver and a radio transmitter that receives a weak signal and re-transmits it at a higher power or on a different frequency, thus extending the range of radio communication.
What meant by the term “manual radio relay”?
“Manual radio relay” refers to a communication method where a person or team relays a radio message by:
Receiving: They receive a transmission from one source on a specific frequency.
Re-transmitting: They then manually re-transmit the message on a different frequency or to a different location that the original signal may not have reached.
How does weather affect the performance of the battery on your portable radio?
Cold Weather:
Reduced Capacity: Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions within the battery, reducing its overall capacity and shortening its lifespan. This means your radio may not last as long on a single charge in cold weather.
Slower Charging: Batteries also charge slower in cold temperatures, so it may take longer to recharge your radio.
Temporary Voltage Drop: Extreme cold can cause a temporary drop in voltage, leading to reduced performance or even shutting down the radio.
Hot Weather:
Accelerated Degradation: High temperatures can accelerate the chemical degradation of the battery, permanently reducing its capacity over time.
Increased Self-Discharge: Heat also increases the rate of self-discharge, meaning your battery will lose its charge faster even when not in use.
Risk of Overheating: In extreme heat, the battery could overheat, potentially causing damage or even posing a safety risk.
How does terrain and structures interfere with radio transmissions?
Terrain and structures can interfere with radio transmissions in several ways:
- Obstructions:
Line-of-Sight: VHF/UHF radio signals typically travel in a straight line (line-of-sight). Hills, mountains, buildings, and dense forests can block these signals, creating “shadow zones” where communication is difficult or impossible.
Diffraction: While radio waves generally travel in straight lines, they can bend or diffract around obstacles to some extent. However, this bending is limited and the signal strength weakens significantly as it diffracts.
2. Reflections:
Multipath Fading: Buildings, metal structures, and even bodies of water can reflect radio waves. This can create multiple paths for the signal to reach the receiver, causing interference and signal fading. The different paths can also cause the signal to arrive at slightly different times, leading to distortion and garbled audio.
3. Absorption:
Dense Vegetation: Trees and other vegetation can absorb radio waves, especially at higher frequencies. This is why it can be difficult to communicate in dense forests or jungles.
Building Materials: Some building materials, like concrete and metal, can also absorb radio waves, making it harder for signals to penetrate indoors.
Unless otherwise specified, radio transmissions during search missions should be in:
Unless otherwise specified, radio transmissions during search missions should be in plain English. This means avoiding codes, jargon, or abbreviations that might not be understood by all members of the team. Clear and concise communication is essential for effective coordination and safety during search operations.
When team members need to converse with one another during non-essential events
they should:
When team members need to converse with one another during non-essential events, they should:
Switch to a designated non-emergency channel: This helps keep the primary channels clear for critical communication related to the search operation.
Keep conversations brief and relevant: Be mindful of others who may need to use the radio. Avoid lengthy discussions or personal conversations that are not related to the task at hand.
Use appropriate language: Maintain professionalism and avoid using inappropriate or offensive language.
Follow established protocols: Each SAR team may have specific protocols for non-essential communication, so be sure to follow those guidelines.
One of the primary frequencies used in searches is the Oregon State SAR, known as
SAR Orange. This is:
The primary frequency used in searches in Oregon, known as SAR Orange, is 155.805 MHz FM.