RRC Rope Systems & Throw Bag Techniques 3

Question 1

In a 'live bait' rescue, the rope is attached to which point on the rescuer's body?

Accepted Answer

Waist, using a quick-release PFD tow belt

Answer

Wrist, using a quick-release cuff

Answer

Chest harness with a locking carabiner

Answer

Ankle, to keep the rescuer horizontal in current

Question 2

What is the primary safety hazard when using a fixed rope (line) for assisted wading rescues in swift current?

Accepted Answer

The rope can pin a rescuer against a submerged obstacle if they fall

Answer

The rope creates a trip hazard on shore

Answer

Fixed lines reduce team communication

Answer

Ropes absorb water and become heavier than rescuers can manage

Question 3

What does the term 'rope entrapment' mean in a swiftwater rescue context?

Accepted Answer

A person becoming caught or pinned by a rope under hydraulic pressure

Answer

A rescue rope becoming knotted inside a throw bag

Answer

A rope becoming fouled in a mechanical pulley system

Answer

Excessive rope coiled in a rescue boat that can snag crew

Question 4

A 'vector pull' technique applies force to a tensioned rope perpendicular to its length. What is its practical use in river rescue?

Accepted Answer

To shift a pinned boat or object using minimal force by deflecting the midpoint of the rope

Answer

To increase the speed of a swimmer being towed

Answer

To test rope tensile strength in the field

Answer

To create a horizontal safety barrier across a hazard zone

Question 5

How should rescue ropes be stored after use in river operations to maintain their performance characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Loosely coiled, rinsed with fresh water, and stored away from UV, heat, and chemicals

Answer

Tightly coiled and hung in direct sunlight to dry

Answer

Packed wet into the throw bag for rapid redeployment

Answer

Stored in a sealed container with preservative spray applied

Question 6

Under which specific river condition should a rescuer avoid using a throw bag and instead prioritize a wading or boat rescue?

Accepted Answer

When the victim is unconscious and cannot grasp or hold the rope

Answer

When the victim is more than 10 meters from shore

Answer

When the river is less than waist deep

Answer

When onlookers are present who may interfere

Question 7

What is the correct action if a throw bag misses its target and the rope falls short of the victim?

Accepted Answer

Quickly repack or flake the rope and attempt a second throw

Answer

Immediately wade into the current to close the distance

Answer

Signal the victim to swim toward shore unassisted

Answer

Deploy a second throw bag from a downstream position without repacking the first