Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Technical Rescue Operations Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• Which knot is preferred for creating a fixed loop at the end of a rescue

rope that is easy to inspect and untie after loading?

• Figure-eight on a bight
• Overhand loop
• Double bowline
• Clove hitch

Rationale: The double bowline creates a secure, fixed loop that is

relatively easy to untie after loading and is commonly used in rescue for tying into a harness.

• What is the primary purpose of a reverse belay in rope rescue

operations?

• To move the rescuer up the rope faster 1 / 4

• To provide a backup lowering system for a descent
• To reduce rope abrasion over edges
• To tie off anchors

Rationale: A reverse belay provides an independent backup to

control a casualty or rescuer during lowering operations, increasing safety.

• Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for an

entrant in a confined space with unknown atmospherics?

• Structural turnout gear only
• Hearing protection and gloves
• Full respiratory protection with SCBA or supplied-air respirator
• Safety glasses and steel-toe boots

Rationale: Unknown atmospherics may contain toxic or oxygen-

deficient conditions; respiratory protection (SCBA or supplied-air) is required for entrant safety.

• During a trench rescue, what is the most immediate life-threatening

hazard to victims?

• Hypothermia
• Secondary collapse and crushing
• Contaminated water immersion
• Electrical hazards from nearby utilities

Rationale: Secondary collapse is the leading immediate life threat in

trench incidents because it can rapidly crush trapped victims. 2 / 4

• What is a primary indicator that a structural collapse victim may be

entrapped but alive?

• Lack of visible injuries
• Presence of debris on the surface
• Audible sounds such as tapping or calling
• Presence of dust clouds only

Rationale: Audible sounds (tapping, calling) indicate possible

conscious victims who can be contacted for rescue and assessment.

• When establishing an anchor for a technical rope system, which factor

is most critical?

• Ease of access for rescuers
• Proximity to the casualty
• Strength and directionality relative to load
• Compatibility with hardware color coding

Rationale: Anchors must be strong enough and oriented to handle

expected loads without extension or failure; directionality and capacity are critical.

• Which device converts a lowering rope into a high-friction system for

controlled descent?

• Figure-eight descender
• Rescue-specific friction device (e.g., rescue rack or ATC with mule

hitch)

• Prusik knot only 3 / 4

• Carabiner-only system

Rationale: Rescue-grade friction devices are designed to dissipate

heat and provide controlled descent; simple figure-eights or knots may not be appropriate for loaded rescue lowering.

• For swiftwater rescue, what is the recommended initial approach

distance from a conscious, non-swimming victim in moving water?

• 1–2 feet
• Upstream and downstream assessment, then approach from

upstream with throw bag or tether

• Direct frontal swim approach
• Downstream shore-only rescue attempt

Rationale: Approaching from upstream reduces risk and allows use of

throw bags or tethered rescues; direct approaches into moving water are hazardous.

• In vehicle extrication, what is the primary purpose of cribbing?
• To lift the vehicle off victims
• To create a comfortable workspace
• To stabilize and prevent movement during rescue
• To secure medical equipment

Rationale: Cribbing provides a stable base to prevent shifting or

collapse of the vehicle while rescuers work on extrication.

• Which atmospheric condition must be monitored continuously

in confined space rescues?

• / 4