Written Test Study Guide

Study topics for the DOGS-East written test.

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Study Topics

The written test may include the following areas of knowledge.

I. Scent Theory

Diffusion
Meteorological effects
Air flow
Raft theory

II. Topographic Features and Navigation

Symbols
Map representation vs. visual ID
Scales
Grids and coordinates
Declination adjustments
Bearings
Triangulation
Navigation techniques

III. Subject Characteristics / Behavior

Physical description
Mental description
Medications / health problems
Subject profile / previous history

IV. Radio

DOGS-East call sign
Sign on/off procedure
Frequencies / “state-wide”
SOPs for radio use
Phonetic alphabet / standard phrases

V. Vocabulary

See glossary in applicant package

VI. ICS

Structure
Position responsibilities
Who’s in charge

VII. Canine First Aid

Standard vital signs and how you determine them
Treatment for common injuries
Medications

VIII. Survival Training

Basic survival gear that you should always carry
Shelter construction
Fire construction

IX. Search Strategy

Types of searches
Conditions that influence search strategy
Bail out plan

X. Managing Search Operations

Responsibilities of first DOGS-East teams to arrive at the scene
General responsibilities of the search manager
Crucials of search
Determine subject characteristics
Compile crucial search data
Develop search strategy

XI. POD

What is the POD?
- Why is it important?
- How is it used?
How do you determine the POD?
How do you alter your search strategy to obtain a desired POD?

XII. Map Marking

Where the handler traveled
Wind direction
Alerts / areas of interest

XIII. Whistles / Flagging Tape

Meaning of whistle blasts
Meaning of flagging tape
Labeling flagging tape

XIV. General Equipment

In your pack
In your car
What’s good / what’s bad

XV. Evacuation

Victim found status
Injured team member

XVI. State and DOGS-East SOPs

State and DOGS-East standard operating procedures

XVII. References for the Written Exam

References for the written exam