TASC Outdoor Leadership Level 3 cheat sheet

Situational leadership: the leader shifts between directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating based on follower competence and commitment for the specific task.

Tuckman stages: forming (orientation, dependence), storming (conflict, role friction), norming (cohesion, shared norms), performing (task focus), adjourning (closure and transfer of learning).

Decision rule for leader intervention: intervene when safety, inclusion, or group goal is at risk; otherwise let the group self-manage to build competence.

SMART goal test: a goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound; vague goals are renegotiated before activity begins.

Risk assessment formula: risk = likelihood x consequence; controls target likelihood (exposure reduction) or consequence (protection, backup plans).

ALARP principle: risks are reduced to as low as reasonably practicable, weighing control cost and effort against the severity of harm.

Briefing order: purpose, plan, roles, safety parameters, communication signals, check-back questions; a briefing without a check-back is incomplete.

Johari window: self-disclosure and feedback shrink the blind and hidden areas, increasing shared awareness within a team.

Debrief model: facts, feelings, findings, future; sequence moves from objective events to transferable learning.

Hypothermia signs: shivering, confusion, slurred speech, loss of fine motor control; treatment is insulation, wind shelter, and gradual rewarming, never rapid external heat.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency: core temperature above 40 C with altered mental status; cool aggressively and evacuate immediately.

Primary survey order: danger, response, airway, breathing, circulation (DRABC); secondary survey covers history, signs, and allergies.

Golden hour principle: early evacuation and early medical contact reduce complication rates in serious trauma.

Navigation check: map, compass, and terrain triangulation at least every 30 minutes or at each major handrail or catching feature.

River crossing rule: unbuckle pack, face upstream, use a triangle of support; do not cross above knee depth in fast water without a fixed belay.

Lightning rule: 30/30 - seek shelter when the flash-to-bang interval is under 30 seconds, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder.

Leave No Trace: pack out all waste, camp 60 meters from water, and stay on durable surfaces to limit erosion.

Emergency signal: six signals per minute, repeated after one minute, is the international distress pattern.