What does the term "rescue ready" mean?

The term "rescue ready" refers to being fully equipped and mentally prepared for a rescue operation. This encompasses both the physical readiness, which includes having the appropriate gear and tools necessary for a swiftwater rescue, as well as the mental readiness to act decisively and effectively in a high-stress environment. It implies that rescuers have trained for various scenarios and are familiar with their rescue skills, ensuring they can assess situations accurately and respond appropriately.

The other options do not capture the full scope of what it means to be "rescue ready." Having all necessary permits may be important for legal and operational reasons, but it doesn’t reflect the immediate preparedness required in an emergency. Being on standby without equipment suggests a lack of readiness to respond effectively, while only being prepared during training indicates an absence of practical application and readiness to act when needed in real situations. Therefore, being fully equipped and mentally prepared encompasses all the expectations of a rescuer in a critical situation.