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Canine Search And Rescue Teams' Response To The 9/11 Attacks
- Urban Search-and-Rescue (US&R) task forces are supported by highly
trained canines and canine handlers.
- All of FEMA's US&R task forces have canine/handler teams, nearly
all of which are certified in urban search-and-rescue strategies and
techniques.
- For the handler, certification includes written and verbal tests regarding
search-and-rescue strategies, briefing and debriefing skills, and canine
handling skills.
- For a search-and-rescue canine, certification includes the ability
to properly respond to commands, agility skills, barking alert skills
to notify rescuers of a find, and a willingness to overcome innate fears
under the guidance of the handler.
- There are two levels of certification for search-and-rescue canine/handler
teams. Basic certification (Type 2) requires the search animal to perform
to specific standards under the handler's direct supervision and guidance.
Advanced certification (Type 1) requires the search animal to perform
to those standards outside the handler's direct supervision and guidance,
and successfully search more difficult rescue simulation courses.
- Depending on individual team requirements, canine/handler teams are
re-certified at least every two years in order to participate in search-and-rescue
operations.
- Approximately 80 FEMA canines were active in rescue efforts at the
World Trade Center (WTC) attack site. They and their handlers were members
of the 20 certified FEMA US&R teams deployed to support the City
of New York.
- Approximately 20 canines were active at the Pentagon site, supporting
the five FEMA US&R teams deployed there.
- A variety of breeds compose FEMA's rescue dog cadre. Among those deployed
in response to the 9/11 attacks were: German Shepherds, Australian Shepherd,
Belgian Shepherds, Yellow/Black/Chocolate Labradors, Golden Retrievers,
Portuguese Waterdogs, German Shorthair Pointers, Belgian Malinious,
Border Collies, Belgian Tervurnes, Doberman Pincers, Giant Schnauzers,
Rat Terriers, and several mixed breed dogs and "pound puppies."
- Despite the hazardous conditions at the WTC site, the canines sustained
relatively few injuries during their work, and no fatalities subsequent
to the collapse of the towers. Among the injuries were minor lacerations,
abrasions, and stress-related afflictions such as diarrhea and dehydration.
All were treated at on-site or staging area Veterinary Medical Assistance
Team (VMAT) facilities and all dogs were able and eager to work their
next shift.
- The US&R effort at the WTC site was the largest deployment of
search dogs in U.S. history. In addition to the 80 FEMA canines, New
York City coordinated the efforts of the New York City Police Department
K9 corps, as well as search dogs from around the country. Nearly 400
of these dogs were active in response efforts.
- Approximately 85 percent of FEMA US&R canine handlers are civilian
volunteers. The remaining 15 percent are local fire or police department
members. Nearly all canines are considered the handlers' "family
dog."
- Dogs were on call for 12-hour shifts, as were all task force team
members. The general practice was to work the dogs on the rubble pile
for 20 to 45 minutes and allow them to rest for an equal period of time.
- One of the handlers' primary responsibilities was to maintain the
interest and "spirit" of their dogs throughout the shifts.
For the dogs, the search is a game of "hide-and-seek," with
a find the reward. After a sustained period without a find, handlers
will often have a team member hide and then send the dog out to search
so it can have a successful find.
- Few search dogs wear "booties" when working on a rubble
pile. Despite the hazards of sharp metal and broken glass, the dogs
often need to perform what is called a "soft walk" where they
splay their paws for maximum traction. Collars and booties can sometimes
add to the risk of searching in tight or obstructed spaces.
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