INSARAG Mission Readiness Evaluation Letter of Intent A need was identified to develop and maintain a process to evaluate searchcanines within INSARAG. To accomplish this task an INSARAG working group of canine experts has been established. This group will be referred to as the INSARAG Search Dog Working Group. Tasks of the INSARAG Search Dog Working Group 1. The tasks of the INSARAG Search Dog Working Group are: Maintain Section F 10: Search Dogs of the INSARAG Guidelines Develop and maintain the INSARAG mission readiness test criteria Develop and maintain rules and regulations for the selection and training of evaluators and observers Develop and maintain the process to become a certifying organisation Ongoing quality control of mission readiness tests Select members for the INSARAG Search Dog Working Group Select and recruit members for an Evaluation Observer Cadre. Procedures for inclusion of new organisations to Annex III will be controlled and maintained by the INSARAG Search Dog Working Group Function as an advisory committee for canine related questions for INSARAG USAR teams Preparation and submission of reports as requested Members of the INSARAG Search Dog Working Group 2. Members of the INSARAG Search Dog Working Group will include: CHAIR IRO Secretary (IRO) Representatives of all three Regional Groups - Africa/Europe - Asia/Pacific - Americas - FCSS UN INSARAG Representative Teamleader (TL), nominated by the TL Meeting K9-Experts from ANNEX III * one person can represent more than one entity (e.g. a regional group and a K9 expert) ** the INSARAG Technical Working Group on Canine Search should not exceed 12 members
Procedures - It is recommended that an INSARAG USAR organisation has its own Search Dog Mission Readiness Test (SD-MRT). - Minimum Standards for a Mission Readiness Test (MRT) are described in Annex I, however, an individual USAR organisation has the option to maintain a standard at a higher level. - Annex II describes the procedures for an INSARAG USAR organisation to certify an MRT by INSARAG. - USAR organisations with an SD-MRT are listed in ANNEX III. This list is maintained and updated in the Virtual OSOCC (VO). - Canine teams that have successfully passed an SD-MRT will receive a certificate from the hosting USAR Team. The validity of the certificate will depend on the hosting USAR organisation, however, it cannot exceed 3 years. Note: canines that are 10 years or older are required to recertify on a yearly basis. - USAR organisations can send their canine teams to certify at any SD- MRT. - The process of search-canine evaluation is the responsibility of the USAR organisation and has to be carried out before the USAR organisation begins the INSARAG External Classification (IEC). 2
ANNEX I Search Dog Mission Readiness Test (SD-MRT) 1. Objectives The canine team must work together in disaster search operations to detect live victims. The handler will be evaluated on his ability to function as a canine search specialist. The canine will be evaluated on his ability to independently search, detect and demonstrate an identifiable victim alert which will enable the handler to identify the area of indication as that of live human scent. 2. Definitions Canine Team One (1) canine and one (1) handler who have, as a team, successfully completed an Search Dog Mission Readiness Test (SD-MRT). Canine Aggression Is here defined as an attempted or actual unprovoked attack on a person or another canine. A canine may also be evaluated as aggressive if it exhibits significant warning signs of an imminent unprovoked attack (growling, snarling, etc.). False Alert Any location incorrectly identified by the handler as a live victim 3. Ground Rules All participants in the SD-MRT process will abide by the INSARAG Guidelines. The handler is responsible for the care, safety and control of the canine at all times. The handler is responsible for his own safety (e.g. proper level of individual protective equipment) Abuse (physical, verbal, etc.) of the canine is not acceptable at any time. Canine must operate unfettered; no leash, collar, vest, etc. prong, choke or electronic collars are forbidden. No access to search sites after setup of test. Designated safety procedures will be followed. Aggression toward people and/or canines is not acceptable at any time. 3
4. Minimum Requirements At the time of the evaluation the canine team must: Meet the minimum age requirements: the dog handler must be at least 18 years of age and the canine at least 2 years of age Have a health certificate issued by a veterinarian within two (2) months of the evaluation Have a valid rabies vaccination card as well as any additional vaccinations as required by the home country and be micro-chipped 5. Responsibilities of the USAR Team Ensure that the test is performed according to INSARAG Guidelines 6. Test Organization 6.1. Chief Evaluator The Chief Evaluator will be nominated by the host organization and must meet the evaluator requirements as listed in Annex V. The responsibilities of the Chief Evaluator include: Delegation of responsibilities as necessary Does not act as an evaluator Organize the evaluation and choose the search sites Make a list of participants, check that the participants fulfill all requirements Ensure that all matters relating to the evaluation are organized Choose the evaluators Plan evaluation site layout and brief other evaluators and other site personnel regarding site set-up and suitability, timelines, evaluation order, protocols, and other matters related to the evaluation Ensure that medical and veterinarian capabilities are available. If possible, the canine should undergo a veterinary examination before the evaluation begins. If a veterinarian or a doctor can not be on site, arrangements need to be made to have one on call Supervise the evaluators and ensure that all evaluators adhere to established evaluation procedures Work in conjunction with evaluators to resolve issues Organize and conduct evaluator meetings Make the final decision to exclude participants from the test Correlate scores and results and ensure that all paperwork is complete and consistent 4
Ensure that results are sent to concerned USAR teams and participating rescue dog organizations Oversight and organization of observers if applicable 6.2. Evaluator Responsibilities Must be qualified according to the standards of the organisation An evaluator may evaluate a maximum of twenty (20) Canine Teams in a 24-hour period One evaluator may evaluate a maximum of two (2) searches of the same team during a test Completion of an evaluation sheet for each team on each search site Must be available for all evaluator meetings 7. Evaluation Procedures The evaluation will be conducted over a 24 to 36 hour time period Each search has to be judged by at least two (2) evaluators There must be both day time and night time components There must be a minimum of seven (7), 20 minute searches: - Three (3) or four (4) are done concurrently (at three (3) or four(4) different search sites) - Canine team will rest between 10 and 20 minutes between search areas. This time factor may require adjustment upwards due to extreme weather temperatures (high or low temperatures) - One will be done in the dark at night using artificial light such that the search area is illuminated to promote an adequate working environment for searchers - Two (2) or three (3) others (either day or night) will be built into the evaluation schedule at the convenience of the Chief Evaluator Theoretical (e.g. written or oral evaluation) and practical (hands-on) testing in human and canine first aid 5
8. Site Construction Evaluations will be conducted using minimally three separate sites. - Each search area used will be at least 500 m 2 and no more than 2000 m 2 - Two of the rubble sites must have a minimum difference in level of 1,5 m. Sample pictures: 6
Terrain Examples for search sites: - Stone quarry - Collapsed wood frame dwellings - Collapsed concrete structures - Concrete recycling centers - Landslide area - Slick covered area At least 2/3 of the search sites should consist predominantly of concrete or a mixture of materials to simulate the complexity of movement that is consistent with a disaster scene. Sample pictures: 7
9. Victims A minimum of 14 live victims will be hidden among the seven sites at the direction of Chief Evaluator; zero to four victims will be placed at each site Only one site can have zero victims A minimum of two live victims must be buried at least 1,5M below the canine s position Live victims will be placed by the evaluators in agreement with the Chief Evaluator All victims shall be concealed from the handler and at least 90% of the victims shall be concealed from the canine A minimum of 90% of the victim locations shall be constructed to prevent canines from accessing the victims The victims should be in place at least 15 minutes before the canine is sent It is recommended that a non participating certified canine pre-test each search site 10. Distractions The Chief Evaluator will determine the type of distraction to be used at each site; at least two of the seven sites will include a distraction. The selection will come from the following examples: - Scent distractions: food, clothes, dead animals They should be placed to enable the evaluators to determine if the dog is alerting on a scent distraction or live human scent They must be hidden and inaccessible to the canine - Noise distractions such as running generators, machinery, rescue tools, etc. Noise distractions may be supplied by audiotapes - Smoke from contained fire - Bystanders which mimic conditions found on disaster sites 8
11. Required Skills 11.1. Canine Shows identifiable victim alert (focused bark at scent source or recall/refind) Moves over the rubble with ease and shows a high motivation to search and find Demonstrates commitment to scent source Searches independently Is responsive to handler s direction and control 11.2. Handler Conducts an adequate interview to determine search strategy Assesses the assigned site to determine the search plan Directs the canine to work properly and tracks its location Reads and understands the canine and is able to verbally pass the information onto the evaluator Correctly identifies the area of indication of live human scent Maintains control of canine (as example, be able to redirect or recall the canine, or order an emergency stop to ensure focus and safety) Informs the evaluator that the canine has indicated the presence of live victim scent Gains permission from the evaluator to join the canine at the location indicated and pinpoints scent source Demonstrates appropriate canine care, safety and welfare Has a basic knowledge in first aid for dog and human Has knowledge of the INSARAG Marking and Signaling System 9
12. Evaluation Criteria The canine team must complete all assigned search areas and locate 70% of the total number of the victims placed Number of false alerts allowed: Number of hidden victims False alerts allowed 14 15 1 16 25 2 26 35 3 13. Certification The Chief Evaluators decision regarding certification is final; there is no formal appeal process After having successfully passed the SD MRT the canine team receives a certificate of successful completion To keep the certificate valid, the team must train regularly and fulfill requirements of the organisation and the INSARAG Guidelines 14. Recertification After a canine team has successfully completed the SD-MRT, the team must recertify within three years of its original certification date. Canines that are 10 years or older are required to recertify on a yearly basis. 10
ANNEX II F10. Search Dogs F10.1 Introduction 1. Search dogs and their handlers play an integral role in USAR for the rapid detection of victims following a structural collapse. Search dog teams function within a USAR team to assist in the location of trapped victims by detecting live human scent and are able to search large areas in a relatively short period of time. The precise detection of victims is done most effectively when the search dog team and the technical search component work in close collaboration. F10.2 Preparedness 1. The USAR Team management must ensure that: 1.1. All deployable canine teams have successfully completed a national/international test (recommended example: annex I) and possess a valid certification. 1.2. Canine teams regularly participate in trainings and exercises. 1.3. An updated list of certified canine teams is available at all times 1.4. Canine handlers have experience as a search dog handler/trainer (police, SAR, etc.) as well as experience working within a search group. 1.5. Canine handlers and canine group leaders are confident in canine search handling and able to interpret canine behavior and report the results. 1.6. Canine teams have the possibility to train with the other members of the USAR Team (e.g., technical search and rescue). 1.7. Veterinary requirements are met: 1.7.1. Valid rabies vaccination as well as any additional vaccinations as required by the home country. 1.7.2. Annual veterinary health checks. 1.7.3. Parasite-control (e.g. worms, fleas, ticks, etc.) 11
1.8. All deployable canines are micro-chipped using an ISO compatible transponder. 1.9. They have an understanding of international border control processes associated with search dogs. F10.3 Mobilisation 1. The USAR Team management must ensure: 1.1. That appropriate caging and/or containment for canines is available. 1.2. The readiness of the canines (health, fitness, hygiene, diet, etc.) for travel, including all specialised gear and equipment. 1.3. That the canines have an opportunity to relief themselves immediately prior to departure. 1.4. That vaccination cards are available with the canine teams at all times while on deployment. 1.5. That an ISO compatible micro-chip reader is available and accompanies the USAR team during USAR operations. F10.4 Operations 1. Two (2) or three (3) canine teams (canine team = 1 dog and 1 handler) work together as a group and are led by a group leader. Canine teams work together in groups in order to confirm canine indications. Canine groups must be integrated in the command and control structure. 2. A minimum of two (2) canine groups are necessary to safely conduct 24- hour operations on one work site and four (4) canine groups are necessary to safely conduct 24-hour operations in two (2) different work sites. This provides adequate canine resources to operate in 12-hour shifts and ensures that canine teams will have appropriate rest periods which will enable the team to function effectively, safely and continuously for a longer period of time. 12
3. Canine and Technical search complement each other and should be engaged accordingly. The USAR team should use and coordinate the search methods in a suitable way. Canines should demonstrate identifiable victim alert even if the canine handler is out of sight. Canines should move over difficult terrain with ease and demonstrate commitment to scent source. The canine group should demonstrate appropriate canine care, safety, and welfare. A canine search team should be able to locate victims that are buried at least 1m vertically below or laterally away from the canine. Group leader responsibilities 1. Ensure the physical readiness of searchers through proper nutrition, water intake, rest and stress control techniques. 2. Site assessment to include safety, structural, hazmat, number of victims and any other information relevant to the search 3. Based on the site assessment develop search strategy and assign tasks 4. Ensure proper equipment needs are met and equipment is operational prior to each work period 5. Ensure use of all safety practises and procedures 6. Carry out assignments as directed 7. Briefs, debriefs and observes the canine team during search 8. Reports relevant information to appropriate USAR team manager and coordinates any follow-up or reassignment activities 9. Brief shift replacement fully on all ongoing operations when relieved at work cycle rotations 10. Report any signs/symptoms of incident stress, injury, fatigue, or illness in searchers to immediate supervisor 13
11. Participate in USAR team daily briefings and meetings as requested Canine handler responsibilities 1. Ensure the physical readiness of handler and canine through proper nutrition, water intake, rest and stress control techniques. 2. Completing tasks as assigned and reporting results to group leader 3. Keep the group leader apprised of any supply deficiencies or equipment malfunctions. 4. Ensure while not operating on the disaster site that the search dog is under direct control of a USAR team member and is clearly identified as a search dog by a vest or other visible means. 5. Must monitor themselves and their canine for adequate rest, injuries, stress or fatigue and report any deficiencies, including subtle signs of stress or injury, to the canine group leader. 6. Ensure a safe and secure place for the canine at all times. F10.5 Demobilisation 1. The USAR Team management must ensure: 1.1. That appropriate caging and/or containment for canines is available. 1.2. The readiness of the canines (health, fitness, hygiene, diet, etc.) for travel, including all specialised gear and equipment. 1.3. That the canines have an opportunity to relief themselves immediately prior to departure. F10.6 Post Mission 1. The canine group prepares and delivers a report on the mission to their USAR Team 2. Full team debrief 3. A post mission veterinary check is recommended 14