Louisiana Task Force One
Canine Section GUIDELINES
SOP Number
Revision
Replaces
Effective Date
Page
TF01-005-16
02
Rev. 01
28 Sep 16
1 of 7
Title
Canine Search Specialist
Approvals
Ruel Douvillier
Task Force Leader (Print / Sign)
28 Sep 16
Date
Table of Contents
Section
Page
1.0
Description of Duties .....................................................................................................2
2.0
Position Requirements and Criteria ..............................................................................3
3.0
Safety ............................................................................................................................5
4.0
Associated Documentation ...........................................................................................6
5.0
Definitions .....................................................................................................................6
SOP Number
Revision
Replaces
Page
TF01-005-16
02
Rev. 01
2 of 7
Title
Canine Search Specialist
1.0
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The Canine Search Specialist is responsible for:
•
Searching structures in US&R environments or other locations indicated in the mission assignment
using appropriate canine search equipment and techniques.
•
Consistently attend LA-TF1 Canine Training a minimum of two times per month. If for some reason
you are not able to meet this, inform the LA-TF1 Leader and the LA-TF1 Canine Coordinator.
NOTE!
Members that are not able to meet these training requirements on a regular basis will be last in line
for any Canine training courses and risk that they cannot bring their canine on a mission. This is up
to the discretion of the LA-TF1 Task Force Leader and/or Canine Coordinator.
•
Members of the LA-TF1 Canine group will get two years to take a Disaster Type II test hosted by
SUSAR, FEMA, NASAR or IPWDA, or sanctioned by SUSAR/FEMA. Members not willing to take this
test will not be allowed to continue as a LA-TF1 Canine Search Specialist.
•
Documenting locations, mapping, of alerts and, if possible, the status of victims for rescue
•
Adhering to all safety procedures
•
Cooperating with and assisting other search and rescue resources
•
Accountability, maintenance, and minor repairs for all issued equipment
•
Performing additional tasks or duties as assigned during a mission
SOP Number
Revision
Replaces
Page
TF01-005-16
02
Rev. 01
3 of 7
Title
Canine Search Specialist
2.0
POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND CRITERIA
Individuals who meet the following requirements and criteria will be eligible to become Canine Search
Specialists for LA-TF1. The intent of these requirements is to select handler/dog teams fully capable of
providing the search techniques and tactics required in the urban disaster environment. The requirements
and criteria for the position is identified in the following categories: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
* Not required for the initial application. Extra credit will be given to candidates who have this
knowledge or training. Classes in these areas will be offered to successful candidates. The classes
must be completed satisfactorily.
2.1 Knowledge
a)
Practical knowledge of general search strategy and tactics, including but not limited to:
 “Probability of Detection” analysis
 Victim behavior patterns in various situations
 Search pattern selection criteria including terrain, structures, wind, weather, and air
circulation characteristics
 * Search Team organization and operational procedures
 * Understanding the capabilities and limitations of technical and electronic search
equipment
 * Understanding general rescue tactics and strategy
 Understand the Canine Decontamination Station
b)
Practical knowledge of the technical aspects of search theory, including:
 Map, compass, and GPS techniques.
 Ability to accurately sketch a search area.
 Ability to apply and interpret search area marking techniques for perimeters, alert areas,
hazards, etc.
 Understand search area sectoring
 Recognize and identify victim location clues
 Practical knowledge of night search techniques including increased hazard awareness and
applicable air circulation characteristics
c)
Practical knowledge of the theory and techniques of searching collapsed structures, including:
 Recognizing and identifying hazards associated with structural collapse and its environment
 * Structural features and conditions that contribute to a high probability of victim survival in a
collapsed structure
 * Understanding the need for flexibility and coordination during multiple search operations
d) Knowledgeable with and able to provide first aid for canines.
e) *Must have completed the FEMA Canine Search Specialist Training Course
f)
Must have taken the following classes:
I. *Rope rescue to the Awareness level per NFPA 1670
SOP Number
Revision
Replaces
Page
TF01-005-16
02
Rev. 01
4 of 7
Title
Canine Search Specialist
II.
III.
IV.
V.
*Confined Space rescue to the Awareness level per NFPA 1670
*Trench rescue to the Awareness level per NFPA 1670
*Structural Collapse rescue to the Awareness level per NFPA 1670
*Incident Command and NIMS courses IS 100, 200, 700, and 800
2.2 Skills
a)
Practical ability to apply search tactics, strategy, and procedures at collapse sites, including:
 *Understanding of US&R mission operational procedures
 *Understanding of the size-up and reconnaissance considerations of an affected area
 * Understanding of specific size-up and reconnaissance considerations of an assigned work
site
 *Understanding of US&R equipment and tools utilization
 *Ability to integrate with local resources and other teams
b)
Understanding of canine search operations including team size, check and recheck procedures,
and observer responsibilities.
c)
Certification, each handler and dog team is required to get certified by SUSAR and/or FEMA for
their discipline. Minimum certification level is Type II for both Live and Recovery teams. FEMA
see only Type I teams as deployable but for SUSAR Type II is accepted to be listed as a
resource.
d)
Re-Certification, each handler and dog team is required to re-certify before the current
certification expires.
e)
Non certified teams can only go on missions if:
1) Mission is in the State of Louisiana and team is viewed as mission ready
Or;
2) If the ‘calling’ State accepts non SUSAR/FEMA certified teams that has other National
recognized certification such as IPWDA, NASAR etc.
2.3 Abilities
a) Able to conduct search activities in an adverse environment, including:
 Awareness of the hazards associated with various disaster search environments
 Able to function safely at heights and on or around rubble. Have experience and training in
personal safety in confined spaces, below-grade, and compromised conditions
 Able to perform as a secondary observer
 Understand the parameters of the work time limitations for canines and determine rotation
periods
b) Must be competent in canine search handling skills, to include:
 Must have an effective working relationship with the canine
 Must be able to read the canine’s alerts and indications of areas of interest
 Must be able to work canines off lead at a distance and/or out of sight
 Able to direct canine into voids, tunnels, heights, or restricted spaces
 Must have a good knowledge of the capabilities and limitation of the canine
SOP Number
Revision
Replaces
Page
TF01-005-16
02
Rev. 01
5 of 7
Title
Canine Search Specialist
3.0
SAFETY
a) The Task Force Safety Officer will conduct a Safety Briefing prior to the beginning of any Task
Force operation.
b) As many Assistant Safety Officers as necessary to safely conduct the assigned operation will be
appointed.
c) The Safety Officer will ensure that all personnel in the Hot Zone are operating their equipment
safely, that all PPE is worn correctly at all times and that LCES is maintained by personnel
operating in the Hot Zone at all times.
d) The Operations Chief will ensure that personnel working in the Hot Zone are rotated to the Rehab
Site as appropriate to the work load and environmental conditions.
e) A PAR will be conducted on the hour and the half hour during all Task Force operations. The
Operations Chief will initiate the PAR.
f)
All Task Force personnel and all outside personnel assigned to the Task Force will be accounted
for by the Task Force leadership personnel responsible for them. A check-in/check-out roster will
be maintained for all personnel assigned to the Task Force.
g) The Operations Chief will establish as many RICs as he/she feels is necessary to support the
operation. These teams will be located by the Operations Chief.
h) Any Task Force member who feels that he or she is in danger of injury or death will announce
“Mayday” three times. This may be done over the 700 or 800 radio or verbally, whichever is
considered most efficient by the individual in danger.
i)
Once a “Mayday” has been announced, the Operations Chief will conduct a PAR and direct the
appropriate RIC(s) and the Safety Officer to report to the Search and Rescue Manager in control
of the “Mayday”. The Search and Rescue Manager will assume control of these elements and
bring them to the site of the “Mayday”. The Search and Rescue Manager will direct the
operations of all elements being used to resolve the “Mayday”.
j)
The “Mayday” victim will be medically treated in accordance with the LA TF-1 Medical SOG.
k) Any Task Force member can call for an evacuation of the Hot Zone when he/she recognizes a
dangerous situation.
l)
All Task Force leadership personnel will carry an air horn for announcing evacuations. The signal
for evacuation of the Hot Zone will be 3 three second blasts on the air horn.
m) Once the evacuation signal has been given all teams working in the Hot Zone will report to their
respective Staging Areas.
n) Once the evacuation signal has been given the Task Force Leader will initiate a Roll Call. The
Operations Chief, Plans Manager, Logistics Manager, and Medical Manager will report the results
of their Roll Call to the Task Force Leader.
o) Upon completion of the Roll Call the Task Force Leader will form a Reentry Team to determine
the conditions necessary to reenter the Hot Zone and resume operations. This team will include
the Operations Chief and Safety Officer at a minimum and the Search and Rescue Managers,
Structures Specialist, and HazMat Specialist as necessary.
p) The signal for reentering the Hot Zone and resuming operations will be one 3 second blast on the
air horn. The Operations Chief will give this signal.
SOP Number
Revision
Replaces
Page
TF01-005-16
02
Rev. 01
6 of 7
Title
Canine Search Specialist
4.0
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTATION
4.1.1
LA TF-1 Policies and Procedures Manual
4.1.2
TF01-001 Activation
4.1.3
TF01-002 Command Structure and Responsibilities
4.1.4
TF01-003 Uniform Specifications
4.1.5
TF01-004 Logistics Program
4.1.6
TF01-005 Canine Search Specialist
4.1.7
TF01-006 Rehabilitation
4.1.8
TF01-007 Operations
4.1.9
TF01-008 Medical Operations
4.1.10 TF01-009 Convoy Procedures
5.0
DEFINITIONS
a) Base of Operations (BOO)-An area where out of service personnel may go to rest and prepare
prior to the next operational period.
b) Breaching Operations-Those activities conducted by the Task Force to remove obstacles
preventing Task Force personnel from accessing trapped victims.
c) Hot Zone-The area in which mitigation operations are conducted.
d) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)-Specialized clothing or equipment worn by employees
for protection against health and safety hazards
e) Reconnaissance Operations-Those activities conducted by the Task Force to establish
operating sectors, Base of Operations and Rehab, Staging, and Hot Zone sites, and to determine
general hazards in the Task Force operating area.
f)
Rehab Sector-An area where Task Force personnel shall be directed to physically and mentally
rest and recover prior to resuming active operations.
g) Rescue Operations-Those activities conducted by the Task Force to remove trapped victims.
h) Search Operations-Those activities conducted by the Task Force to determine the location of
victims within the Task Force operating area.
i)
Shoring Operations-Those activities conducted by the Task Force to ensure that buildings within
the Task Force operating area are safe to enter.
j)
Staging Area-A designated, marked area where Task Force personnel that are ready for
assignment shall wait to enter the Hot Zone.
k) Structural Triage Operations-Those activities conducted by the Task Force to determine
specific hazards within each structure, the potential for secondary collapse and potential for
viable victims for those structures.
SOP Number
Revision
Replaces
Page
TF01-005-16
02
Rev. 01
7 of 7
Title
Canine Search Specialist
l)
Victim Stabilization Operations;-Those activities conducted by the Task Force to medically
ensure patient survival to definitive treatment.
m) Rapid Intervention Crew (RIC); - the IC shall designate at least two personnel (preferably one
engine company and additional units as needed for specific hazards) as a standby crew or a RIC
n) PAR; - Normal number of team members
o) LCES (Lookouts – Communications – Escape Routes – Safety Zones);