Turkey has recently created a new commission to train search and rescue dogs for disaster relief operations.
The Daily Sabah reports that Turkey’s office of Disaster and Emergency Management (AFAD) formed a new commission at the Provincial Disaster and Coordination Center in the Sakarya province. There, dogs and handlers can participate in search and rescue operations. Eventually, the goal is to have properly trained teams ready to dispatch to disaster relief zones.
Among the many benefits of using dogs for search and rescue, the commission highlights the ability of dogs to work at night and in confined spaces. Throughout the training exercises, dogs worked with their handlers to uncover targets underneath wreckage and in remote locations. All the while, the dogs’ skills were refined so as to commit minimal mistakes.
Setting the Bar High for Rescue Dogs
Following the commission, all dogs who successfully completed the program were eligible to take a final certification exam. Only the dogs that passed this final test can join disaster relief teams. This year, the Sakarya Governorate oversaw the formation of the commission, as well as any required inspections and procedures. Last year, 80 dogs took part in the commission, and 41 moved through to their final certification. Unfortunately, only 11 of those dogs were successfully certified.
Luckily, this year saw better results. In total, 69 dogs completed the training, and hopefully, every one of them will go on to become certified search and rescue dogs. Among the dogs seen at the commission, many were from fire departments throughout Turkey, as well as several non-governmental groups.
An Important Role
Meyli Karagülle, an AFAD volunteer, went through the program with her dog Reina. Karagülle has worked in search and rescue for over 12 years and her passion for saving lives extends to her appreciation for the dogs in this line of work. Speaking of the need for dogs in these situations, Karagülle says, “God forbid disasters, but in such a situation, of course, we will try to take support from our dogs. How joyful it would be if we could reach for life.”
İbrahim Yılmaz, a local firefighter, also completed the commission with three of his department’s dogs. Yılmaz notes that search and rescue is first and foremost a team operation. Furthermore, he adds that a well-trained search and rescue dog can efficiently perform the work of 15-20 people. With their superior senses and tracking abilities, dogs are a vital part of saving lives in any disaster.
