View Position Qualification

8-509-1175

Name

Canine Search Specialist - Disaster/Structural Collapse Human Remains

Status

Published

Version

1.7

Updated

6/10/2024 3:05:37 PM

Original Release

11/07/2017

Last Major Release

NQS Position

Resource Category

Search and Rescue

Primary Core Capability

Mass Search and Rescue Operations

Secondary Core Capability

Resource Kind

Personnel

Overall Function

The Canine Search Specialist handles one canine that is trained to search for and detect human remains in in a collapsed structure

Single resource

In conjunction with a NIMS typed team

NIMS Typed Team

Canine Search Team – Disaster/Structural Collapse Human Remains

In conjunction with a NIMS typed unit

NIMS Typed Unit

Description Notes

Not Specified

Supporting Core Capabilities
None

Types
Type	Description
Type 1	Same as Type 2 PLUS: Handles one canine that is trained to search for and detect human remains in a collapsed structure defined as “heavy” and “medium” as per the UN INSARAG Guideline and Methodology for US&R categories for structures 1. Heavy construction: Failed structures of heavy floor, pre-cast concrete, reinforced concrete, steel frame construction and mass transportation equipment 2. Medium construction: Failed structures of heavy wall and non-reinforced concrete construction, confined spaces (permit required), trenches and excavations
Type 2	The Canine Search Specialist – Disaster/Structural Collapse Human Remains: 1. Handles one canine that is trained to search for and detect human remains in a collapsed structure defined as “light” as per the United Nations (UN) International Search and Rescue Advisory Group’s (INSARAG) Guideline and Methodology for Urban Search & Rescue (US&R) categories for structures a. Light construction: Failed structures of light frame construction 2. Requests rescue, evacuation and recovery resources 3. Performs medical care to include first aid 4. Provides: a. Safety of self and team members b. Basic medical care of self, team members and survivors c. Simple decontamination of self and team members d. Basic ground support capability for helicopter operations 5. Coordinates with ground vehicles, watercraft and aircraft for support, transportation and evacuation 6. Operates in environments with and without infrastructure including those affected by disasters and terrorism; with compromised access to roadways, utilities and transportation; and limited availability of shelter, food and water

Education

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Not Specified
Type 2	Not Specified

Training

Awareness of the following: 1. ASTM F2890: Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel or equivalent 2. ASTM F3072: Standard Guide for Intermediate Wilderness Global Position System (GPS)-Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Use (GPS-GNSS-IIW) Endorsement or equivalent 3. Crime scene preservation

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Completion of the following: 1. IS-100: Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS) or ICS-100 2. IS-200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200 3. IS-700: National Incident Management System, An Introduction 4. IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction 5. Training in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.1030: Bloodborne Pathogens 6. First aid to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) 7. Canine first aid 8. Completion of an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)-validated training program that meets or exceeds the recommendations specific to a Canine Search Specialist – Disaster/Structural Collapse Human Remains 9. ASTM International (ASTM) F1847: Standard Guide for Demonstrating Minimum Skills of Search and Rescue Dogs and Handlers or equivalent 10. ASTM F1848: Standard Classification for Search and Rescue Dog Crew/Teams or equivalent 11. ASTM F1879: Standard Guide for Demonstrating Obedience and Agility in Search and Rescue Dogs or equivalent 12. ASTM F2209: Standard Guide for Training of Level I Land Search Team Member or equivalent

Experience

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of canine search and associated hazards 2. Knowledge of the capabilities of canine search 3. Understanding of canine search procedures during day and night operations Experience: Completion of the Canine Search Specialist – Disaster/Structural Collapse Human Remains Position Task Book (PTB) or equivalent documentation

Physical/Medical Fitness

1. NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System (NQS) defines Physical/Medical Fitness levels for NIMS positions 2. PPE is mission specific and may vary by working environment and it includes protective footwear, protective clothing for skin exposure, eye and ear protection, respirators, gloves and masks 3. Handler determines duty cycle of canine based on assignment, environment, terrain and other factors affecting detection performance

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	1. Arduous 2. Meets minimum physical fitness standards, in accordance with AHJ Job Related Physical Ability Test (JRPAT) 3. Maintains AHJ-determined medical standards suitable for the environment and job requirements 4. Maintains immunizations in accordance with current AHJ requirements 5. Is able to work while wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 6. Licensed veterinarian performs annual examination on canine to verify canine has no defects or illnesses that would preclude performing during deployments

Currency

Provider must carry out and use any background checks as applicable law specifies. This may include: 1. A background check completed within past 12 months 2. A sex-offender registry check 3. A local, state and national criminal history

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	1. Annual refresher of related SAR skills and abilities, at the AHJ’s determination 2. Background checks as applicable law permits or requires 3. Functions in this position during an operational incident, planned event, exercise, drill or simulation at least once every five years

Professional and Technical Licenses and Certifications

Not Specified

Component Types
Type	Criteria
Type 1	Same as Type 2
Type 2	American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA) Human Remains Detection Certification Evaluation or equivalent

Composition and Ordering Specifications
Specification
Discuss logistics for deploying this position, such as working conditions, length of deployment, security, lodging, transportation, and meals, prior to deployment
This position typically works 12 hours per shift, is self-sustainable for 72 hours and is deployable up to 14 days
This position is ready to deploy within 24 hours of notification

1617

Notes

References
Reference
FEMA, NIMS 508: Canine Search Team – Disaster/Structural Collapse Human Remains
FEMA, National Incident Management System (NIMS), October 2017
FEMA, NIMS Guideline for the National Qualification System, November 2017
FEMA, National Response Framework, October 2019
American Rescue Dog Association (ARDA), Human Remains Detection Certification Evaluation, May 2016
ASTM F1847: Standard Guide for Demonstrating Minimum Skills of Search and Rescue Dogs and Handlers
ASTM F1848: Standard Classification for Search and Rescue Dog Crew/Teams, May 2014
ASTM F1879: Standard Guide for Demonstrating Obedience and Agility in Search and Rescue Dogs, August 2023
ASTM F2209: Standard Guide for Training of Level I Land Search Team Member, September 2014
ASTM F2890: Standard Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue Personnel, August 2023
ASTM F3072: Standard Guide for Intermediate Wilderness GPS-GNSS Use (GPS-GNSS-IIW) Endorsement, April 2020
United Nations (UN) International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), Guidelines and Methodology, 2012
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.1030: Bloodborne Pathogens, latest edition adopted

Version	Publish Date	Document Type
Published Versions
1.7	6/10/2024 3:05:37 PM	PDF
1.6	12/2/2019 3:41:00 PM	PDF
1.5	1/8/2019 11:40:51 AM	PDF
1.4	10/26/2018 2:51:36 PM	PDF
1.3	9/28/2018 5:16:07 PM	PDF
1.2	11/7/2017 4:10:37 PM	PDF
1.1	11/7/2017 4:09:33 PM	Unavailable
1.0	11/7/2017 4:09:16 PM	Unavailable