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Urban Search and Rescue

Approximately 35% of the teams trainings are focused on an urban environment.  The dogs and people train to be fully functional in any type of collapse situation. 

We are fortunate enough to receive great support from Stark Asphalt.  They allow us access to their concrete recycling pile for training.  This pile is always changing and presents new and exciting challenges every day.

We train and test to FEMA standards.  Click here to see the FEMA standard

From the FEMA Standard - In order to safely search the rubble for victims, the canine must acquire certain specific skills and overcome some of its natural instincts.  It may be dangerous to jump off moving objects.  The canine must learn it is possible to balance or gain control of a moving object by using its body weight and gravity.  In order to maintain traction on slippery surfaces, the canine must learn to spread its toes and not dig in with its toenails.  It is very important that the canine learn to place each foot deliberately and independently on the rubble.  Agility training will give the canine confidence on the rubble.  The canine should be able to search the rubble without being overly concerned about its safety.

The team participated in a Department of Homeland Security exercise to test the USAR capabilities in Illinois in response to a mock bombing of a building.  Here is a video from one of the reporters that was one of the "victims" during the mock exercise.  His perspective gives a unique look at how dogs can assist rescue personnel. 

Top Off 2 Exercise 

Below is video of Canine Gretzky working a variety of agility and bark alerts at our training facility. Gretzky and Handler Geoff Gardiner are part of the Illinois and Wisconsin Urban Search and Rescue Task Forces and are currently certified as a Type II State USAR Disaster Dog Team through SUSAR - State Urban Search and Rescue.

Videos

Click on the links below to see video of each of these areas. The videos take awhile to load.

               Agility                 Victim search in rubble                  Bark Alert              Directability       

   Agility Equipment

We utilize a large range of agility equipment to get the dogs and people used to some of the environments they might encounter

Click here for Agility Equipment

Rubbletown Milwaukee

Pictures of Rubbletown Milwaukee ( Pile Pics ) 

Besides the dogs we have a variety of resources that assist in our deployments. We are fully self-sufficient when we deploy.

We utilize our 20' enclosed trailer as a command post.  The command post is fully self-sufficient with heat, air-conditioning, diesel and gas generators and a bathroom.

First Aid

Our command vehicles are equipped with fully stocked First aid kits- both for humans and canines.

  Each individual team member also carries their own personal kit.