COMBINED TRAINING EXERCISE CANIS and LANCASHIRE UKFSSAR TEAM

The training event was held at the Lancashire International Training School in Chorley on 10th June 2000. Although we had trained with Lancs UKFSSART previously this was the first of a series of joint training exercise between us.

The day began by Sub Officer N Boden and Phil Haigh, both of CANIS outlining what we hoped to achieve from the day. This would include technical aspects of rescue to further everybody's knowledge, understanding and expertise when working with laypeople and dogs whether they be firemen or dog handlers.

Phil gave a presentation on how fireman could act in the role of Safety Man and a good question and answer session took place following the talk.

After the theory came the practice. SO Andy Barnes was set a scenario for getting dogs and handlers from the top of a building down and into each floor so a search could be effected. This involved the construction of a Tyrollean Traverse so that the dog and handler were kept away from the wall.

This was followed by turning it into a vertical lower. It was quite interesting for all to see the problems that might occur from this type of approach and particularly using dogs. Although extremely unlikely in the real thing there is the possibility the lower staircases of a high rise flat may have gone and the only access from above.

It is also an exercise in ingenuity and working with some people who may not have been involved in rope access methods before.

Search work was conducted by the handlers and information given to UKSFART members as to how they operate. They were also involved in bodying for young dogs and this proved quite successful. An incident was also set up using the skills of the dog to find backed up by the skills of UKSFART in recovery.

A very useful and informative exercise for all. The day proved to be enjoyable, effective and a good learning resource for all. This was the first of a series of joint training and this venture proved to be an excellent coming together of both teams.

Currently CANIS are the subject of a SERVICE ORDER within Lancashire and we will probably work with the team in real circumstances in the near future. Their knowledge gained about dogs will make them a very effective part of a Dog Search Team while their knowledge and understanding about structures and varying forms of rescues will enhance the skills and safety of the dog handlers.

The seeds were laid in Turkey November 99 for a successful joint group training and deployment, this weekend has enhanced that further.

Phil Haigh Trainer/Secretary .

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