Avalanche Canine Search Specialist

Avalanche Canine Search Specialist Certification Exam

The Avalanche Canine Search Specialist Certification Exam (CE) is designed to identify the minimum knowledge, skills, and experience needed by an individual and their canine partner to work effectively during avalanche search operations. This certification recognizes the need for further training to acquire the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a fully competent canine handler in a wide variety of land search operations.

Prerequisites: AERIE Avalanche Canine Search Specialist FSA or a certification by a nationally recognized organization that meets or exceeds the criteria of the FSA.

Before the candidate can test to these standards, proof of successful completion of one of the following must be provided;

• American Avalanche Association, Level I or II
• National Ski Patrol Avalanche, Level I or II

This certification meets or exceeds industry standards and the criteria of FEMA 508-8 Typed Resource Definitions – Search and Rescue Resources 11/14/2005

Candidates will:

• Be able to locate One to two (1-2) subjects buried in snow caves between 1-2 meters (~3-6 feet) feet in depth.
• Test area will be approximately 1 acre (.04 hectare)
• Time allowed will be up to 30 minutes.

Testing Criteria for the Avalanche Canine Search Specialist FSA (see the full set of requirements)

Handler Skills

• Demonstrates that they are adequately attired for avalanche response and have mandatory equipment.
• Establishes scene safety.
• Performs an effective pre-deployment interview which may include the following questions;
  • Time of avalanche
  • Number of potential subjects
  • What were subjects doing at time of avalanche (snowmobile, ski, snowboard)
  • If the scene is safe
  • If avalanche watch is present
  • Warning alarm for further slides
  • Where the safe zone is
• Demonstrate the ability to plan an efficient search, best utilizing wind, terrain, topography, and existing environmental conditions to provide efficient and effective coverage of the terrain given the time constraints of the test.
• Verbalized the dog’s final response prior to entering the search scene.
• Demonstrate the ability to work and control the dog to effectively search the area.
• Demonstrate that the handler recognizes when the dog is alerting to human scent.
• Demonstrate the ability to judge sweeps of areas as to their suitability to conditions.
• Demonstrate that they were aware of visual clues.
• Were able to give a POD for the area searched.
• Demonstrates appropriate canine care, safety and welfare.
• Demonstrate that the handler behaves professionally during the test.

Dog Skills

• Responsive to handler’s direction and control.
• Searches independently and with focus.
• Shows commitment to each target.
• Trained final response on one to two targets with no false alerts.
• Dog alerts repetitively and independently of handler.

Team Skills

• Demonstrate that the Handler and dog have adequate agility and stamina to effectively work an avalanche search area.
• Demonstrate that the Handler and dog have the ability to work effectively and find a subject with an additional person or persons accompanying the K-9 team.
• Was the search completed within the allowable time with all finds made?

Team Skills

• Did the dog and handler make an effective team?
• Did the dog demonstrate obedience through its reactions to handler commands?
• Was the search completed within the time limit for the evaluation?