Urban Search and Rescue (SAR)

The need for specialized responses to rescue victims of disasters ranging from terrorist attacks to industrial accidents to natural disasters created the coordinated response of Urban Search and Rescue (SAR). The phases of all urban SAR operations include: assessing the situation; the search process, and the rescue phase. As a matter of professionalism and in creating uniform standards, in many cases, Federal Emergency Management Agency provides hands-on-training in SAR techniques and the use of equipment, technical assistance to total agencies, and grant funding to help communities prepare for future operations. SAR equipment is often necessary to extricate the victims from debris, often created by a structural collapse. Characteristics of a successful SAR canines include: a great willingness to hunt, boldness and a high prey drive, a strong desire to please, friendliness, attentiveness, and the two most important: obedience and focus.