Major Incidents

Introduction

Major incidents represent one of the greatest challenges for rescue forces. These events exceed the normal capacities of local rescue services and require a coordinated, multi-level response. Rescue dog units play a crucial role in locating and rescuing buried or missing persons.

A major incident is defined as an event in which the number of injured or the severity of damage exceeds normal rescue capacities. This can be caused by natural disasters, technical accidents, terrorist attacks, or other exceptional circumstances.

Definition and Classification

What is a Major Incident?

A major incident exists when:

• The number of affected persons exceeds local rescue capacities
• Multiple rescue organizations must be coordinated simultaneously
• Specialized units such as rescue dog units are required
• Infrastructure is significantly damaged or destroyed
• Communication and coordination between different organizations is necessary

Classification of Major Incidents

Major incidents are classified according to various criteria:

Deployment Scenarios for Rescue Dog Units

Earthquakes and Collapses

In earthquakes and building collapses, rescue dog units are indispensable. The dogs can locate buried persons in rubble where technical equipment often fails.

Special Challenges:

• Unstable rubble structures
• Multiple burial levels
• Risk of aftershocks
• Limited accessibility

Deployment Strategy:

1. Rapid initial care of accessible areas
2. Systematic search of rubble structures
3. Marking of find locations for rescue forces
4. Continuous monitoring of stability

Explosions and Attacks

In explosions and terrorist attacks, rescue dog units often have to work under extreme conditions. The dogs must not only find persons but also be able to deal with traumatized victims.

Special Requirements:

• High psychological stress for dog and handler
• Danger from further explosions
• Contamination by harmful substances
• Coordination with police and special units

Traffic Accidents with Mass Collisions

In mass collisions on highways or train accidents, rescue dog units must quickly locate and prioritize many persons.

Deployment Characteristics:

• Large areas to search
• Many injured simultaneously
• Time pressure due to medical emergencies
• Coordination with many rescue organizations

Coordination and Deployment Planning

Alerting and Mobilization

The alerting of rescue dog units in major incidents occurs through various channels:

Alerting Levels:

1. Local Alerting: For local events
2. Regional Alerting: For cross-regional events
3. National Alerting: For major disasters
4. International Alerting: For cross-border events

Deployment Coordination

The coordination of rescue dog units in major incidents requires a clear structure:

Communication and Information Exchange

Communication between different rescue organizations is crucial in major incidents:

Communication Channels:

• Radio communication (BOS radio)
• Digital command systems
• Mobile communication centers
• Coordination centers

Information Exchange:

• Daily situation briefings
• Joint deployment plans
• Documentation of all find locations
• Experience exchange between teams

Specializations and Team Composition

Different Dog Types in Deployment

Various specializations are needed in major incidents:

Area Search Dogs:

• For large, open areas
• Rapid coverage of large areas
• Ideal for initial search phases

Debris Search Dogs:

• For buried persons in rubble
• Work in unstable structures
• High precision in location

Mantrailers:

• For tracking trails
• Especially for missing persons
• Can work over large distances

Water Rescue Dogs:

• For flood areas
• Search in flooded areas
• Support during flood events

Team Composition

A typical rescue dog team for major incidents consists of:

Core Personnel:

• Dog handler with trained rescue dog
• Deployment leader for coordination
• Safety officer
• Paramedic for medical emergencies

Support Personnel:

• Logistics coordinator
• Communication specialist
• Documentation officer
• Technical supporter

Best Practices

Preparation and Training

Preparation for major incidents requires special training:

Regular Exercises:

• Large-scale exercises with multiple organizations
• Simulation of major incidents
• Training under realistic conditions
• Coordination training with other rescue services

Training Focus Areas:

• Working under stress
• Coordination with other teams
• Communication in crisis situations
• Psychological resilience

Deployment Documentation

Documentation of deployments in major incidents is important for various purposes:

Documentation Purposes:

• Debriefing and analysis
• Improvement of deployment procedures
• Legal protection
• Public relations

Information to Document:

• Deployment times and duration
• Searched areas
• Persons found
• Special incidents
• Cooperation partners

Psychological Stress and Aftercare

Major incidents represent an enormous psychological burden for dog handlers and dogs:

Stress Factors:

• High number of victims
• Traumatic experiences
• Long deployment times
• Emotional burden

Aftercare Measures:

• Psychological support
• Regular conversations
• Relaxation phases
• Professional support

Cooperation with Other Rescue Organizations

Cooperation with Fire Department

Cooperation with the fire department is essential in major incidents:

Joint Tasks:

• Firefighting
• Person rescue
• Technical rescue
• Hazardous materials response

Coordination Points:

• Joint command
• Coordinated search strategies
• Safety measures
• Resource exchange

Cooperation with THW

The Technical Relief Organization (THW) supports rescue dog units in major incidents:

THW Support:

• Technical equipment
• Infrastructure
• Logistics
• Specialized equipment

Cooperation with Police

In terrorist attacks or criminal major incidents, cooperation with the police is important:

Police Tasks:

• Cordoning off the deployment area
• Securing evidence
• Manhunt for perpetrators
• Public safety

International Deployments

EU Civil Protection Mechanism

German rescue dog units can be deployed internationally through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism:

Deployment Options:

• Earthquakes in other countries
• Floods
• Wildfires
• Other major incidents

Requirements:

• International certification
• Language skills
• Adaptability
• Readiness for longer deployments

INSARAG Standards

The INSARAG standards (International Search and Rescue Advisory Group) define international standards for rescue operations:

INSARAG Classification:

• Heavy Teams: For complex rescue operations
• Medium Teams: For medium rescue operations
• Light Teams: For simple rescue operations

Certification Process:

• Regular exercises
• International inspections
• Compliance with standards
• Continuous improvement

Checklist for Major Incidents

Before Deployment

• Complete equipment checked
• Dog physically fit
• Communication devices functional
• Coordination information received
• Safety equipment available
• Emergency contacts known
• Deployment area and hazard situation known

During Deployment

• Regular breaks maintained
• Dog monitored and cared for
• Communication maintained
• Find locations documented
• Safety measures observed
• Coordination with other teams
• Own health monitored

After Deployment

• Complete documentation created
• Equipment cleaned and maintained
• Dog examined by veterinarian
• Debriefing conducted
• Psychological aftercare utilized
• Experiences documented
• Improvement suggestions submitted

Challenges and Solutions

Common Challenges

Logistical Challenges:

• Transport to deployment site
• Accommodation and catering
• Equipment supply
• Communication infrastructure

Operational Challenges:

• Coordination of many teams
• Time pressure
• Dangerous environments
• Limited resources

Psychological Challenges:

• High stress
• Traumatic experiences
• Long deployment times
• Emotional exhaustion

Solution Approaches

Preparation:

• Regular large-scale exercises
• Standardized procedures
• Clear communication structures
• Professional training

During Deployment:

• Clear leadership structure
• Regular breaks
• Psychological support
• Flexible adaptation

After Deployment:

• Comprehensive aftercare
• Experience exchange
• Continuous improvement
• Professional support

Technical Equipment

Special Equipment for Major Incidents

Rescue dog units need special equipment for major incidents:

Search Equipment:

• GPS devices for position determination
• Radio devices for communication
• Search lights for night operations
• Thermal imaging cameras

Safety Equipment:

• Protective helmets
• Protective vests
• Respiratory masks
• Warning vests

Medical Equipment:

• First aid equipment
• Emergency medications
• Bandaging materials
• Rescue blankets

Statistics and Success Rates

Success Factors

The success rate of rescue dog units in major incidents depends on various factors:

Typical Success Rates

Success rates vary depending on the type of major incident:

• Earthquakes: 60-80% success rate in the first 48 hours
• Collapses: 70-85% success rate in accessible areas
• Explosions: 50-70% success rate, depending on damage extent
• Floods: 40-60% success rate, depending on conditions

Future Developments

Technological Innovations

The future of rescue dog units in major incidents will be shaped by technological innovations:

New Technologies:

• Drones to support search
• Artificial intelligence for coordination
• Augmented reality for navigation
• Improved communication technologies

Developments:

• Integration of technology and dogs
• Improved training through simulation
• Optimized coordination through digital systems
• Extended documentation possibilities

Training and Standards

The continuous improvement of training and standards is crucial:

Development Areas:

• International harmonization of standards
• Improved training methods
• Specializations for new threats
• Continuous quality assurance