High level of preparedness of canine units in search and rescue operations is of utmost importance in the process of mitigating the consequences of both man-made and natural disasters. From April 28 to May 24, the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center remaining committed to its strategy of enhancing professional capabilities organized and conducted a professional training on "Preparation of canine units" for the fourth consecutive year. This initiative continues the tradition of professional education and exchange of experience shaped over the years and aims to strengthen the readiness level of canine units.

The training began with a preliminary assessment phase, during which specialists analyzed the progress made by the operational teams based on the results of the exercises conducted in the previous year.

The main component of the training was the study on “Search and rescue operations for casualties in technogenic collapsed”. This year’s curriculum included several new directions tailored to contemporary challenges. In particular, special attention was given to the methodology of organizing and conducting search and rescue operations in debris environments. One of the innovations introduced was the inclusion on “Specifics of search operations of the dead bodies” which was in high demand among professionals in the cynological field. Additionally, the topic “Search operations for drowned victims” was incorporated into the training program, considering the importance of rescue operations in aquatic environments starting this year. 

The highly trained instructor staff activities in specialized parts of the field, applying both advanced international practices and mechanisms developed and repeatedly tested by the Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center in emergency situations. Throughout the entire training process, special attention was also given to maintaining and strengthening the motivation of search dogs, which was of critical importance for the accuracy of search and rescue results and the potential to save casualties.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the level of preparedness had significantly improved, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of such specialized training programs. 

The Russian-Armenian Humanitarian Response Center will continue its consistent efforts aimed at capacity building of cynological services and enhancing search and rescue processes. Such trainings would provide participants with a new level of professionalism and confidence, serving as an important step to implement modern and systematic approaches in rescue process of the casualty.