Shay's Lessons from various searches 

Notes 1:

Shay's big lessons learned (that I should know by now)

1. Don't start your trailing dog when they aren't clear in her head

2. Start away from the crowded area when possible, look at the maps and really examine where would be the ideal place to start (it might not be where the IC asks you to start).

3. Always go and check the farther intersection, they thought he might have gone up trail further...I should have not asked and just gone and checked trail intersection.

4. Cover yourself in bug repellent before going near location

5. Always bring all of your gear when going to team training

Things that went well

1. Good scent article

2. Good support from IC with flankers

3. Good support from IC to turn it into a training opportunity

4. Good outcome with him found alive an well

5. Wonderful to be able to listen to the debrief

Notes 2

Lessons learned:

1. Our response is substantially faster and easier to coordinate if people already have their own gear (we had to spend a lot of effort tracking everything down).

2. Carpooling with other teams is a possibility that can reduce driving loads and provide an opportunity to get to know other teams.

3. We need more team drivers so we can deploy to distant searches in team vehicles.

4. The Army Chinook did not have clothing or gear restrictions for riding aside from (provided) ear protection.  

5. Is there any way we can get common helicopter-to-ground frequencies on our radios?  It seems to be common on searches that comms with helicopters is challenging, but I don’t understand why that is.

6. Good example of use of divisions within ICS structure - the County SAR overhead team knew that comms would be an issue, but the use of divisions almost completely remedied that and allowed for efficient management of teams in the field.

7. Vehicle maintenance is a life safety issue and everyone’s responsibility. As we fueled in town on the way home, other SAR team members together observed that one left rear tire had a deep sidewall puncture, ~10% tread remaining and was also visibly slipping off the bead and out-of-balance.  This heavily-laden, lifted 4x4 vehicle with seven passengers had also been vibrating ferociously at speeds above 50 MPH on the drive to the search.  

Note 3

Lessons learned:

1. If you have a non-team flanker maker sure they have appropriate gear (e.g. helmet, PFD, correct type of boots) for the terrain - my flanker didn't have a helmet

2. Always have flagging tape in your pocket so you don't have to climb the hill again

3. Working a trail under a waterfall is very challenging

4. Need to get my radio reprogrammed as I did not have channel on my radio

5. People will take dangerous risks for a photo - don't be one of them

Note 4

Lessons learned: 

1. Make sure you have more than one point of contact before going into field

2. Always have line, carabiner and harness for partners 

3. Reminder to all:  rocks and boulders in a river will be polished and K9 will have zero traction

4. Flashlights are critical for looking in crevices 

5. Good places to cross a river are strainers

6. Strainers are also good places for bodies to get caught

7. Fire, food, friends, dogs and drinks...can't get any better!!!

8. I can still grid even though I am a trailing handler :-)

Note 5

Lessons Learned from a Large-Scale Search Deployment 

(the following has been summarized to protect identifying the specific search but share the lessons)

The following observations are offered to support continual improvement in large-scale K9 search operations. These insights reflect both operational and handler-level perspectives and are intended to strengthen coordination, safety, and mission effectiveness in future deployments.

Operations Perspective

Resource Identification & Tracking

• A clearly defined sign-in process specific to K9 resources is essential. All K9 teams should sign in under the appropriate resource type to ensure proper tracking and assignment.

• Improved tracking mechanisms are needed to account for all deployed teams, including those arriving through supporting jurisdictions or mutual aid.

• A standardized directive in mobilization requests should instruct all K9 teams to check in with K9 Operations upon arrival, regardless of time.

• K9 sign-in and accountability should operate continuously (24/7) during large-scale events.

• Planning Sections should prioritize assignments and coordinate closely with Operations to deploy K9 teams according to mission needs.

Resource Qualifications & Standards

• Verification of certifications prior to assignment is critical.

• Only qualified teams meeting recognized operational standards should be deployed.

• Self-deployment creates operational challenges and should be addressed through stronger mobilization protocols.

• Ongoing coordination between oversight bodies and local agencies is recommended to ensure responding teams meet established qualification standards.

K9 Operations Coordination

• A structured transition process should occur when leadership changes during extended incidents.

• Large-scale events may require more than one K9 Operations Coordinator to maintain 24/7 coverage.

• K9 leadership roles should be clearly identified in the Incident Action Plan (IAP) and acknowledged during briefings.

• A current roster of K9 Coordinators should be readily available for operational reference.

Assignment Structure

• Integrating K9 teams directly with designated strike or task teams from the outset improves efficiency.

• Daily delays related to organizing and equipping teams can be reduced through pre-brief coordination meetings.

• A short K9-specific meeting prior to the all-hands briefing can streamline equipment distribution and clarify assignments.

• Remote command or relocation of briefing areas should account for potential delays in field deployment.

Operational Use of Resources

• Incident leadership benefits from continued education on the most effective utilization of K9 resources.

• A tracking system to document alerts, confirmations, negative searches, and residual findings would improve evaluation of K9 effectiveness.

• Confirmation of finds is often delayed due to investigative and family-notification processes; however, structured feedback mechanisms would assist future operational planning.

Veterinary Support

• On-site veterinary support is critical in large-scale or environmentally hazardous deployments.

• Veterinary teams should be incorporated into pre-planning for extended operations.

• Routine pre- and post-deployment health checks significantly improve canine safety.

• Environmental hazards such as debris, ash, and contaminants require consistent medical monitoring.

Handler Perspective

Command Consistency

• Clear expectations and consistent direction from Incident Command enhance operational effectiveness.

• Strong direction and control are especially critical in hazardous or emotionally complex environments.

Decontamination & Safety

• Decontamination procedures must be clearly communicated and consistently enforced.

• Handlers should be trained on vehicle decontamination procedures to prevent cross-contamination.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be mandatory in hazardous environments.

• Proper canine cleaning procedures (including paws and coat) reduce risk of toxin exposure.

Professional Conduct

• Volunteers must maintain professionalism and avoid public criticism during deployments.

• Mission focus and community service should remain the priority.

• Constructive feedback is best provided through formal after-action processes.

Team Integration

• Handlers should integrate fully with assigned ground teams.

• When not actively deploying a K9, handlers should assist with broader mission tasks if physically able.

• Unified teamwork improves operational outcomes.

Canine Safety & Injury Prevention

Common injury sources included:

• Cuts from metal debris and structural materials

• Pad damage from sharp objects

• Nail injuries

• Skin irritation from ash accumulation

Recommendations:

• Consider perimeter air-scenting prior to full structure searches when conditions allow.

• Protective foot coverings should be part of every deployment kit.

• Clean between toes thoroughly after each search.

• Utilize appropriate topical pad protectants when indicated.

• Plan for both dry and wet decontamination methods.

Search Environment & Remains Detection Considerations

• Duplicate searching of high-priority areas can complicate scent interpretation.

• Advanced age populations and high-heat environments may result in limited recoverable material.

• When only ash remains, confirmation may be delayed or inconclusive.

• Movement of ash by prior search activity may create dispersed scent patterns.

• Multiple areas of interest may reflect environmental factors rather than multiple subjects.

Key Themes for Future Planning

• Stronger K9 resource tracking and accountability

• Clear certification verification procedures

• Expanded veterinary support

• Defined decontamination standards

• Structured K9 leadership transitions

• Enhanced integration with strike teams

• Improved post-search confirmation feedback systems

This summary is intended to support continued improvement in interagency coordination, canine welfare, and operational effectiveness during complex search incidents.