III.General

The purpose of the certification process is to identify the basic minimum skills needed by a handler/search Canine team for NIMS Type level (1),(2),(3) resources and teams.

Minimum Requirements for Testing

Handler

  • Handlers shall be eighteen (18) years of age or older at the date of testing and be capable of physically completed the test without assistance or stopping
  • Completedbasic First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) using either Red Cross, National Safety Council or American Heart Association guidelines for emergency responders
  • Completed Canine First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
  • Completed FEMA/DHS mandated National Incident Management Systems (NIMS ) NIMS 100 NIMS 200, NIMS 700, NIMS 800 Classes
  • Complete Blood Borne Pathogens (BBP) using either Red Cross, National Safety Council or American Heart Association guidelines for emergency responders
  • Complete Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) or Fundamentals of Search And Rescue (FUNSAR) or equivalent as specified in Kar 39F
  • Complete a basic Crime Scene Identification and Preservation class
  • Complete a basic Hazardous Materials Awareness class as identified in CFR 1910:120

Canine

  • Canines shall be at least one (1) year old at the time of certificationand be capable of physically completed the test without assistance or stopping.
  • All canines shall be friendly to humans and other canines and under the control of the handler at all times. Each Canine shall be on a leash or secured when not testing.
  • No aggressiveaggression or Schutzhund trainedcanine shall be testedthe lead evaluator shall have the final opinion in this determination.
  • A handler must provide a valid certificate of veterinary health on the certification date. Certificates of veterinary health are valid for 30 days
  • All canines shall have a certificate of AKC Canine Good Citizenship
  • All canines shall have proof of current rabies shot with a tag or equivalent documentation

General Requirements

  • A handler shall have working knowledge of the use of topographical maps andcompass headings.
  • A handler who strikes, beats, or in any way abuses their Canine or is rude or discourteous to staff and other handlers shall be immediately disqualified from testing their Canine. The lead evaluator shall have the final opinion in this determination.
  • A handler who strikes, beats, or in any way abuses their Canine shall be immediately disqualified from testing their Canine.

A handler shall have knowledge of the use of radio equipment and generalized Search and Rescue operational procedures

  • A handler shall have knowledge of scent patterns, wind direction, and scent theory.
  • A handler and Canine shall successfully complete all prerequisite components and components of testing in their area of specialty prior to applying for the evaluation.
  • If a female canine is in estrous or "heat" then the handler must inform the lead evaluator of her status and the canine will be asked to be removed from the testing grounds and normal parking areas, tie out areas etc.

1.The handler may request for a separate test away from other dogs and if the facilities and test personnel are available to allow the testing. The lead evaluator may allow it as long as it does not interfere with ANY other testing being conducted.

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Additional requirements for Advanced NIMS Type resources and teams.

  • Complete requirement for as identified for level (5),(4),(3) type
  • Complete National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) 300and 400
  • Complete Managing Search Function or Managing a Search Operation or equivalent as identified in KAR 39F