Item: Injuries in Avalanche Search and Rescue Dogs: A Survey Based Study
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Title: Injuries in Avalanche Search and Rescue Dogs: A Survey Based Study
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings 2018, Innsbruck, Austria
Authors:
- Jennifer Coulter [ Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association, Fernie BC, Canada ]
- Donald McPhalen [ U of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada ]
- James Lange [ Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Center, Calgary AB, Canada ]
- Bronwyn Fullagar [ Western Veterinary Specialist and Emergency Center, Calgary AB, Canada ]
- Robertson Harrop [ U of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada ]
Date: 2018-10-07
Abstract: The Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (CARDA) is the civilian organization entrusted with the responsibility of using handler-dog teams for avalanche search and rescue in Canada. CARDA was founded in 1978 with a mission to train and maintain a network of highly efficient avalanche search and rescue teams across Canada. CARDA members are concerned about the health and safety of their dogs. As an organization, CARDA requires teams to maintain a state of operational readiness for rapid deployment to avalanche accidents. Teams must pass yearly certification, and take courses every 2 years to maintain their operational status. Injuries to CARDA dogs may result in lost training time and an inability to respond when tasked. Consequently, CARDA has set out to develop a research study strategy to look at the types of avalanche search dog injury occurrences as well as where and when injuries occur. An improved understanding of avalanche dog injuries may set the stage for an injury reduction program. As a first step we developed this study, a retrospective electronic survey study to gather information about avalanche dog injuries. We plan to use the information to develop future high quality research study questions around notable "lost time" injures.
Object ID: ISSW2018_P16.23.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords:
Page Number(s): 1482-1484
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