Area Search

Overview

Upon an alert from police, fire or EMS control centers (112), the relevant search-dog unit receives detailed coordinates. Within minutes, they establish a command post, divide the area into sectors and deploy the dog in grid or sector patterns. The dog’s keen nose scans efficiently, signalling every scent finding by barking or retrieving an object.

History

Originating from Disaster-search training under the Federal Air Protection Association in 1954, area search became a standalone discipline in the 1970s. The BRH Federal Association for Rescue Dogs then established nationwide training centers to standardize examination regulations and operational tactics.

Organization & Training

Training, certification and continuing education are overseen by recognized bodies such as the German Red Cross, ASB, JUH, Malteser Hilfsdienst and the BRH Federal Association. Teams progress through eligibility exams, modular courses and a final area-search certification—refresher exams every two years ensure ongoing readiness.

Alerting

Alerts are dispatched free of charge via police, fire or EMS control centers. Notification reaches the unit’s pager or radio, and within 15–30 minutes the dog team arrives, sets up a command post and immediately begins the search.

Search Methods

Dogs cover the area using grid or sector patterns, adapting to wind direction, terrain features and vegetation. They switch between tracking ground scent trails and detecting airborne odor particles, often aided by headlamps and GPS at night.

Indication Types

• Barking: The dog barks persistently at the find until the handler arrives.
• Retrieve: The dog picks up and delivers an attached object (e.g. drag line) to the handler.
• Pointing: The dog remains at the scent source, indicating by body posture.
• Back-Reference: After finding, the dog returns to handler, signals the find, then leads back to the person.

Equipment

• GPS device and topographic map for precise navigation.
• Radio and pager for continuous communication.
• Search harness, flexible leash and reflective gear.
• Headlamp with spare batteries for low-light operations.
• Weatherproof clothing and sturdy boots.
• First aid kit for dog and handler.
• Adequate food and water supplies.

Exams & Continuing Education

Teams complete an eligibility exam, modular training in scent work and indication, and a final area-search certification. Recertification every two years keeps skills and reliability at peak levels.

Statistics

In 2023, the BRH Federal Association reported 1,055 total missions, of which 446 were area searches—approximately 42 percent. Over 50 missing persons were located by area-search teams that year.