Possible Hazards And Risks That Search And Rescue (SAR) Dogs May Face In CBRN Incidents

Abstract

Professional search and rescue (SAR) dogs, which are members of urban search and rescue teams with the help of their higher sense organs with rigorous training, are very helpful in finding buried or missing persons in disasters. In these environments where chaos and disorder prevail, it becomes inevitable for them to face very dangerous and risky situations. As a result of a disaster caused by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) accidents, dangers such as chemical leaks, pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, vectors, and radioactive and nuclear materials in the environment are among the forgotten or neglected facts that SAR dogs affect as well as affect humanity. Working with little or no personal protective equipment during search and rescue interventions makes them completely vulnerable to these hazards. In the limited resources in the literature on CBRN risks and dangers that search and rescue dogs working in disaster areas may encounter, SAR dogs are exposed to many chemicals and toxic agents during these studies, as well as biological hazards such as protozoal or coliform bacterial organisms, and radiological hazards such as the risk of ingesting radioactive materials and breathing dust. their arrival has been determined. With this study, it was aimed to emphasize the dangers faced by SAR dogs and to emphasize what has been done and what should be done to reduce the possible risks. As a result, necessary precautions should be taken to prevent and/or reduce these possible exposures of SAR dogs, and further studies should be carried out for appropriate standard procedures for appropriate rehabilitation and decontamination.