Fire service show off search dog

[Merlin]

Fire service show off search dog from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bradford/8416807.stm

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service has unveiled its newest recruit, a one-year-old labrador called Dave.

Dave is being specially trained to sniff out survivors in large-scale incidents such as collapsed buildings or train crashes.

When he is fully trained he will be used to respond to emergencies across the UK with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams from across the country.

He is one of just 20 dogs in the UK to work in this way.

Dave travels with his own kit bag which includes a high visibility harness and bootees to protect his feet from glass.

Sniffed out

USAR teams were formed at fire and rescue services across the UK after the terror attacks on New York in 2001.

Each team of about 30 are trained to respond to national emergencies including major transport incidents or chemical attacks.

Steve Beckley, of West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We've got lots of technology but Dave adds a new dimension.

"He can search buildings very, very quickly, sniff somebody out and then point the direction to the crews to go in and rescue them."

Dave will be fully trained in a year's time.