What role do dogs play in structural collapse rescues?

Dogs play a vital role in structural collapse rescues primarily due to their exceptional sense of smell, which allows them to locate victims trapped beneath debris. Their training enables them to detect human scent through various materials, which is often critical in situations where visibility is limited and traditional search methods may fail. This ability not only enhances the chances of finding survivors quickly but also increases efficiency during rescue operations, as dogs can cover large areas in a relatively short amount of time and pinpoint the exact location of a victim’s scent.

While emotional support and identification of structural weaknesses are important aspects of rescue operations, they are not the primary functions of search and rescue dogs. Additionally, dogs are not trained to physically pull victims from debris, as this could potentially cause further harm to both the rescuer and the trapped individual. Their focus remains on locating victims so that trained professionals can perform the necessary extrication safely and effectively.