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As a highly-trained unit, dealing with drownings and searching for missing people with K9 partners in the mountains, but to name a few. This mentally tough team comprising of two divisions, namely K9 Search and Rescue and Newcastle Search and Rescue, is a force to be reckoned with.
Speaking to Sergeant Stanley Holloway of the unit, the Newcastillian – Online News places the spotlight on this great bunch of hardworking Newcastillians, acknowledging their efforts while taking a peek into their daily lives.
Begining the Sergeant states, their mission is stipulated in their name. And when looking at the scope this committed team deals with, you come to appreciate them that much more. From handling drownings to searching for missing people, diving, rescuing and recovering people in high-angle locations, swift water and confined spaces, both on land and in water.
When it comes to searching for missing people in water, Sergeant Holloway explains, “We use dogs to sniff bodies in the water. When a person drowns, the body releases a gas, and the dog reacts to this.”
Further discussing the invaluable role their K9 partners’ play in the various processes. Regarding a missing person on land, the Search and Rescue Team will investigate the area where the person was last seen, with their canine partners assisting in tracking down the person. Additional, Sergeant Holloway states, “At times, we use dogs at crime scenes to search for more evidence, seeing if the victims or suspects dropped anything that can be used in the case’s investigation.” Moreover, he points out, the dogs are dual-trained, meaning they search for both living and deceased individuals.
Discussing an often misunderstood element regarding Search and Rescue, the Sergeant explains that the Search and Rescue team does not only search for drowning victims but also missing people.
Often working long hours, sacrificing their personal lives, he explains one does not simply walk into their unit. One needs to undergo intense training, which only sees six officers on average joining the Search and Rescue Unit every two years. “We also have to go for training every year, as there are continuous developments in techniques and equipment.”
The officers also undergo medical training to ensure they can assist people with injuries in order to get them to a hospital for further treatment. Their dog partners undergo rigorous training, usually taking up to six months before joining the ranks. The dogs are always German Shepherds being highly intelligent animals, boasting immense stamina. Showcasing the training’s functionality, officers and canines can handle being carried by helicopter or abseil as one in order to rescue and recover people. This is mainly due to the police unit searching for people who might have fallen off a cliff or got lost in the mountains.
Sergeant Holloway explains the reason the unit places significant emphasis on training is due to the risks they face. He elucidates, “One mistake can put the victim’s life in danger, as well as ours.”
Facing several dangers when diving in rapid waters or searching high-angle locations, such as cliffs, the Sergeant explains that the job is gratifying regardless of the risks. “Bringing someone home safely or by helping a family find closure through locating their deceased family member, is rewarding as everyone needs and wants to know what happened to their loved one.”
As he and his unit cover large KwaZulu-Natal areas, Sergeant Holloway explains it is essential for community members to educate themselves on water safety. He stresses, “In South Africa, we see an average of four people drowning a day.”
Also, for those who enjoy hiking and exploring nature, the Sergeant says, it is imperative for these individuals to always prepare for the worst. “Always carry extra food and water, as well as extra clothing, for in case you get lost during your excursion.” The Search and Rescue unit covers parts of the Drakensberg Mountains, searching for people who occasionally go missing, either due to being lost or due to injuries.
As the team works silently behind the scenes, facing dangerous situations, Pixelfish Marketing and the Newcastillian salute the unit for their commitment and dedication.
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