Roanoke News
Campus News & Events
Exchange Students
The Roanoke Valley Campus’s EMT / Paramedic program was host to a pair of “exchange students” on Thursday, July 24–forensic dogs-in-training “Rhumba” and “Fletcher” from Commonwealth Search and Rescue (CSAR)!
Students in the Wilderness Medicine class received valuable information on search and rescue operations from volunteers Melanie Morris (pictured with Fletcher) and Carla Spencer, but the dogs, who are in training to receive their state certification, were the big hit of the day. The dogs took turns attempting to find samples of forensic material hidden in the class room by Melanie and Carla, and were both very quick and accurate in locating the material. Rhumba impressively found a sample hidden high above her on top of a bookshelf!
“It’s amazing what they can do,” said Rhumba’s partner Carla. Carla admits that it isn’t just the dog that needs to be trained. “I need to learn how to read what she’s telling me,” she explained. She went on to explain that most working dogs have been historically bred for specific functions such as hunting or herding, which can be adapted for more specialized purposes such as search and rescue or tracking.
CSAR is a non-profit volunteer search and rescue group dedicated to providing assistance to lost or injured persons in the out-of-doors. Information on the group is available on their web site, www.commonwealthsar.org.
