K9 Avalanche Rescue Teams Get Rare Preseason Training
SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - K9 avalanche rescue dogs and their handlers received a rare, preseason training program this year as winter quickly approaches.
The Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (CRAD) training exercise brought together rescue teams from resorts across the state including Vail, Keystone and Copper. While obviously there is no snow right now, the goal of the exercise was to get the teams comfortable using avalanche beacons and RECCO equipment while getting in and out of Flight For Life so they are comfortable and trained in doing so in a real life situation on snow.
The two-day course was a refresher for some of the teams but for some dogs it was the first time riding in the Flight For Life helicopter.
The two-day training included several classroom and ground training sessions and each team was able to practice loading and unloading from the helicopter.
"Our main objective is to help offer rapid response in a backcounty emergency," said Matt Norfleet, CRAD Director. "We have some very seasoned dogs, as well as 9-month-old pups that are getting used to the helicopter and getting 15 trips in a day. It's a great way to get them used to the effects of the helicopter when you're loading and unloading."
Training organizers say the teams typically will train throughout the year, but this is the first time they have all come together for the flights and ground training as a team.
"We decided that preseason was a great time for training. We all have time to do a little more training before we get busy in the winter ," Norfleet said.
The training exercise marked the first time the avalanche rescue teams and Flight For Life crews have worked together following this summer's tragic fatal helicopter crash that took the life of pilot Patrick Mahany and injured two flight nurses on board.
LINK: Avalanche Deployment Program
Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.
