Search and Rescue Canines-SA framework for members

Diversity
We welcome volunteers from all cultural backgrounds and professions and believe that we are stronger as an organisation through diversity. 
We are a mission focussed group of people that values professionalism, respect and compassion for each other as well as for our canines.

Membership roles
Volunteers can become members of SARC as either Canine handlers, Canine Assistants, Administrative positions/roles.
Every member can contribute in many ways, not only as handlers but also as Assistants that forms an invaluable part in the training of a Search Canine or perform support and administrative roles.
Volunteers that cannot commit to regular interaction or training are able to join our group as Associate or honorary members.

Framework
Volunteers wishing to join our team and become a valued members of SARC follows the framework below as their pathway to become handlers, assistants and share in our success and enjoyment through interaction with our wonderful canines.

SARC Recruitment Framework

​First Visit

• Interview with President and Recruitment Officer- Phone or on arrival
• Induction- Brief (Safety; Dress Regulations; sign-on; No canine)

Second visit:

• Issue Induction Form and request completed forms and certificate be returned prior to next training session:
  • Medical history
  • Personal Details
  • VET certificate for Canine
• Issue position Information Document (PID) for both Handler and Assistant applicants
• Issue SA USAR Taskforce Canine and Handler Screening Document

One Month Period:

• Conduct Canine Screening using SA USAR Taskforce Canine and Handler Screening document
• Canine screening to be conducted by SA USAR Taskforce endorsed assessors
• Handler Screening:
  • Medical: Conducted by a GP using the SA USAR Taskforce Medical Form for USAR Specialists
  • Phobia assessments: Heights and Confined spaces conducted at Adver-city site
  • Pack March: Handler to perform a 4km walk with 12kg pack in under 45 minutes

Passed Handler Screening:

• Issue a Membership Application
• Issue Individual Training Plan
• Probation period of 3 months apply
• Voting Criteria for Full Membership to consider following:
  • Attendance
  • Balance Individual Training Plan
  • Team Member
  • Assistant skills
  • Complete Assistant Training Program

Canine Screening- Pass:

• Continue with training and completion of Individual Training Plan
• Team Issued with Probationary Skills Assessment Documentation

Failed Handler Screening:

• Canine removed from program until Handler pass screening
• Medical failure:
  • Perform Administrative roles within organisation
  • Perform limited Canine Assistant roles dependant on presenting a Medical certificate and signing an exemption form
• Phobia or other failure:
  • Perform limited Canine Assistant roles dependant on reasons for failure
  • Undergo training in areas failed and undergo another screening dependant on reasons for first failure

Canine Screening- Fail:

• Handler elect to obtain a new Canine; or
• Remain as a Canine Assistant
• If unsuitable Canine not to be trained due to limited Instructors and training time
• Training resources and time should be invested into viable Canines.

Canine Attendance after failure:

• Determination made by President in consultation with USAR Taskforce Assessors if Canine has ability to pass another screening with more training or is unsuitable
• Criteria for failure determines if Canine may be brought to training sessions at all for handler training and practise (Aggression; fitness; phobias etc)- Fairness to the Canine