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K9 SEARCH & RESCUE

As an EMS-based canine search resource, the Oxford EMS Canine Team operates with a strong foundation in incident command, scene safety, and fire/EMS operations. This allows seamless integration into established command structures and effective coordination with law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management agencies.

Canine resources support missing person searches, wilderness and disaster operations, and extended incidents requiring specialized assets. Teams operate under the direction of Incident Command, working alongside local, regional, and state resources to enhance operational effectiveness and responder safety.

As a locally based resource, the team provides rapid response, familiarity with regional terrain and waterways, and increased efficiency during time-critical incidents.

The Oxford EMS Canine Team is volunteer-based and operates under established policies, training standards, and operational guidelines to ensure professionalism, safety, and interoperability.

Certification
All deployable canine teams are certified through the International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA) and meet established national standards. Teams train regularly to maintain reliability, operational readiness, and proficiency in their discipline.

Human Remains - Land
Canines are trained to locate human remains and associated biological material on land. Detection capabilities range from surface and elevated sources to deeply concealed or buried remains. Canines can detect odor through various materials, including soil and concrete. Canines are trained to discriminate and ignore non-human remains.

Human Remains - Water
Canines are trained to locate human remains in aquatic environments, including lakes, rivers, and ponds. Teams work from shorelines or boats to identify areas of interest. Human remains begin releasing decomposition gases after death, which rise and disperse through the water column.

Human Remains - Crime Scene
Canines are trained to locate trace evidence of human biological material, including blood, tissue, and decomposition odor. Searches are conducted across a variety of environments, including land, vehicles, structures, and fire scenes.

Wilderness Search
Canines are trained to locate missing persons in wilderness environments. Working off-leash, they use air scent to rapidly detect and alert on human presence. K9 teams allow for rapid, large-area search coverage.

Trailing
Canines are trained to locate missing persons by following the specific scent of an individual over time and distance. Starting from a known point, they track a person’s path through varied terrain and challenging conditions, including contamination from other human scent.

Comfort and Wellness
Canines are available for critical incident response and post-incident support. These teams assist with on-scene support, community outreach following traumatic events, and scheduled visits to hospitals, schools, and other community settings. The canines are utilized to help reduce stress, support emotional recovery, and promote overall responder and community well-being.

Additional Resources
During canine deployments, Oxford EMS’s Special Operations vehicle, Med Ops 1, responds as a mobile command post and rehabilitation unit. The vehicle carries additional operational resources, including a thermal imaging drone to support search efforts.

Requesting The K9 Division
Oxford EMS K9 Teams are available to assist public safety agencies, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, and emergency management.

All deployments must be authorized and requested by a public safety agency. K9 teams will not self-deploy or respond to direct requests from the public.

Requests can be made through:

Northwest Public Safety Dispatch

The Chief or Assistant Chief

Early activation is strongly encouraged to maximize effectiveness and resource coordination.

Demonstration and Event Requests
Requests for demonstrations, events, joint trainings, and interagency exercises can be coordinated through the Chief or Assistant Chief.

Please direct inquiries to info@oxfordems.org or (203) 881-5216