Rescue dogs in action: heroes of the ÖRHB season Heidenreichstein

Rescue dogs in action: heroes of the ÖRHB season Heidenreichstein

Heidenreichstein, Österreich - The year 2024 was for the Austrian emergency dog brigade (örhb) Staffel Heidenreichstein characterized by intensive missions and challenging training. According to Markus Sailer, the relay leader, the past year was an exciting chapter with numerous activities, including the first state exercise, which attracted 30 participants. During this exercise, the dogs were confronted with distractions in the form of extra sausages, which was a special challenge for everyone involved. Another highlight was the visit to the rescue dog squadron from Mittelthüringen, which included five intensive training days, including a realistic night exercise to search for a missing hiking group in the forest.

A special focus was on water rescue in August, when the first four teams took part in a workshop and pulled the dogs out of the water with life jackets. In addition, September was turbulent when the season supported members of the fire brigade and actively filled sandbags against the flood floods. In total, the Heidenreichstein season completed around 30 missions this year and regularly carried out internal training and exercises at federal and state levels. The last assignment of the year took place in the large -scale search for a plane crash at the preaching chair in early December, which emphasized the ability to react and teamwork. The season currently consists of ten members, with four already ready for missions. Interested parties are always invited to join the team, as it is reported.

This committed group, which was founded in 2004, has firmly established itself in the region on the northern tip of the Waldviertel. Under the direction of Sailer and his deputy Michael Prand, they are happy about anyone who is interested in the emergency dog work and would like to learn more about the exciting challenges. The close cooperation in the team and the training of young dog handlers are clear signs of steady growth and continuous willingness to perform the relay.