Warriors of the White

[mhanke]

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Currently, the avalanche warning has reached its highest level 4 in more or less all areas of my Austrian province of Salzburg. It is a good thing to know that avalanche SAR units are on alert 24 hours, 7 days a week. Time is critical for a successful rescue of skiers buried by an avalanche: already after but fifteen minutes, chances of survival is reduced by a half, and after thirty minutes, it drops to a very low level. Despite modern locating tools, dogs and their noses are still the quickest way to search large areas of snow.

Yesterday, the K-9 avalanche SAR squad of the Salzburg Red Cross had its bi-annual recertification exam, in lots of fresh snow. So here are some of them, the "Warriors of the White":

(all pics made with the M-D and 90mm)

 

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Roland and his Golden Retriever "Sammy"

 

 

Markus and his Malinois "Nitro"

 

 

Jürgen and his Dutch Herder "Ziva"

[mhanke]

After a brief search, the dogs recognize even the faintest scent from a person buried as deep as two meters under the snow, and start to dig frantically. This is the sign for their human partners to assist them with the shovel, until a positive identification can be given to the bystanding examiners.

 

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[mhanke]

Completely exhausted, Marion and her Swiss white Shepherd "Lovis" grasp the opportunity of a short rest.

 

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All but one teams were successful and passed the test. The only failing team succeeded in finding four of five "victims" - not enough to pass, but still an excellent performance!

 

Marcus

[photophile]

great series of noble rescuers...bi-ped and quadrapeds alike. Best, Coos

[stuny]

I agree with Coos.

[Bateleur]

Inspiring photographs and tribute to the often unsung hero's doing valuable work.

Edited February 1, 2018 by Bateleur

[StS]

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Outstanding series indeed

 

Stefan

[GLOBETROTTER]

Great pictures, lovely color.

[stuny]

A lovely set.

[Bill W]

All great, love the one of them resting.

[XVarior]

Amazing series and reportage. Those heroes deserve it and you did that homage very well. Love the very first image.

 

 

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