At the 2024 FIPS World Congress – Rescue Dog Special Interest Group
AVALANCHE RESCUE DOG PROGRAMME
My name is Marcel Meier and I live in beautiful Switzerland with its famous mountains. Married and father of twins. My main occupation is Master Builder.
I am closely connected to the region and the mountains. I like to cultivate the traditions of yodeling and Swiss folklore. I also enjoy mountain biking and being out in the great outdoors on cross-country or touring skis.
My great extra-professional passion, however, is for man’s four-legged friends, especially avalanche and rescue dogs. I have been leading my own avalanche dogs for almost 36 years and have gained a reputation for expertise far beyond the borders of Switzerland. As head of dogs at Swiss Alpine Rescue from 2001 to 2023, I was jointly responsible for the selection and training of Swiss avalanche dogs. Since 2002, I have also made my knowledge available as an instructor for avalanche dog handlers in the USA. Since 2012, I have also been President of the Dog Sub-Commission of ICAR (International Commission for Alpine Rescue).
I am extremely pleased to be able to introduce the 2024 Congress participants to rescue dog training in theory and, above all, in practice. I am convinced that we will have an unforgettable exchange together. The skills of our best friend will amaze you.
Laura McGladrey, PMHNP, FNP, MSN, RN, FAWM: Family and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a background in Wilderness Medicine Emergency Medicine and Traumatic Stress. Senior Instructor at the College of Nursing. Appointments with Department of Psychiatry, Department of Emergency Medicine, Clinician, Stress Trauma Adversity Research and Treatment Center in Aurora, Colorado. Stress and Resilience Advisor, Eldora Ski Patrol, Founder Responder Alliance (Responderalliance.com)
Dog Handlers face unique stressors in the rescue and humanitarian context. Dog handlers embedded in winter rescue and avalanche work are faced with the dual role of recognizing their own stressors and those of their dogs. Responder Alliance works with dog handlers to develop specific tools for stress mitigation and critical incident support. Tools include the Stress Continuum (adapted by dog handlers for their dogs), psychological first response, and incident support tools.
