SARDA Meridian

 

SARDA Meridian is a Search And Rescue Dog Unit covering the county of Kent, manned by volunteers and operational 365 days a year.

SARDA Meridian train air scenting dog units to a high standard of readiness to be called upon by Kent Search And Rescue, who in turn provide a special service to Police, RAF Search & Rescue Units, other Emergency Services, Local Councils in Kent and the rest of the UK if called upon.

We share the same aim which is to alleviate the suffering and distress, not only to the missing person but to their families, to reduce the pressures of manpower resources of the police and other emergency services.

The dogs are trained to search for missing persons, in particular walkers, elderly and confused persons, children and sometimes victims of crime; in all cases persons that are vulnerable and in a life threatened situation.  On average 1,800 people go missing in Kent every year.

A Dog Unit comprises an Air Scenting Search Dog, Dog Handler and Support.

The technique they use to train their dogs is air scenting, which is a very efficient method of searching large areas quickly.

Dog Handlers are trained to work closely with their dogs using various skills and techniques to help them find the missing person as quickly as efficiently as possible.

Both Dog Handlers and Support Members are trained:

  - in a variety of search techniques and strategies

  - to navigate with maps, compass, GPS and satellite navigation systems
  - communicate via radio
  - administer first aid
  - evacuate missing persons by stretcher
  - to deal appropriately with family members, the public, press and emergency services

The Dog Handler is also the Team Leader but in order to work with the dog effectively they rely considerably on their Support to deal with all navigation, commuication and to initially deal with the missing person as soon as they have been found.

As a voluntary organisation, SARDA Meridian provides its services completely free of charge and members are entirely dedciated people that come from all walks of life, each committing a vast amount of their time to train, attend searches and go fundraising in order that the unit can continue to provide this extremely valuable service.

SARDA Meridian therefore relies entirely on public donations to be able to operate.  Please click here to see how you can help.

All members of SARDA Meridian are also members of Kent Search And Rescue.

Kent Search and Rescue (Lowland) exists to offer a special service to the Police, RAF Search & Rescue Units, other emergency services and local councils throughout Kent, and the rest of the UK if called upon.  They are activated at the request of the police and other emergency organisations.