Colorado Avalanche Rescue Dog Training with Carl Kishbaugh

Disaster Podcast

Our ski patrol and disaster meteorology expert, Kyle Nelson, comes by the episode tonight with fellow snow and mountain rescue expert Carl Kishbaugh. Karl is a ski-patroller with years of experience in mountain and ski-lift rescue as well as avalanche dog handling. Ruby, his avalanche search and rescue dog, recently trained with he and Kyle on helicopter acclimation and landing zone handling.

Colorado Avalanche Dog Article

Doctor Joe Holley joins the conversation with questions about Ruby’s training. His experience with USAR dogs extends to his wife Kimberly Holley and her three trained USAR dogs. The episode is hosted by Jamie Davis. Co-host Sam Bradley is on a much-needed episode away.

Photo Credits: Kyle Nelson

Scroll down for Podcast Discussion Summary

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Thank you as always to Paragon Medical Education Group for their long-term support of the Disaster Podcast. Dr. Joe Holley and the team at Paragon continue to provide excellent and customized disaster response training to jurisdictions around the U.S. and internationally as well.

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Podcast Discussion Summary

Ski Patrol Operations and Dispatch

Carl Kishbaugh, a ski patrol member, discussed the operations of his team. He explained that they are dispatched based on the nature of the call, with the level of trauma or medical need determining the response. They operate under the same medical protocol as the local county’s ambulance, fire, and mountain rescue services.

Carl also detailed how they are contacted, with guests on the mountain knowing which ski patrol to call or calling 911, which then directs the call to their dispatch. He mentioned that they have radios and phones on lifts for communication and that cell phone coverage is improving. In cases where further advice or direction is needed, they can call the hospital directly or relay through their dispatch. Jamie and Kyle confirmed Carl’s explanations. Joe asked about the dispatch process, and Carl clarified that they are contacted through various means, including cell phones and radios.

Search and Rescue Dogs Importance

Carl discussed the importance of search and rescue dogs in their operations, highlighting their superior capabilities compared to other resources like avalanche beacons and probe lines. He explained the process of acquiring a rescue dog, starting with an internal application process within the company, followed by certification through the Colorado Rescue Avalanche Dog program. He also shared his experience with Ruby, a Scottish field golden retriever, which he obtained from a breeder known for producing dogs suitable for search and rescue tasks.

Ruby’s Pack Drive and Training

Carl shared his experiences with his two dogs, Ruby and his 12-year-old husky. He described Ruby as a pack-driven dog, meaning she is highly motivated to please her pack and will strive to do so. This trait has been beneficial in training Ruby, as she responds well to positive reinforcement and is eager to please.

Carl emphasized the importance of not shaming Ruby for her mistakes, but instead refocusing her energy into good behavior. He also mentioned that Ruby’s pack drive is her strongest instinct, and she understands when she has done something wrong. Carl’s observations on Ruby’s pack drive have been insightful and have helped him train her effectively.

Dog Breeds and Training Differences

In the meeting, Carl and Joe discussed their experiences with different dog breeds, particularly Malinois and Labradors. They highlighted the unique characteristics of each breed, with Malinois being highly intelligent and driven, while Labradors are more docile and adaptable. Joe shared his experience with his Malinois, who requires daily stimulant drugs to manage her high drive. Carl emphasized the importance of not shaming or disciplining dogs for their behavior, but rather refocusing them. The conversation also touched on the differences in training needs for various breeds, with Carl noting that Malinois are highly trainable and intelligent, but may require more direction than other breeds.

Training Ruby for Avalanche Rescue

Jamie, Carl, and Kyle discussed the training of Ruby, an avalanche rescue dog. Carl explained the various training methods they use, including behavioral training and avalanche drills. He detailed how they progress from simple drills to more complex ones, such as hiding Kyle in a shallow snow grave and training Ruby to locate him.

Kyle emphasized the importance of training the handler as much as the dog, and how weather conditions affect the search. Joe agreed, highlighting the importance of the handler’s role in interpreting the dog’s actions. The team concluded that understanding the dog’s behavior and the handler’s role is crucial for successful avalanche rescue operations.

Upcoming Projects and Ski Patroller Expert

In the meeting, Jamie and Joe discussed upcoming projects and events, including a National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP) event and an evaluation of new products for hemorrhage control. They also mentioned the 11th year of production for the disaster podcast.

Kyle shared his social media handles and mentioned his Instagram account for winter updates. Carl, a guest speaker, offerred to share his expertise and experience as a ski patroller and lift evacuation coordinator on a future episode. The team agreed to have Carl back to discuss more about his technical rescue work.