National Disaster Response Force Enhances Victim Identification Training and Canine Skills

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has expanded its focus beyond traditional disaster response by undertaking new initiatives to improve victim identification forensics and cadaver dog training, as highlighted by NDRF Director General (DG) Atul Karwal in a conversation with PTI.

One significant addition is a specialized ‘victim identification’ module incorporated into the existing deceased management training provided to NDRF personnel as part of their foundational ‘first responder course’.

Recent experiences, such as the tragic Balasore rail accident in Odisha, have underscored the critical importance of proper victim identification practices. The Balasore incident involved a multi-train collision resulting in over 290 fatalities, with challenges in timely and accurate identification of the deceased.

The NDRF is now gearing up to introduce a comprehensive victim identification course, drawing on lessons learned from past tragedies. This new course will equip rescuers with the necessary skills for swift and accurate identification of deceased individuals, including the collection of biometrics and DNA samples to facilitate future identifications.

Furthermore, the NDRF is revamping its cadaver dog training program to enhance the capabilities of its canine squad. While current training focuses on locating living individuals, future initiatives aim to train dogs to detect the scent of the deceased in disaster scenarios.

The DG mentioned experiments with various dog breeds like the Belgian Malinois and Labrador, exploring innovative methods such as training dogs to detect submerged human victims in water bodies.

To ensure a holistic approach to training and preparedness, the NDRF has conducted a thorough review of its personnel, equipment, and training protocols. This includes a comprehensive Training Needs Analysis (TNA) conducted in collaboration with experts from institutions like IIM Rohtak.

Through the TNA, the NDRF aims to enhance not only technical competencies but also interpersonal skills and attitudes of its rescuers. Improvements in areas like compassion, communication, and handling vulnerable populations, based on feedback from stakeholders and victims, are being incorporated into training manuals and advanced courses.

With a current strength of over 18,000 personnel spread across 16 battalions and 28 regional response centers, the NDRF continues to evolve its capabilities to effectively respond to disasters and uphold the dignity of those affected.