A senior with dementia has an attentive dog handler to thank for not having to spend a stormy and rainy night outdoors. “On the way back and forth from search missions, I always look to see if I can spot the missing person somewhere,” she tells the “Krone”.
With the words “I’m not happy with it anymore” a search in the greater Traun area came to a successful conclusion. A large contingent of emergency services searched for a 74-year-old resident of the Traun nursing home from Thursday evening until 1:45 am. The dementia patient from Haid did not return from a walk in the afternoon and an employee then raised the alarm. Because an initial search was unsuccessful, rescue dogs were asked to provide support at 8:45 p.m.
Search is stopped for now
Nadine Aumayr, state manager of the rescue dog brigade, says: “We combed the Traunauen with our sniffer dogs, and the Red Cross sniffer dogs searched the immediate vicinity of the house. For this purpose, police officers patrolled the area, supported by two fire brigades with drones.” But the man remained untraceable and the search was initially called off at 1:45 am.
Missing person discovered by chance
Together with her father – who also belongs to the rescue dog brigade – Aumayr was on her way home on the stormy night when she saw a man walking along the side of the road near the B1 highway. Even though he had a hood on, she recognized a resemblance to the missing man. The two turned the car around to take a look. “But then he was gone again,” said the dog handler. So she got out, searched in the dark with a flashlight and actually discovered the missing man on a side street.
Seniors well and at home
“I asked him if he was Dieter and wanted to come along,” Aumayr said. “I’m not happy with it anymore,” replied the demented and diabetic senior, who was safely handed over to his son after examination by paramedics. The volunteer couldn’t sleep in after this strenuous night: “I have a two-year-old son, so I had to get up like any other day.”
Also read “Krone” editor Andrea Kloimstein’s commentary on this topic:
Working for us around the clock
You cannot thank the many volunteers enough. Without being paid a cent, they are available to us 24 hours a day. The rescue dog handler also explains that she always looks for missing persons during searches on the way there and back from the actual operation.
Because most firefighters, dog handlers, mountain and water rescue workers or paramedics also have a day job, they often cannot sleep in after a strenuous night, but they still have to prove themselves in their work. Respect and thank you very much for that!
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
