It takes from two-and-a-half to three years to train a rescue dog. They must learn not to be distracted by noises or scents when they are searching for people who are lost or in danger. But at no time does their training include an introduction to the helicopter. On May 30, 2008, a canine unit from the German Red Cross was therefore sent to Donauwörth for training. The four-legged rescuers were slightly nervous when they first had to approach a helicopter with its rotor turning, but by the time they learned to climb onboard the running helicopter with their handlers, they were a lot more confident.