Cave Rescue training

[jeepmedic46]

Taking a 2 day cave rescue training course in Sept. Has anyone taken a class like this? Wondering what to expect.:coffee:

[luckyrxc]

Expect darkness.
Don't forget the knee and elbow pads.
As I remember there was really long hang times in a harness.

[jeepmedic46]

Guess its a good thing I don't mind hanging around in the dark. Anything other then elbow and knee pads should I bring? Are regular hiking boots ok?

[Spikepretorius]

We had a three day cave training exercise a few weeks ago but I faded at the last minute and didn't go :o

Take overalls/boiler suit. Oh and don't have any phobias about bat poo.
We have to make sure that all our clothes etc are properly cleaned prior to entering the caves to so we don't contaminate.

[JKDetonator]

Expect lots of water. Knee boots or thigh high waders, the mud can be deep! Helmets, and an extra flashlight, did I mention to bring a backup flashlight?

[SunTzuNephew]

Several extra lights, preferably water resistant. I know one caver who has three headlamps on his helmet, just in case....

[jeepmedic46]

Thank you, I will bring extra lights and boots.

[chrismc]

Is it the Orientation to Cave Rescue class taught by the NCRC Sep 19-20 in Manchester, VT? If so, I have tons of experience with these classes (I assist teaching OCRs in the Central Region NCRC). Its a great class, and a lot of fun. Be prepared to get dirty, and be tired. As long as you walk in with a good attitude and eager to learn, you'll have a great time.

Its just the tip of the iceberg, though. If you like it, try taking one of the NCRC National Weeklong seminars in the summer. Its an insane amount of education about caving and rope rescue. :victory:

If you aren't an experienced caver, have a read through the NSS' brochure A Guide to Responsible Caving (http://www.caves.org/brochure/NSS%20Guide%2062309.pdf), especially the section about recommended equipment.

[Dale]

Who is hosting the event, ER NCRC? All of the caves in my area are closed due to White Nose Bat Syndrome.

[jeepmedic46]

Is it the Orientation to Cave Rescue class taught by the NCRC Sep 19-20 in Manchester, VT? If so, I have tons of experience with these classes (I assist teaching OCRs in the Central Region NCRC). Its a great class, and a lot of fun. Be prepared to get dirty, and be tired. As long as you walk in with a good attitude and eager to learn, you'll have a great time.

Its just the tip of the iceberg, though. If you like it, try taking one of the NCRC National Weeklong seminars in the summer. Its an insane amount of education about caving and rope rescue. Yes this is the course. I will read that section. Do you know if we get con ed for it. Could use it for my paramedic?

[Dale]

Have a great time. Your team's Medical Officer should be able to arrange con-ed credits for you.

[SunTzuNephew]

I was a big fan of exploring caves until i saw the movie The Decent. I will never set foot in a cave again. Period.


LOL.

I've done some pretty flat out stupid things in my day. Climbed very tall mountains....dived very deep (technical dives)....sailed across the oceans in small boats, and flown across the oceans in small airplanes....hiked long distances solo.....climbed rocks, just because, fought fires and rescued lives. Even ejected out of a totally screwed up airplane (once) and jumped out of perfectly adequate airplanes a few times.

I even got married (twice!).

But the ONLY way you'll get me in a small cave is with drugs..lots and lots of drugs

[DiploStrat]

As a former member of the NSS (l o n g time ago) there was only two rules:

1. Always carry three independent sources of light (carbide lamp, battery flashlight, candle, etc.)

2. Remember Rule 1.

Have fun!

[jeepmedic46]

I'm hoping to go, But I got a email from the gentleman running it that there has been little intrest in it and it may be cancelled.

[chrismc]

I'm hoping to go, But I got a email from the gentleman running it that there has been little intrest in it and it may be cancelled.

Sadly, that seems to be the trend for cave rescue training this year. I think a lot of agency (and personal) funding has dried up, and people are cutting back. Plus there's the White Nose Syndrome affecting bats in many areas of the eastern US, leading to many cave closures. I'm actually a bit surprised to hear that they're offering an NCRC class out that way at all.

I hope the class pulls through- its a great experience. Keep your eyes on http://ncrc.info for more training opportunities.

[jeepmedic46]

Thank you, I never knew that there were so many caves out this way. I will keep my eye on that site.:coffee:

[SunTzuNephew]

Well, you can possibly find a NASAR course (or SARTECH certification) anyway....get ahead of the game.

Unless you're really into caves....

[jeepmedic46]

I do like caves. I want to be a all around rescue:smiley_drive:r