Colorado Cave Rescue Network

An Introduction to Cave Rescue
April 26-27, 2008
Glenwood Springs, Colorado

This two-day course is designed as a basic orientation to Cave Rescue. The class is geared to both cave explorers who desire to learn the basics of rescue and rescue personnel who wish to expand their knowledge and experience into the specialty of cave rescue. Our seminars usually have an equal mix of cavers and search and rescue (SAR). No previous experience in caving or SAR is required.

Photos by Skip Withrow

If you are already a caver...
Cave rescue training provides a number of benefits to the individual caver and to the caving community. In the event of a caving accident, you may be called upon to help rescue one of your fellow cavers or they may be called to pull you out of a nasty situation. Rescue training will make you more aware of the potential risks you face underground, and consequently, rescue training will make you a better caver.

If you are involved in SAR work...
Caves present a unique environment to rescue personnel. The challenges faced during a cave rescue may be unlike any you have encountered in other rescue/search/evac scenarios - and as caving continues to grow in popularity, it becomes increasingly likely that you may be called upon to respond to a cave incident. In addition, the skills you learn during a cave rescue training seminar may prove applicable in other situations. Rescues from confined spaces (following a building collapse, for instance) rely on many of the same techniques used in cave rescue.

Do you lead groups, such as Boy Scouts, through caves? Do you explore caves periodically?
Caving is a lot of fun; however, it does come with several risks. This seminar will help you learn about some of those risks and heighten your awareness to the added dangers associated with spending time underground.

Please note - This course is not intended to replace an introduction to caving course. If you are interested in learning more about caving please visit the National Speleological Society (NSS) for more information.