Eastern Region
of the
National Cave Rescue Commission

Upcoming Events

Weeklong 2008 Cave Rescue Training

18-27 JULY, 2008

Rockingham County Fairgrounds Harrisonburg, Virginia

Courses offered are Task Force Member Level 1, Task Force Leader Level 2, and Wilderness EMT. The seminar consists of extensive classroom and field work in all phases of cave rescue including underground environment, vertical rescue, hauling systems, extrication techniques, medical management, communication systems, and the organization and management of cave rescue operations.  Basic and advanced course material is presented for students who typically include cavers, emergency service personnel, and emergency managers.

For information on Weeklng 2008 please contact: Weeklong Coordinator (Tony Smith) For a flyer on this training please click below: Weeklong 2008 Flyer (Available for Download Now)

Course Information

Orientation to Cave Rescue (OCR)

An introductory level program which consists of classroom and field work in all phases of cave rescue including: underground environment, extrication techniques, communication systems, medical management, and organization and management of cave rescue. The basic orientation course material is presented for students who typically include cavers, emergency services personnel, and rescue management personnel.

Task Force Member Level 1

Consists of extensive training in all phases of cave rescue. Students will be instructed in incident command systems, basic medical procedures, mechanical advantage systems, cave environment, communications, litter rigging and transport, and single rope techniques. By the conclusion of this course the student should be well prepared to serve as a team member in most rescue situations.

Task Force Leader Level 2

Takes over where Task Force Member concluded. Task Force Member is a prerequisite for participation in Task Force Leader Level 2, and students are expected to have reviewed and practiced their Level 1 skills prior to the beginning of Level 2. Students will receive more advanced training in many of the disciplines covered in Level 1 training. In addition, students will have an opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership and management skills.

Specialist Level 3 Vertical

Offers the student an opportunity to expand and refine their vertical rescue skills. Extensive field work in highlines, mechanical advantage systems, rebelays, and non-traditional vertical systems, plus water problems and Incident Command activities. Task Force Leader Level 2 is a prerequisite for Specialist Level 3 Vertical.

Specialist Wilderness EMT

Designed to train medical personnel in the application of their skills in the cave and wilderness setting. Students are encouraged to have previous SAR or Cave Rescue experience. Prior certification as an EMT or higher is a prerequisite for this course. WEMT expands on the student’s assessment, intervention, and stabilization skills. Operations in the cave environment are emphasized. This course meets the standards established by the Wilderness EMS Institute.

How Do I Schedule an Event?

If you are interested in hosting any of the NCRC courses you may contact the regional coordinator using the contact information listed below.