2.
Wear a good hard hat with a chin strap (preferably 5 point) with your primary
light source attached.
3.
Carry three sources of light (I recommend that at least two be hands free and
to have back up bulbs and batteries).
4.
Always tell someone which cave you will be visiting and your expected time of
return.
5.
Follow the lead of the more experienced caver or the one who knows the cave
well.
If
all your lights fail, stay where you are and wait for help to come.
6.
Avoid jumping, because caves are seldom clear or level and a short jump may
result in an injury.
6.
Practice rope work under the guidance of an expert and above ground before
doing any vertical caving.
7.
Caving is extremely tiring and you should know your limit, rest frequently,
watch for fatigue in others. (many accidents result after fatigue has set in)
8.
If you have a serious medical condition you should consult a physician before
caving. If you have medical conditions and go caving, inform your caving
companions about your condition before the trip in case of problems.
9.
Carry a first aid kit. Your kit should include a large garbage bag, emergency
blanket, or poncho will make a good heat source to prevent hypothermia. You
can use the heat from a candle or carbide lamp in combination for extra heat.
10.
If an immobilizing injury occurs, treat the patient for shock (keep the
injured caver warm) and contact the local authorities and cave rescue
organization.
11.
Sitting still while caving can cause loss of body temperature and shivering
after a period of time. Shivering is the first symptom of hypothermia. Get
active to warm the body.
12.
The slowest caver sets the pace. Go only as fast as you can be followed, and
check on the caver behind you.
13.
If you are lost in a cave, panic is your worst enemy. Remain calm, conserve
you light, food and water. If you followed the cave safety rule about leaving
word, you have little to worry about, because someone will be looking for you
within hours of your preplanned departure.
14.
Remeber the sometimes forgoten safety of the cave. Take nothing but but
pictures, Leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time.
Want
to learn more about caving?? CONTACT ESSO!
Serious
people about taking caving serious.. and FUN!
