Management of Subterranean Ecosystems in Extreme Environments
2023 NCKMS Conference
Symposium Workshops
Management of Subterranean Ecosystems in Extreme Environments

Our workshop plans will evolve considerably over the few months. We encourage you to check back for upates.

Oct, 4/5 (Pre-Symposium)

Orientation to Cave Rescue

October 4/5 - Saturday/Sunday

Orientation to Cave Rescue
Orientation to Cave Rescue

This 2-day workshop is an "Orientation to Cave Rescue" designed by instructors from the National Cave Rescue Commission.

Suitable for cave and karst managers in addition to recreational explorers, this is an intensive two-day introduction to the science and management of cave rescue operations. Led by a team of highly qualified instructors, the techniques and skills you will learn from this seminar may be directly applied to cave rescue scenarios. Day 1 will include class sessions and exercises designed to teach a wide range of concepts and skills unique to cave rescue. Day 2 will deliver an underground mock rescue and debriefing custom-designed by the instructors to test and challenge your new skills.

This is an introductory level program which consists of classroom and field work in all phases of horizontal 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 agency resource managers, recreational cavers, emergency services personnel, and rescue management personnel.

You must attend the full 2 days to receive a certificate of course completion. Additional details will be emailed to you upon registration.

Workshop presenter: Gretchen Baker, GRBA/NPS