|
Disclaimer: Caving is an inherently hazardous activity, with bruises
and twisted ankles being common injuries. Broken bones, concussions, entrapment,
disabling injuries, and deaths have been known to occur during caving
trips. This information is not a substitute for instruction, experience,
or personal responsibility.
Caving can be physically and emotionally stressful and demanding . It
is important that you are prepared, fit, properly equipped, sober, and
healthy.
Learning More about Cave Safety
Are you properly equipped? Check out our recommended equipment
list
Do you know the basics when it comes to caving techniques? Check out
the NSS Techniques
Page
Want more information on caving techniques? The National Cave Rescue
Commission (NCRC) "Orientation to Cave Rescue" course is highly
recommended for every caver - many of the techniques taught will make
you a better all-around caver. The Eastern Region of the NCRC schedules
the OCR courses in our area - check out their schedule at Eastern
Region of the NCRC.
Think you know it all? Download the NSS "Guide to Responsible Caving"
from the NSS Brochures Page.
Do you know First Aid and CPR? What would you do if one of your caving
team members fractures their ulna? Wilderness First Aid courses teach
you how to handle "first aid" in remote outdoors situations
(like caves). WFA courses are two days long and are offered multiple weekends
throughout the year in nearby locations. Contact SOLO
for schedules and more information. Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness
EMT courses are available for those who desire in-depth training.
Do you want to be a trip leader? Strong caving skills and experience
are a necessity! For all the basics about being a trip leader, check out
the Philly Grotto Trip Leaders Handbook in the Members download area on this website.
Want to be an even better trip leader? Experience and skill in leading
and manageing the interpersonal dynamics of "wilderness" trips
is a big help! The Appalachian Mountan Club (AMC) offers weekend and week-long
trip leadership courses. The AMC Delaware
Valley Chapter runs the weekend course annually, and the AMC
Leadership Training Institute runs the weeklong course.
Cave Rescue training is also recommended for every trip leader. The National
Cave Rescue Commission offers their weeklong "Level 1" course
annually, with the training locations rotated throughout the country each
year. The Eastern Region of the NCRC
(ER-NCRC) offers the same "Level 1" course closer to home once
or twice a year. The ER-NCRC also offers the course in a choice of "weeklong"
or "modular" (over three weekends).
More Information:
|
