August 1-4th (NFPA Cert Test on 5th) 

Four days of intensive hands-on training. This class is sanctioned by the Alabama Fire College and is the ONLY NFPA 1006 Certified course in Cave Rescue in the nation. It is held Thursday-Friday-Saturday-Sunday, with a test on Monday only for those seeking Certification. Students seeking Certification who have proper prerequisites (Rescue Technician: Rope if certified prior to April 2010, or RT: Rope Level I and RT: Rope Level II if certified after April 2010) must register through the Alabama Fire College.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Any individual interested in developing the array of technical, medical and management skills required to conduct cave/cliff/high angle rescue. This includes personnel from cave rescue units, fire departments, rescue squads, emergency management agencies, park service personnel, first responders, and EMTs. Individuals not working for an agency who are interesting in caving and cave rescue are welcome and encouraged to attend; all levels of experience are welcome.

Cavers and others NOT wishing the certification can send $90 here via PayPal. 
Please include all participant's names and email addresses when registering.

EQUIPMENT: 

- All necessary technical equipment will be furnished, including harnesses and ascending systems. 

- A limited number of helmets and headlamps are available; but if you have your own, please bring them.

Students should bring the following personal items to allow full course participation:

1. UIAA/CE-Approved helmet, with chinstrap bracket (We can provide if you don't have one) 

2. Waterproof headlamp (We can provide if you don't have one)

3. Sturdy, lugged-sole lace-up boots 

4. Rugged outdoor clothing (no turnout gear) 

5. Gloves with leather palms and full fingers (work gloves are fine) for rope work

6. Gardening-type gloves (polyester with nitrile palms are popular) for caving

7. Soft-capped kneepads (such as volleyball type pads) 

8. Personal first aid kit - we will be outdoors, make the HCRU aware of any allergies (bees, poison ivy, etc) 

9. Cash for lunch Thursday and Friday (not all local restaurants accept credit cards)

10. Saturday and Sunday we will be in field all day, you will want snacks and a bag lunch

11. A backpack you don't mind getting muddy is helpful to carry gear and snacks

HELPFUL KNOWLEDGE / PREP WORK: All the following will be covered as a part of the course, but it will enhance your experience to work on these things before class if you are not yet familiar.

KNOTS: Click to go to an animated step by step instruction for tying the following:  Alpine Butterfly  -  Bowline  -  Double Fisherman  -  Prusik  -  Water Knot  -  Figure 8: Follow-Through  -  Figure 8: Double ("Bunny Ears")

INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM: The command structure under which rescues take place. If you are unfamiliar with this, we recommend you take the following *free* online FEMA courses: 

IS-100.b Introduction to Incident Command System

IS-200.b ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents

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HCRU Map Page

PDF of this class description 

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Class Schedule
Class begins at 0800 on Thursday at
Brindlee Mountain Fire Station 1 - 4373 U.S. 231, Union Grove, AL‎ - (256) 498-3109

This is a NEW station so it may not be in your GPS devices, so please use: 34.47079, -86.56802

 

Class will be held rain, heat or shine.

We train for real-life situations. Come prepared for the weather!

Looking for a place to stay? Information on Camping

If you prefer a hotel, Downtown/South Huntsville area is a popular location to stay, about 20-30 minutes north of the class location with an easy drive and lots of food options. Arab is another option, about 20 minutes south.