July 26-29, 2018 (NFPA Cert Test on 30th) 

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 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 are welcome and encouraged to attend.

TOPICS COVERED: This course covers all phases of cave rescue and management, including:

· Single rope technique · Incident command system · Underground environment · Underground communications

· Cave specific medical considerations · Response systems · Patient packaging and movement

· Hauling/lowering systems · Vertical rescue · Extrication techniques · Pre-planning and logistics

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: All necessary equipment will be furnished with the exception of personal caving gear. 

The following is strongly recommended to allow the student the maximum participation in the course:

1. UIAA /CE-Approved helmet, with chinstrap bracket (no fire helmets) 

2. Three sources of light, with main source being mounted on the helmet 

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) 

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

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

8. Cash for lunches (not all places accept plastic)

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.