Rescue Technician: Cave Rescue I/II
2021 Date TBD
Four days of intensive hands-on training. The course is Thursday through Sunday for all students. NFPA Certification students must also attend Monday for exams. This class is sanctioned by the Alabama Fire College and is the ONLY NFPA 1006 Certified course in Cave Rescue in the nation.
Students seeking NFPA 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.
This course is recommended for all cavers, even those not interesting in joining rescue teams. Many safety skills are learned, and knowing what to do if something happens may just save a life.
CLASS STRUCTURE: We work hard to provide consistent training and allow time for students to have hands on experience for all of the skills. Every training exercise has multiple rotations to ensure every person may experience every station/component. It is important to attend all four days, as the skills and knowledge build throughout the course. The first and second days have classroom sessions and hands-on learning stations. On the third day, we build upon the foundations by creating mini rescue scenarios where students start taking active leadership roles utilizing skills learned. This builds to the last day, when all the training culminates in a full day-long mock rescue simulating a more realistic scenario, combining all the components of the course. Let your own unique creativity and problem-solving skills shine as you work as a team to save your patient!
$350 with NFPA Certification (Out-of-State NFPA Certification $590)
Please include all participants names and email addresses when registering.
If for some reason you end up unable to attend class, please let HCRU know at least two weeks prior.
EQUIPMENT:
Students need to bring the following:
9. A backpack you don't mind getting muddy is helpful to carry gear, water, and snacks
The HCRU can provide the following, but if you have your own, please bring them:
The HCRU will provide:
- If you are a vertically competent caver, you may bring your own SRT gear, however if it does not meet HCRU safety standards you will be required to use a provided system. All systems must include a Quick Attach Safety (QAS).
Class Schedule
Class begins at 0800 on Thursday at
Brindlee Mountain Fire Station 1 - 4373 U.S. 231, Union Grove, AL - (256) 498-3109
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.
