Howdy!
I've been in and out of caves for about 15 years, I guess. I was a volunteer on a local mountain rescue team for about 10 of those years. Within the response area exists more than a few dozen lava tubes. Only a few of which are know to the GP. As a team member I began exploring the less well known tubes and quickly realized the rescue difficulties we could potentially face in this environment. I attended a NCRC Self Rescue Course under John Punches instruction. I was part of more than a few actual cave rescues while on the team - fortunately with little vertical aspects and no fatalities. I spent a good amount of time working on cave rescue SOP's for the team before leaving. I am not currently a member a the local Grotto or the MRA. Though I have to admit, my true passion still lies in the mountains, I have a good spelunking partner now and I think he and I will be broadening our reaches in search of more diverse caves in the not too distant future. More to come....
Mike