Cavechat.org

Hi everyone,

I am a caver from South Africa and curious what techniques and equipment are used in other countries.
Some of the specific things I am interested in:

Do you use mainline and belay system or rather twin/dual tension systems when lowering and raising?
Which equipment do you use for rope grabs in raising?
What lowering equipment do you use?
What equipment do you use for the belay line?
If a twin/dual tension system is used, then which devices do you use for lowering?

Of course any why this rather than that is very welcome!

Welcome to the forum.

US cave rescue organizations mostly use main and belay systems, although some may use twin tensioned systems.
Rope grabs are usually Petzl Rescucenders or 3-wrap Prusiks.
Rescue loads are usually lowered through 6-bar racks.
The belay line is usually the same 11mm static/low-stretch rope as the main line.
I've seen twin tensioned systems used in above-ground training lowering through two racks, or through two belay spools.

Here's a link to some National Cave Rescue Commission training info for students.
Student Preparation Guide

Thanks for the reply. That is pretty much what I thought would be used. Also thanks for the link. Do you know of any more detailed information on cave rescue? I have Life on a Line and that seems to be the only detailed book on cave rescue I can find...

The Speleo Secours Francais publishes this guide which is brief but useful:

Cav Rescuer's Manual.

It will you give you a perspective on a different system - single ropes, counterweight hauls etc.

In Canada, this is what Alberta and BC are transitioning to from the double rope, main/belay system that we currently use. Quebec already uses this style of rescue.

Or get the new US Cave Rescue book

http://www.innermountainoutfitters.com/ ... d-edition/

Thanks, I will try to get hold of those books