The NCRC PNW region, with the assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff's Mountain Rescue Unit, is pleased to offer a Small Party Cave Rescue class over Labor Day weekend, Sept 5-7, 2009. The class is tailored to PNW cave conditions and rescue scenarios, and is intended to build competency in personal single-rope techniques, provide a basic set of tools for assisting an injured/ill/fatigued companion from a cave, making an initial response for serious incidents, and interfacing with agency personnel in the event of a more complex rescue.
Class size is limited to the first 30 registrants. All participants must PRE-REGISTER.
Location:
The class will meet at Baker Park in Douglas County Oregon (off Hwy 138 near milepost 25). On-site registration begins at 9:00 a.m. Saturday. The class will conclude by approximately 2:00 p.m. on Monday.
Camping/Lodging:
Free TENT camping is available in the marked areas at Baker Park. Our use areas there will be clearly marked NCRC. The tent area is all of the way to the end of the access road. Participants are welcome to arrive on Friday. The site has picnic tables, paves parking, and a vault toilet. It is on the North Umpqua River. We will have some water available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own potable water or a water filter. The camping site is 7 miles east of Glide, Oregon or 4 miles east of IdleyId Park, Oregon. These communities offer convenience stores, gas stations, and restaurants. Motel lodging is available in IdleyId Park, Glide, and Roseburg if participants prefer that to camping. Any motel arrangements are the responsibility of the participant. RV camping is available at other area campgrounds, but will likely be difficult to obtain over Labor Day weekend. We highly recommend participants avail themselves of the on-site tent camping.
Anticipated Schedule:
Saturday – Registration at 9:00 AM. Personal single ropes techniques (climbing system tuning), pick-off techniques, patient packaging, litter handling, small party evacuation considerations and techniques, and rebelay ropes course. All activities are at the camping area with alternative an site if it is raining.
Sunday – Small party techniques, rigging, evacuation, roped traverse travel, and SRT in the field.
Monday -- Evacuation practice in the field. Combination of litter handling and practical rigging for sloping passage with moderate water. Finish by 2:00 PM.
Cost: Free (donations to offset course costs are appreciated).
All necessary rescue tools and equipment will be furnished for students except personal caving/safety equipment. All students MUST have the following equipment available for inspection at check-in:
1. UIAA or CE approved mountaineering-style helmet with a three- or four-point suspension, and a non-elastic chinstrap
2. Three (3) independent sources of light, at least two (2) capable of helmet mounting, at least two (2) electric, each sufficient to allow exit from cave. Carbide light use during the training activities is strongly discouraged because participants will be working on rope and in close quarters.
3. Sturdy, rubber soled boots
4. Rugged clothing for a wet, cold, abrasive cave environment. (Nylon or cotton coveralls, synthetic thermal underwear, knee and elbow pads suggested.)
5. Gloves with leather palms and full fingers
6. Water bottle(s) (two quarts recommended)
7. Small, personal first-aid kit (optional but recommended)
8. Small, heavy-duty pack or knapsack for carrying personal equipment underground
9. Sewn seat harness
10. Six (6) locking carabiners independent of ascending and descending systems
11. Two (2) 20-foot sections of 1-inch tubular webbing
12. Descent device – Any of the following four devices are acceptable: a standard rack, a three-bar Micro rack with hyper-bar (4 bars total), a bobbin-type descender with off-set or safety carabiner, a Rescue Eight with ears
13. Ascending system – A caving style ascending system that incorporates at least two points of mechanical, gripping attachment connected to the user's seat harness attachment point. Frog system highly encouraged.
14. Two or more prusiks or additional ascenders, independent of the climbing system.
15. Small, personal, prusik-minding pulley
All personal equipment should be marked in some manner to identify the owner.
Participants should plan to be in-cave or in a cave-like environment for some aspects of the training. Dress in layers to accommodate the variety of activities we will undertake. Be prepared for long days with a high level of physical activity.
Our field sites will be above ground and very close to parking. Our preferred cave site is a 1.5 mile, easy hike from the parking area. We will emphasize small party activities at that site so the gear-carrying will be kept to a minimum for that day.
Youth under 18 can participate ONLY if accompanied by an adult who is also enrolled in the class. Special permissions are required. Anyone in this situation needs to contact the registrar in advance so he can explain the documentation requirements.
REMINDER: The class can accommodate up to 30 participants. Pre-registration is required. Pre-register by August 31st.