B.C. Cave Rescue is the rescue and training service of organized caving in British Columbia. It is recognized by the Provincial Emergency Program as the lead agency in cave rescue, providing specialized personnel and equipment for cave rescue emergencies on callout by the R.C.M.P. or the P.E.P. Emergency Coordination Centre.

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GENERAL INFORMATION

• · Formed in 1984 as the cave rescue resource network of organized caving in British Columbia, the BC Speleological Federation (BCSF) and the Vancouver Island Cave Exploration Group (VICEG), both registered provincial societies. Administered by a seven-member Committee of the BC Speleological Federation (currently Phil Whitfield (Chair), Rick Coles, Chris Dyck, Trevor Moelaert, Vern Richardson, Bob Rutherford, Rob Wall).

• Volunteer operation financially supported by the BCSF, the Glenn Peppard/Rick Blak Memorial Fund, the Rennie/Clark Memorial Fund of VICEG, a 2005 grant from the Wildlands Rescue Society, training course registration fees and various caving club and private contributions.

• Operates under a 1992 Memorandum of Understanding with the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ( RCMP), and the B.C. Ambulance Service, and with access to the resources of the U.S.National Cave Rescue Commission (NCRC). Training is to PEP or NCRC standards.

• Holds a week-long Training Seminar in Cave Rescue Organization and Techniques in July every even year (e.g. 2006-2008-2010), and regional Companion Rescue weekend workshops annually (no formal certifications).

• Coordinators each have over 10 years of caving experience as well as technical and cave rescue qualifications and experience.

• Capable of responding to cave rescue emergencies anywhere in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The primary cave rescue equipment cache is located near Courtenay on Vancouver Island with secondary caches at Kamloops and Prince George.

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Updated 17 January 2009.