May 21-23 and 23-25, 2010
Hinton, Alberta
These workshops bring together a range of people with interest and/or skills in single rope techniques and rescue, particularly related to caving.
The workshops are organized by BC Cave Rescue (BCCR) and the Alberta Cave Rescue Organization (ACRO) with the support of Inroads Mountain Sports and the Hinton Search and Rescue Society. All facilitators have considerable cave rescue and/or SAR experience and several hold Justice Institute of British Columbia Rope Rescue Instructor, Team Leader or Search Manager qualifications. Both workshops are intensively “hands-on” and involve simulations and scenarios designed to build skills and teamwork. Participants will receive course materials at registration that can be retained for reference to reinforce and expand on knowledge and skills presented during the workshops. Certificates of completion will be issued, but skill proficiency is not certified because no time is available for formal evaluations within the tight schedule. These workshops deliver elements of the BC Provincial Emergency Program Rope Rescue Team Member course as well as companion cave rescue skills and the essence of the week-long BC Cave Rescue Seminars held every second year on Vancouver Island (next scheduled in July 2010).
Click here for PDF Hinton Course and Registration Information
For more information contact:Phil Whitfield, Provincial Coordinator, BC Cave Rescue
Jerry Fochler, Northern Alberta Cave Rescue Coordinator, Alberta Cave Rescue Organization
May 28-30 and May 30-June 1, 2010
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park, B.C.
These workshops bring together a range of people with interest and/or skills in single rope techniques and rescue, particularly related to caving.
20-hour Companion Cave Rescue Workshop is intended to be useful to 2010 Horne Lake Workshops anyone interested in safe caving skills, including novices, experienced cavers and SAR personnel who wish to broaden their knowledge. It provides expert instruction in rigging, single rope techniques, accident avoidance, mechanical advantage systems and companion rescue methods for caving. The consecutive Cave Rescue Response Workshop builds on the rigging and rescue skills practiced in the Companion Rescue Workshop by introducing participants to high angle stretcher handling, rigging and the organizational structure of a technical rope rescue response, with particular reference to cave rescue. Together, these workshops deliver most of the content of the BC Provincial Emergency Program Rope Rescue Team Member course as well as companion cave rescue skills and the essence of the week- long BC Cave Rescue Seminars held every second year on Vancouver Island. Vertical caving, SAR experience or the Companion Rescue Course are necessary prerequisites for the Response Workshop. The Companion Rescue Workshop will commence at 6 PM on Friday, May 28 and will continue until 3 PM on Sunday, May 30.
The Response Workshop will commence at the same location at 4:30 PM Sunday, May 30 and will continue until 3 PM on Tuesday, June 1. The workshops are organized by BC Cave Rescue (BCCR) and Island Pacific Adventures Ltd. All facilitators have considerable cave rescue and/or SAR experience and several hold British Columbia Provincial Emergency Program Rope Rescue Instructor, Team Leader or Search Manager certifications. Both workshops are intensively “hands-on” and involve simulations and scenarios designed to build skills and teamwork. Participants will receive course materials at registration that can be retained for reference to reinforce and expand on knowledge and skills presented during the workshops. Certificates of completion will be issued, but skill proficiency is not certified because no time is available for formal evaluations within the tight schedule.
Registration is limited to 20 or fewer participants. A course fee is charged to cover organizational costs and to purchase new equipment for cave rescue training and response in Western Canada. Previous BCCR course participants are entitled to a 25% discount and receive no handout material. The organizers reserve the right to screen applicants to obtain a mix which best achieves the objectives of the workshops. Priority will be given to people who have not participated in similar workshops in the past. Participants will be required to sign liability waivers but will also be covered by a Provincial Emergency Program Training Task Number.
Click here for PDF Horne Lake information and Registration Form
For more information contact:Phil Whitfield, Provincial Coordinator, BC Cave Rescue
Richard Varela, Island Pacific Adventures, Courtenay
13th BC Cave Rescue Seminar
July 10-17, 2010
Gold River, B.C.
BC 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 organization in cave rescue, providing specialized personnel and equipment for cave rescue emergencies on callout by the RCMP or the PEP Emergency Coordination Centre.
The thirteenth B.C. Cave Rescue Seminar will be held in Gold River, commencing on Saturday, 10 July and ending on Saturday, 17 July, 2010. The seminar is intended to bring together a range of people with interest and/or skills in rescue fields related to caving. Instruction is coordinated by experienced cave rescue personnel and will involve participants with varying experience and ability in the subject areas covered. One of the objectives of the week will be collectively to apply these subjects to effect an efficient and successful mock cave rescue.
The seminar is organized by BC Cave Rescue and enjoys the cooperation and assistance of the following: BC Provincial Emergency Program, Campbell River Search & Rescue, Alberta Cave Rescue Organization, Gold River Detachment, RCMP; Gold River Volunteer Fire Department; and School District No. 84 (Vancouver Island West).
Registration is limited to 30 participants and will generally be on a first-come, first-served basis. BCCR wishes its training to be as widely accessible as possible, but registration fees are its only source of revenue. Fees attempt to balance course costs and support of BCCR with ability to pay. Individuals for whom the fees present a significant financial barrier are asked to discuss their situation with Phil Whitfield.
Basic SRT and companion rescue skills (as obtained through BCCR regional weekend workshops) are highly desirable but are not essential prerequisites for participation in this week long seminar. BCCR reserves the right to screen applicants if necessary in order to obtain a mix which best achieves the objectives of the course.
Click here for PDF Gold River Course and Registration Information
For more information contact:Phil Whitfield, Provincial Coordinator, BC Cave Rescue
or Trevor and Nancy Moelaert