Squad Training

Training is very important to the members of the NSW Cave Rescue Squad. Squad members train together for several reasons:

To be able to work as an efficient and effective team,
To gain familiarity with cave rescue techniques,
To understand how to use Squad equipment, and
To get to know each other's abilities.

We also need to work with other rescue groups. To this end, training exercises are held throughout the year at various locations. Some exercises concentrate on specific aspects such as hauling systems, communications, stretchers etc. Other training days are held at caving areas throughout the state where more complex exercises may be carried out.

Training is worked in conjunction with the Squad's training manual.

Squad Member Requirements

Each Squad member is required to:

Hold a current 1st aid certificate,
Maintain a minimum number of training days as per requirement, and
Attend meetings.

Member Training

The Squad over the years has gained extensive knowledge on how to conduct and perform a cave rescue. This has been documented into two manuals: the Squads own training manual for members and an ‘initial response handbook’ for rescue non-caver rescue squads with caves in their area.

The Squads Vice-Captains are responsible for the implementation of both manuals for our members and other rescue units.

The Squads own rescue manual exceeds the guidelines as set by the State Rescue Board to reflect the nature of the environment that caves offer.

The Cave Rescue Squad training manual is broken into modules with a series of programs or schedules of training called ‘MORTAR’ - ‘Modules of Regional Training and Review’. Modules are used by the Vice-Captains to develop member’s skills.

An example of MORTAR:

Month	In-Cave Practise and Procedure	First Aid	Managerial
February	BASIC CAVING SKILLS - Personal equipment for rescue	First Aid for underground	N/A
March	COMMUNNICATIONS -Michie phone for underground use	First Aid for underground	Communications Procedure
April	VERTICAL TRAINING SRT (Signle Rope Technique) Haul Systems - understanding anchors, belaying, ropes, ladders, etc	N/A	N/A
May	DIGGING TECHNIQUES Micro shaving and advanced cave diggin techniques	First Aid for underground	COMMAND -Personal progress recording, logs
June	FOUL AIR -Understanding and management	First Aid for underground	COMMAND -Rescue progress recording, logs

Additional Training

Members are also encouraged to undertake the VRA vertical rescue training course - V1, V2, V3 and VM. This course comprises of a number of weekends over an agreed time period. The course is both practical and theory with a practical & theory exams at its completion. You will then be accredited by the State Rescue Board as a 'rescue operator' for three years. After three years, you will need to do the course again for re-accreditation.

CRS recognises other services training. If a member undertakes a course that may assist in cave rescue, this may be added to the individuals training record.

This is also extended to underground hours logged on speleological trips if notified in advance to the Training Officer.

International Training and Material Exchange

The international caving community through the Union Internationale de Spéléologie (UIS) conducts a major cave rescue seminar with cave rescue exercises every two years. Members of Cave Rescue attend these exercises whenever possible. Much is learned in exchange of ideas and documentation, which is, brought back to Australia and the South Pacific region.

The Cave Rescue Squad is a recognised and valued member of the UIS and exchanges information with international cave rescue units regularly by email. To date, the Cave Rescue Squad has been on stand-by to assist three international incidents requiring assistance: Cambodia, Laos and New Zealand (2007)

In March 2007 a Squad member attended the New Zealand deep cave rescue exercise. With the Squad's newly acquired Nicola deep cave 'thru the rock' communications system trips are planned to Tasmania for November 2007 and New Zealand in December 2007m to demonstrate the system.

Initial Response Handbook for Non-Caving Rescue Units

All caving areas in New South Wales are designated an accredited ‘primary response’ general land rescue unit. Many of the general land rescue units do not have caver's within their unit.

The NSW Cave Rescue Squad Inc commits itself to train with other units concerning ‘initial response’, the first responder stage of a cave rescue using the handbook as a guide. It also assists other Squads through it regional cave rescue exercises.

The ‘initial response’ handbook is available to all general rescue units through the Australian Speleological Federation - National Cave Rescue Commission.

Squad Training Manual

In accordance with state guidelines, the CRS has its own caver rescue training manual. Members are trained in accordance to standards and guidelines as set within this manual.

OH&S Policy

The CRS advises members that undertaking an authentic cave rescue and training may involve some form of calculated risk. Every possible means is undertaken to ensure the safety of Squad members through a program of induction and supervised training.

International Training and Material Exchange

The international caving community through the International Union of Speleology conducts a major cave rescue seminar with cave rescue exercises every two years. Members of Cave Rescue attend these exercises whever possible. Much is learned in exchange of ideas and documentation, which is, brought back to Australia.

The Cave Rescue Squad is a recognised and valued member of the UIS and exchanges information with international cave rescue units regularly by email. To date, the Cave Rescue Squad has been called to one international incident requiring assistance in Cambodia.