About the seminar:

This course is designed to prepare cavers to assist in self rescue situations during a cave trip when a party member becomes injured.  This course is geared towards project cavers, those who explore the underground environment and are routinely far from an entrance, or who find themselves stuck in a cave for an extended time.  

A minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 students.

Topics that will be covered throughout the course include:

• Factors driving the decision whether to call for a rescue or try to self-rescue
• Medical and psychological evaluation and care of an injured caver
• Splinting and bandaging for the cave environment
• Assisted movement of an injured caver
• Hypothermia prevention and care
• Unexpected bivouac and survival
• Physiology of food and water for active caving and long-term survival
• Camping in-cave
• Group dynamics in stress situations
• Psychological considerations

Seminar Cost:

The seminar cost (per person) is $75.  

 All seminar instructors are volunteers to help keep costs low.

Where:

Sullivan Cave

Lawrence County, Indiana (near Springville)

Equipment Requirements:

Required equipment for the course, in addition to what you might carry for an 8-10 hour trip includes:

• Climbing Helmet that is UIAA or CE approved Mountaineering style climbing helmet with 3 or 4 point attachment and a non-elastic chinstrap.  Your name must be present on both sides of the helmet.
• Three sources of light, at least two (2) helmet-mountable and electric.  Each being capable of allowing you to exit the cave.  Carbide would be acceptable as an additional light source.
• Sturdy, rubber soled boots
• Rugged clothing
• Gloves with leather palms
• Heavy-duty pack – no larger than the cross sectional area of caver’s body
• 1 lawn and leaf bag or 30 gallon (minimum) heavy duty trash bag
• 1 candle with minimum 8 hours burn time and lighter
• 1 compact sleeping bag and pad for 54F cave temperatures
• Sufficient food to remain in cave for 2 days.  Remember, you will be working and not just experiencing a tourist trip!   5,000 Calories (minimum) recommended
• Pee bottle and solid human waste containment containers
• Face mask

Recommended equipment:

• Watch (would not recommend using a phone)
• Paper and pencil for notes
• Water purification equipment will be provided, however you may bring your own if you wish
• Additional candles and lighters

ALL CAVE GEAR/CLOTHING MUST BE CLEANED PER WHITE NOSE SYNDROME NSS GUIDELINES PRIOR TO ENTERING CAVE ENVIRONMENT!!

Due to cavers working in close proximity, proof of vaccination (2 weeks after last shot) or a negative COVID test dated no earlier than Monday, November 29, 2021 will be required! 

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY:  Breakfast is on your own.  Class will convene at 8am EST at the shelter house at the Avoca Park in Avoca, IN.  We will caravan to the Sullivan Cave Property after a brief discussion.  We will proceed to the cave and begin with an in depth discussion regarding equipment choices.  This will be your last chance to adjust your equipment before proceeding  Once the course begins in the cave, we are committed for the duration of the class as exiting the cave is not an option.

Sullivan Cave does allow for water filtration throughout the cave, however it is not a river cave.   Expect to get muddy and damp in 54F temperatures.  No wetsuits or PFDs are required or recommended.  

As we proceed throughout the cave, we will choose an adequate campsite and allow for approximately 8 hours of rest Saturday evening.

We expect to be out of the cave no later than 5pm EDT Sunday, however it may be earlier.

Local Information:

Jess Deli 

(812) 278-9577  <--land line...no texts will come through

[email protected]  <--best means of getting in touch with me!