| VT Cave Rescue Network |
|
Download and Print the Vermont Cave Rescue Network form (80k pdf) Send completed form to:
Steve Hazelton THE VERMONT CAVE RESCUE NETWORK Cave rescue in Vermont is the responsibility of the formal emergency agencies (fire, police, EMS). There is no formal Cave Rescue team, agency, or organization in Vermont. However,there are a number of individuals with caving experience and/or understanding of the cave environment who are willing to assist in a cave rescue. To reach these individuals, the VermontCave Rescue Network (VCRN) was formed. The Vermont Cave Rescue Network is not an agency, club or organization - it is simply aresource list of cavers and other individuals willing to respond and assist in the event of need. These individuals bring to the rescue a variety of training and skills, as well as an expressedinterest in helping. Because of the diversity of responsibilities that would be involved in a cave rescue, neither caving nor medical backgrounds are required. Participants are encouraged toobtain training in cave rescue techniques, but no one is expected to have expertise in all roles. Participants are not paid for their services, nor can they expect reimbursement for expenses orliabilities incurred in the course of a drill or rescue. Because the incidences of cave rescues are few, the VCRN has been loosely developed. Nostandby list is maintained, and there is no guarantee that any assistance will be available. The VCRN functions under the precept that participants who can be reached and are available to helpwill respond. There are no officers or pre-assigned roles. Other emergency agencies to control the scene and incident, with responding participants working under an Incident CommandSystem structure established by the emergency agencies, filling roles as necessary to the best of their abilities. It is important to realize that the Cave Rescue Network is only a RESOURCE of cavers and others who understand the cave rescue environment. We legally operate as part of a rescue onlywith the approval of those responsible for the rescue. We can only offer our assistance and caving expertise to area police, fire, and EMS services and hope it is accepted.
|