Any members wishing to attend this event must inform Kat Robinson, Training Officer of their intention to attend and they must ensure they sign in as per any other training task; failure to sign in before departure from Fernie will mean you have no WCB or liability cover.  Nearer the date and when we know the numbers Kat will ensure everybody has the opportunity to sign in before leaving so keep checking this page for further information.  At this stage it is unsure if and to what level Fernie and District Search and Rescue will cover any expenses incurred, this will be decided at the next board meeting.

This is for informational purposes only

SAVE THE DATE!!! Calling all cavers, SAR volunteers, technical rescue teams, responding agencies and rescue support organizations...mark your calendars to take part in one of the most unique rescue exercises ever!

The Alberta Cave Rescue Organization (ACRO) is hosting an interprovincial mock cave and surface rescue (OPERATION DARK SQUEEZE) Sept 16 - 18, 2011 in the beautiful Crowsnest Pass area in Southwestern Alberta.

This is a great opportunity to exercise your rescue skills, meet other avid cavers and rescue volunteers while taking in some of the most beautiful and remote terrain in the world!

The Crowsnest Pass area contains incredible karst, caving and mountainous terrain.  Gargantua Cave is a popular trip with cavers, tourists, hikers, scout and school groups. The cave also spans the border with British Columbia so it's also a great chance to work with cavers, rescue and SAR teams from British Columbia.

There have been a number of incidents in Gargantua Cave so it's not a matter of if, but when the next incident occurs.

ACRO appreciates the support of SAR Alberta and AEMA (Alberta Emergency Management Agency) in being able to conduct this exercise as well as the participating organizations from across Alberta and British Columbia. With their support the rescue scenario will focus not only challenges in the cave but also exercise aspects of surface rescue including non-technical and technical ground operations as well as helicopter operations.

Not a technical rescuer or hardcore outdoor person?

No problem. The exercise will have various rescue components that are suitable for most levels. Anyone with a moderate fitness level will have no problem participating in the exercise. If you have concerns, please contact Cindy Heselton as there are many roles to fill.

Not a rescuer but like the drops and squeezes?

Then ACRO needs you Cave rescues involve a lot of resources and we can't do it without the support and capability of competent cavers. Our services exist to support cavers and so we encourage cavers to participate in this exercise.

This is your chance!!

For more information check the link at http://bit.ly/jVLgy6

We will be simulating a high angle rope rescue, bring your personal gear.

This month we will be running a mock rescue, come prepared to be outside.

This month we will be looking at our equipment used for rescues when the snow has disappeared including the different stretchers and equipment carriers.

This month we will be focusing on mapwork & navigation using tabletop exercises, also looking at the new spot devices we have and how the data can be used at the base.

Please bring your compasses if you have one, we will be inside although we will be sending some members out in vehicles to enable us track them using the spot devices.

Please register on the website if you intend to attend, this allows us to have an idea of numbers when planning exercises.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks

Kat Robinson