Cave Rescue Training

About a month ago, I attended cave rescue training. I've been wanting to get these pictures up for a while. Below, we had some classroom instruction. As you can see from our facial expressions, this was serious business. Chris, Wheeler, and I are watching a co-worker get strapped into the stokes basket.
Our first practice was outside, getting the feel of the sked and the different positions in the rescue team. I was the scout, meaning I looked ahead to see what cave conditions were like and to let the leader know what was coming. Also pictured Wheeler, Steve, Kelly, Jennie, Charles, Nate, Robb, Lindsay, and Shannon.

Here I'm telling folks we've gotta go under the bench. Robb, Nate, Wheeler, Mary Beth, Shannon, myself, and Jennie.

Then we were ready for the real thing. The report came in that two individuals had not come out of the cave and a search and rescue team was dispatched. I was put on communications and stayed in the visitor center, manning the radio, recording all transactions, and relaying messages to command. Below is the group getting Victoria out of the Civil Defense room.

Nate performing the very important task of removing Victoria's pony-tail holder to give her more comfort during the rescue.

Although I wasn't in the cave, it was a good training and I learned a lot. It was nice to be on communication because I knew what every group was doing, where they were, and what assistance they needed. I also got to talk ideas with command on what should be done with the different patients in the cave.

Oh, and I'm posting this from the comfort of my home. I finally got internet today!