MCRO Rescue Practice

A great turnout of 35 at the MCRO rescue practice held on Sunday. Thanks to everyone that attended the event and a big thanks to those who provided the training.

Emma Porter

Underground Rescue Practice, Wolverley

The practice from the previous day was put into use underground, with three casualties being successfully rescued with 30 cavers involved and 1 non-caving volunteer.
Thanks to all who participated during the weekend.

Rescue Training, Ruiton Windmill, Upper Gornal

A joint "above" ground cave rescue training exercise at the Mill with 25 members of MCRO, Dudley Caving Club, GCRG and 1 guest. Three training sessions took place on communications, self-rescue and stretcher packaging and hauling. The evening ended with a curry, de-brief in the pub and a series of slide/video presentations.

GCRG rescue practice - Pancake Mines, Doward

After a very wet start above ground, we spent several hours practising stretcher packaging and handling in the Pancake Mines. A very useful training exercise and particularly good practice for Dea and Wal.

The Team: MiCl, EmPo, StWa & DeW

Rescue Practice, Secret Underground Location in the Midlands

A scenario involving two causalities - both stretcher cases.  In total four awkward pitches needed rigging for rescue including a haul up a cliff face. A very successful day.

Present: PAn, MBa, DBo, RBr, MCa, MKa, ACr, KEd, AGr, BMa, MNo, EPo, GSm, JSm, Ast & CWe + Dave from Wolverhampton & members of SCMC

GCRG Rescue Practice, Miss Grace's Lane, Tidenham Chase, Chepstow

Several scenarios were investigated on the day mainly involving stretcher handling in the pitch bypass crawls. MCl & EPo worked on moving a stretcher from the first chamber through the connecting crawl and up the scaffolded climb, the rest of the DCC members investigated rigging the traverses below the third pitch and the pitch itself. 


Present: From DCC: - MCl, KEd, BMa, EPo + Dave from Wolverhampton

Rescue Practice, Huglith Mine, Shropshire

An evening/night time search and recovery operation to practice communications which in spite of the dense woodland, trip wires, pitch black and pouring rain went very successfully.

Present: PAn, MCl, KEd, AGr, MNo, EPo, GSm, JSm & ASt + Loads of members of SMCG

Rescue Callout, Slaughter Stream Cave, Forest of Dean

We arrived at 12:30am (Sunday morning) to be told that the rescue team were making good progress and were on the pitches. We ascertained that no further assistance was required due to the progress made and phoned the MCRO individuals who were currently travelling and told them to stand down. Keith, Mike and I then assisted on the Entrance Pitch. Robbie, the casualty who was in good spirits then exited at approx 3am.

Present:  MCl, KEd & EPo.  DBo, ACr & ASt were stood down whilst on route.

OFD 2 Rescue Call-Out, Penwyllt, South Wales

After the rest of us had left and were nearly home Brendan was called out to search for an overdue party.  After a Land Rover ride up to Top Entrance the party were located in Gnome Passage.
All in all a very packed caving day.


Present: BMa

Rescue Practice, Wet Sink, Gloucestershire

The Gloucester Cave Rescue Group hosted this practice from the end of East Stream Passage in Wet Sink.  EPo, MCl and GSm went underground on the first stretcher party whilst JSm wandered about in the hell hole of a field bathed in sunshine talking on the Heyphone.  This was followed by a great barbecue. Great Forest hospitality as ever.


Present:  MCl, EPo, GSm & JSm

Otter Hole, Chepstow

The following team assisted in the rescue of an injured caver from this system.

 Dave Bowdley on the phone at the cave entrance.

Muddy gear courtesy of Otter's famous entrance series.

Present:  DBo, MCl, KEd, EPo, GSm & JSm