National Cave Rescue Commission
Course Descriptions
NCRC holds weeklong trainings for our Level 1 - 3 classes. Orientation to Cave Rescue(OCR), Small Party Assisted Rescue(SPAR), and Team Operations and Field Exercises(TOFE) classes are shorter duration. Read about each class below.
NCRC Courses
Keeping skills fresh is important. If a course needs a prerequisite course, NCRC requires that the prerequisite was completed within the last 4 years. If you are outside of four years, you will need to re-take your highest completed level course again before progressing.
NCRC uses the Incident Command System. Learn more about it below.
Length: 2-3 Days
Required Skills: None
Required Prerequisite Classes: None
An introductory level 2-3 day program which consists of classroom and field work in all phases of horizontal cave rescue including: underground environment, extrication techniques, communication systems, medical management, and organization and management of cave rescue. The basic orientation course material is presented for students who typically include cavers, emergency services personnel, and rescue management personnel. An all-day mock rescue is usually included.
Length: 2-3 Days
Required Skills: Good horizontal caving skills
Required Prerequisite Classes: None
The In Cave Emergency Exercises course is designed to help cavers during an extended stay in a cave. This situation may happen in the case of cavers needing to shelter in place and await further rescue resources, or may occur for a team of rescuers who have a long period aiding someone towards the exit of the cave. The course curriculum focuses on the skills that may be needed in these scenarios including medical resources; cave considerations such as navigation, conservation, or flooding; camping/bivy considerations; nutrition & hydration; psychological impacts; and general preparedness.
Length: Weeklong
Required Skills: See Preparation Guide
Required Prerequisite Classes: None
A week-long class that consists of extensive training in all phases of cave rescue, including vertical litter movement. Students will be instructed in incident command systems, basic medical procedures, mechanical advantage systems, cave environment, communications, litter rigging and transport, and single rope techniques. By the conclusion of this course the student should be well prepared to serve as a team member in most rescue situations.
Length: Weeklong
Required Skills: See Preparation Guide
Required Prerequisite Classes: NCRC Level 1
This week-long class takes over where Task Force Member concluded. Task Force Member is a prerequisite for participation in Task Force Leader Level 2, and students are expected to have reviewed and practiced their Level 1 skills prior to the beginning of Level 2. Students will receive more advanced training in many of the disciplines covered in Level 1 training. In addition, students will have an opportunity to develop and enhance their leadership and management skills.
Length: 3-4 Days
Required Skills: See Preparation Guide
Required Prerequisite Classes: None
The seminar is an intensive 3-6 day introduction to cave rescue techniques that can be performed by a party of six or fewer persons, using minimal gear normally carried on caving trips. This course teaches students how to handle most problems that arise while caving, including basic medical skills, moving patients through obstacles, helping persons who are stuck on rope, building and operating haul and lower systems, and how to prepare for and prevent problems with limited equipment and personnel.