This Small Party Assisted Rescue (SPAR) seminar is an intensive four-day introduction to cave rescue techniques that can be performed by a party of six or fewer cavers, using minimal gear normally carried on trips.

Topics covered in the class include preventing and preparing for common caving-related problems, basic medical skills, moving patients through obstacles, helping people who are stuck on rope, and building and operating haul and lower systems.

Students are expected to study in advance so class sessions reinforce and elaborate on existing skills. Students will practice skills in a controlled setting then build on those skills at cliff and cave sites. The course is demanding, with long days and evenings, and provides participants with valuable skills to help other cavers in expedition and alpine caving settings.

Join the Southeastern Region of the NCRC for a weeklong Regional in Sewanee, TN.

We will offering Level 1 and Level 2 during the weeklong running from April 3 -7, 2027. Registration will open in the Fall of 2026. Additional information will be available at that time.