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Team members have been refreshing their skills in different aspects of First Aid and a variety of Cave Rescue techniques both above and below ground.
Our practice locations can range from indoor climbing facilities (such as the excellent training areas at Arco in Eccleshall which we are able to use each year), to "classroom" based theory sessions and full underground practices with members of other organisations.
We also hold 'familiarisation' exercises with local Fire & Rescue teams and other emergency services and members attend training session with Gloucestershire Cave Rescue Group, South & Mid-Wales Cave Rescue Team and other CROs.
If you are an experienced caver and would like to join us, please contact one of the Wardens on the 'Contact Us' page.
Recent Training Events
Underground Exercise, April 21st, 2024
Exercise briefing at the start of the day. (Picture: Bartek Biela)
Team members met at Snailbeach Lead mine for an underground rescue practice on Sunday 21st April. Reports had been received that an 'Urban Explorer' was missing and believed to have entered the mine. Search teams were deployed and the casualty eventually located, cold and with a broken leg, beyond a 'rock fall'.
The team Casualty Carer and First Aiders treated him while a stretcher team was deployed and a haulage system rigged. Once the casualty was stabilised and placed in the rescue stretcher they were removed from the mine and handed over to the care of the Ambulance Service.
Members of the hauling team waiting to spring into action, while the casualty is being treated. (Picture: Bartek Biela)
Communication from underground to the surface used our through rock µHeyphones (developed by a team member). VHF radios were used to keep in touch with Control that was located further down the valley.
Thanks to Shropshire Mines Trust for allowing us to use part of Snailbeach and the mine buildings for control.
Evening Training, April 12th, 2024
Following on from the previous stretcher packing session this evening we practiced packing a 'live' casualty in the new stretcher and heated casualty bag. Then, making use of the Fire Station tower we tried out a number of different hauling techniques and several different ways of suspending the stretcher. This allowed us to examine the best methods for hauling the stretcher in different orientations (horizontally and vertically).
Preparing the haulage system. (Picture: Cara Allison)
Thanks once again to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Station Manager for allowing us the use of the tower and yard.
Evening Training, March 8th, 2024
For this training session we made use of the recently donated Ruth Lee rescue manakin to try various stretcher packing techniques. Luckily we were able to carry out the exercises under the shelter of the awning over the appliance bay at the fire station, so although it was a little chilly we were dry!
Mmm ... might need more than a splint!
Thanks to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Station Manager for allowing us the use of the yard.
Stores Session, 16th February 2024
An evening session was spent in the stores to help team members familiarise themselves with the layout and newer items of kit. Plus, test a range of cakes and biscuits.
Winter Training Day, 14th January, 2024
Once again our first training session of 2024 took place in the excellent facilities at Arco Professional Safety Services training centre in Eccleshall.
After a couple of talks on various first aid and admin matters (particularly vehicle insurance for volunteers) in the morning. We undertook an 'underground' rescue. Control for the exercise was situated in a classroom upstairs, while the 'rescue' was taking place in the rope access and confined space workshop downstairs.
The control team working with electronic and a manual T-card systems for comparison. (Picture: Sally Fowler)
After recovering the casualty from underground, the plan was to transfer them across a void (from one platform to another) to reach the helicopter.
