SAVE THE DATE!!!  Calling all cavers, SAR volunteers, technical rescue teams, responding agencies and rescue support organizations...mark your calendars to take part in one of the most unique rescue exercises ever!

The Alberta Cave Rescue Organization (ACRO) with support of organizations in Alberta and British Columbia is hosting an interprovincial mock cave and surface rescue (OPERATION DARK SQUEEZE) Sept 16 – 18, 2011 in the beautiful Crowsnest Pass area in Southwestern Alberta. 

This is a great opportunity to exercise your rescue skills, meet other avid cavers and rescue volunteers while taking in some of the most beautiful and remote terrain in the world! 

The Crowsnest Pass area contains incredible karst, caving and mountainous terrain.  Gargantua Cave is a popular trip with cavers, tourists, hikers, scout and school groups.  The cave also spans the border with British Columbia so it’s also a great chance to work with cavers, rescue and SAR teams from British Columbia.

There have been a number of incidents in Gargantua Cave so it’s not a matter of if, but when the next incident occurs. 

ACRO appreciates the support of SAR Alberta and AEMA (Alberta Emergency Management Agency) in being able to conduct this exercise as well as the participating organizations from across Alberta and British Columbia. With their support the rescue scenario will focus not only challenges in the cave but also exercise aspects of surface rescue including non-technical and technical ground operations as well as helicopter operations.

Not a technical rescuer or hardcore outdoor person? 

No problem. The exercise will have various rescue components that are suitable for most levels.  Anyone with a moderate fitness level will have no problem participating in the exercise. If you have concerns, please contact Cindy Heselton as there are many roles to fill.

Not a rescuer but like the drops and squeezes?  

Then ACRO needs you! Cave rescues involve a lot of resources and we can’t do it without the support and capability of competent cavers.  Our services exist to support cavers and so we encourage cavers to participate in this exercise.

This is your chance!!

...to take part, have fun and utilize your skills for rescue.  Register early on-line at  https://www.missioncontrol.co.nz/itm/Event_Master_Item_Public.aspx?ID=3397  Due to the logistical nature, participation numbers may be limited.  Feel free to forward to caving groups, rescue groups, etc that may not be on this email distribution.

A more detailed registration package will be available in a few weeks. See you there!