CRITICAL CARE OF THE INJURED IN CAVES

Abstract

Caving explores the underground world and contributes to the understanding of water circulation underground, the structure of karst, and the discovery of new animal species and minerals. Caving is well-developed in Slovenia, with around 500 newly registered caves annually. Cave Rescue Service (JRS), a permanent service of the Caving Asso­ciation of Slovenia, offers help and rescue in the event of accidents in caves, and operates within the protection and rescue system under the Republic of Slovenia‘s Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief. Caving requires physical and mental fitness. Cavers are exposed to dangers such as slips, falls, injuries from falling rocks, hypothermia and disorientation. In the event of an accident in the caves, fast, coordinated action by the rescue service is key. An intervention in Vranjedolska cave shows the coordination of the JRS and cooperation with other units of the protection and rescue (ZiR) system. Medical care in caves is a special challenge, adapted to the en­vironment, with the aim of ensuring good medical care until arrival at hospital. During the rescue in Vranjedolska cave, the members of the team for widening the passages at the JRS prepared a suitable evacuation route for the injured person, which requires experience, expertise and careful planning. Rescue in caves requires logistically coordinated cooperation of many teams within the JRS and the ZiR system.