On Sunday, 22nd March, Mendip Cave Rescue responded to a protracted 12-hour rescue under the Mendip Hills, where a caver was physically stuck in a tight passage. Whilst managing this incident, a further call was received for assistance at another cave in an unrelated incident, where a caver had sustained a leg injury requiring a careful evacuation over more than 7 hours.
Both cavers who were assisted at these incidents were very well prepared, and their groups followed the correct emergency procedures to ensure that the casualties were looked after whilst the cave rescue response was initiated.
Over 40 volunteer rescuers responded to the two simultaneous incidents with extra MCR team members and members from Gloucester Cave Rescue Group on standby for additional support if required.
Specialist equipment & highly trained volunteers, including medical, rigging, communications and command & control, were deployed to ensure that both rescues were responded to effectively. We hope that the cavers involved will be back caving soon.
MCR would like to thank our local communities for the great support we received during these incidents, including refreshments and facilities. Team members are now busy cleaning and replacing equipment ready for the call out to the next incident.
Cavers rescuing cavers from under the Mendip Hills for nearly 90 years