About the Organization
The Organisation and Purpose of BCRC
Formed in 1967, BCRC represents, coordinates, and trains 16 cave rescue teams across Britain and Ireland. It is run by 14 elected officers, 4 specialist volunteers, and an honorary officer. BCRC occasionally provides operational coordination during major local incidents and assists internationally when specialized underground medical or cave diving skills are needed.
Membership of BCRC and Peer Review
Cave rescue is entirely voluntary and funded by charitable donations. Member teams consist of experienced cavers who receive specialized search and rescue training. Admission requires a geographic operational need and compliance with 9 core standards, verified through periodic peer reviews. The 14 teams in England and Wales are also members of Mountain Rescue England and Wales (MREW), which provides insurance and medical technician accreditation for drug administration in remote environments.
Training, Equipment and Fundraising
BCRC supports national conferences (ResCon and a dedicated Medical Conference) to share best practices, showcase gear, and offer casualty care training. It facilitates the development and funding of specialized cave rescue equipment (such as stretchers and cave radios) and negotiates bulk purchasing discounts. BCRC is funded by public donations, carefully avoiding direct competition for funds with its local member teams.
Representation within Outside Bodies
BCRC represents member teams at national government and regulatory levels, ensuring new legislation—such as health and safety rules, vehicle regulations, or charity governance—does not negatively impact volunteer operations. It maintains strong ties with statutory bodies and Mountain Rescue organizations (like MREW), securing critical benefits including public liability insurance, accredited medical training, and access to controlled drug licenses.
The TEAMS
Nine core capabilities
- Provide a viable search and rescue service in the caves and disused mines in its area.
- Use its skills where necessary and appropriate in other underground and surface environments.
- Operate in any terrain and in all weather conditions by day and night.
- Respond to calls for assistance at any time.
- Carry out steep ground, crag and cliff rescues where appropriate.
- Work with helicopters.
- Deliver MREW standard casualty care appropriate to operational circumstances.
- Maintain effective communications above and below ground and between surface and underground.
- Establish and maintain appropriate working relationships with other SAR teams and services.
Contacts
E-mail: secretary(at)caverescue.org.uk
Web: https://www.caverescue.org.uk/
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/BritishCaveRescueCouncil/