European Cave Rescue Meeting 2022 – Second Circular - ECRA

European Cave Rescue Meeting 2022, 28.09 – 02.10.2022, Rudice, Moravian karst, Czech Republic

Introduction

The 15th European Cave Rescue Meeting is going to take place in Rudice, Moravian Karst, Czech Republic from September 29th till October 2nd, 2022. Pre-Meeting from September 28th till 29th, 2022.

This meeting is organized by the Cave Rescue Service (CRS) of the Czech Speleological Society (CSS) on behalf of the European Cave Rescue Association (ECRA).

This meeting will take place under the auspices of the General Directorate of Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, Governor of the South Moravian Region, Union Internationale de Spéléologie.

The focus will be on the interaction of different disciplines in cave rescue and changing the doctrine and philosophy of cave rescue by striving to use as little material as possible.

We will also present cooperation Cave Rescue Services of the Czech Speleological Society with other subjects from the Integrated Rescue System of the Czech Republic.

We hope that the epidemiological situation will allow us to hold a meeting and that we will meet in large numbers. The program will offer workshops on technical topics, passage widening, a diving exercise and medical aspects.

During the Pre-Meeting you can enjoy caving, we are preparing several interesting excursions.

For last minute changes you may visit our website www.caverescue.eu or send us an email on
info@caverescue.eu in case of any question.

Please note the date for ECRA meeting in your diary!

We look forward to meeting you in the Moravian Karst
The Organizing Committee

Second Circular Download

Time frame

Program

MAIN TOPICS

Technical workshop

Theory Simulation of Joint efforts during Cave rescue operation
Practical CAVE GPS, Elevate stretcher without rigging

Giuseppe CONTI, Chairperson of the Technical Commission
e-mail: technical-commission@caverescue.eu

Medical workshop

Theory Bad air (together with Pen)
Practical Medical workshop

Denes Akos NAGY, Interim Chairperson of the Medical Commission
e-mail: medical-commission@caverescue.eu

Katrin HABEGGER, Vice Chairperson of the Medical Commission
e-mail: medical-commission@caverescue.eu

Cave diving exercise

Theory Experiences exchange etc.
Practical Cave diving rescue exercise – exercise with stretchers

communication behind the sump
basic medical practice

Robert ANZIC, Chairperson of the Cave-diving Commission
e-mail: cavediving-commission@caverescue.eu

Passage enlargement workshop

Theory Bad air (together with Medical)
Techniques used in CRS CSS
Practical Demonstration of passage enlargement

Werner ZAGLER, Chairperson of the Passage Enlargement Commission
e-mail: pec@caverescue.eu

10 years ECRA and 40 years CRS CSS

Presentations on both organizations are being prepared to mark the two anniversaries.
Pete ALLWRIGHT – Honourable member, Roman ŠEBELA

General Assembly

Agenda will be distributed latest on 1st August 2022.

PRESENTATIONS

All presentations and documents should be written in English language. Members / participants have opportunity to present important achievements in cave rescue and cave rescue operations.

Please Note: We especially encourage newcomers in ECRA to present their service, structure, and operational history.

Time for each presentation will be max. 15 min. In a case a presenter needs more time since he wants to present very important topic, the organizer can decide and allow more time. For the smooth running of the meeting, we kindly ask that you send us your presentations till 23rd September.

The email for sending your presentations is info@caverescue.eu.

VENUE

Rudice (district Blansko), Moravian karst, Czech Republic

Google Maps
For more information see Appendix 2 in pdf file of Second Circular and local website: rudice.cz.

Rudice is a village with an iron and mining tradition, the origin of which dates to 1247. It lies in the central part of the Moravian Karst at an altitude of 490 to 530 m. The surroundings of Rudice are among the most romantic places in the Moravian Karst.

Meeting Location: House of Culture

3 Meeting Rooms at place, next close in a village restaurant, speleo bar, outdoor seating

Exercise area: Rudice sinkhole and surroundings

PARTICIPATION FEE

The participation fee is EUR 60, payable in cash upon check in of the participant.

We also offer the opportunity to pay the participation fee in Czech Crowns. The amount of the fee will be according to the current exchange rate CZK to EUR.

The participation fee includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the ECRA Meeting.

Drinks go at your own expense.

The participation fee doesn’t include costs for the Pre-Meeting. Upon prior agreement, we can offer free accommodation.

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Online registration form

Registration DEADLINE is September 18th, 2022 (Pre-Meeting & ECRA Meeting).

Please note that online registration is no longer possible after this deadline.

BOOKING OF EXCURSION

Please register the excursions you are interested in together with the registration for the ECRA Meeting. Later reservations for excursions can only be made by email helpdesk@caverescue.eu (only if you are already registered for the ECRA Meeting). Registration DEADLINE is September 18th, 2022.

For further details see chapter PRE-MEETING, page 15.

CHECK IN

Check in will take place in the House of Culture (Dělnický dům) lobby.

For more details see “Meeting Office”.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

The official language of the European Cave Rescue Meeting and Pre-Meeting is English.

Simultaneous translation into other languages will not be available.

MEETING DOCUMENTATION

After the meeting you will get the collected minutes, reports, and presentations.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

All variants are possible for arrival – own car, bus, train, plane.

Brno Airport (BRQ):
Small International airport very close to Brno.

Prague Airport (PRG):
International airport about 230 km far away from Brno City center.

Vienna Airport (VIE):
International airport about 150 km far away from Brno City center.

There are regular bus / train lines from Prague and Vienna airports (see Flixbus, RegioJet, etc.)

By BUS:
Flixbus
Student Agency

By Train:
České dráhy
RegioJet

ACCOMMODATION

Provided by the organizers: (included in the participation fee).

Accommodation in a temporary camp in the village.:

large tents including camp beds – please bring your own sleeping bag and pads
area for own tents is also available – please take your own campsite equipment

We will also provide a small “caravan park”.

Alternatives: (not included in the participation fee) – for more details see Appendix 4 in the pdf file of Second Circular.
Cottage or apartment in the car camp Olšovec, Jedovnice
Guesthouse Olmeca

If you are interested, contact Helpdesk by e-mail: helpdesk@caverescue.eu as soon as possible. Our advance booking is valid until June 30th, 2022.

We cannot guarantee this accommodation after this date.
Accommodation capacity is limited.

MEAL AND DRINKS

Participants will eat in the restaurant directly in the building where the meeting will take place (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Vegetarian food will be available, ordering is required upon registration. Also “Speleo Bar” will be available during afternoon and night.

LETTER OF INVITATION

If needed, the participants can request a Letter of Invitation by e-mail: helpdesk@caverescue.eu

SECURITY WARNINGS

No specific warnings for Czech Republic. Public safety in Czech Republic is very high.

COVID-19 – current information

No registration before arrival is required now – https://covid.gov.cz/en/

See detailed information about possibilities and obligations of foreigners when entering the Czech Republic at the web of the Ministry of Health.

VISA

No visa is required from citizens of the European countries.

See details on visa requirements on web site of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.

Please consult the Czech Embassy in your country if in doubt.

CURRENCY

Czech Crown CZK
EUR 1 = 24,725 CZK (June 21st, 2022)

There are several currency exchanges in Brno city center close main train station – direction to street Masarykova.
Money withdrawal from ATM is possible:

in Brno city center close main train station and bus station
in Blansko (10 km from Rudice)
in Jedovnice (3,5 km from Rudice)

POWER SUPPLY AND POWER PLUGS

For more details see – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country

WI-FI

Available for free in restaurant, meeting room and camp site. Connection information will be on the bulletin board next to the Info Point.

PICKUP SERVICE

We will provide free transfer to the meeting location from:

Brno Airport
Brno City center – Main train station (parking lot opposite the Grand Hotel)
Brno City center – Bus station (parking lot opposite the Grand Hotel)

If a pickup service is needed, please book when registering for the meeting and send an e-mail with the additional information to helpdesk@caverescue.eu – date and time of arrival, date and time of departure, flight number, bus / train connection number, I travel together with …, any extra requirement?

HELP DESK

If you have any questions, please contact the Helpdesk.

Help Desk +420 777 082 641 helpdesk@caverescue.eu
Libor MATUŠKA +420 603 936 689 libor.mattes@gmail.com
Sebastian KOVAČIČ +420 737 256 651 s.kovacic@seznam.cz (excursions info)
Roman ŠEBELA +420 721 900 970 roman.sebela@seznam.cz

MEETING OFFICE – INFO POINT / CHECK IN

It will be located in the entrance hall of the House of Culture: Rudice 38, 679 06 Rudice (district Blansko).
Google Maps

Opening Hours

Wednesday: 08:00 – 11:00 Pre-Meeting – Excursion check in
Thursday: 08:00 – 10:00 Pre-Meeting – Excursion check in

Thursday: 18:00 – 22:00 ECRA Meeting – Check in
Friday: 07:30 – 20:00 ECRA Meeting
Saturday: 07:30 – 20:00 ECRA Meeting
Sunday: 07:30 – 12:00 ECRA Meeting

Orientation map of Rudice and surroundings

PRE-MEETING

Time schedule

General Information

Accommodation same as for the main event – see Accommodation (camping, bunk beds, toilets, washroom, shower) or Alternative Accommodation (not included in the participation fee).

Costs: See at the events below

Included:

Tent place and camp beds
Transport for excursions

Not Included:

Costs of the Tours
Food and Drinks
Alternative Accommodation

Booking Registration for excursions is required. Please book together with registration for the ECRA meeting. Later reservations for excursions can only be made by email helpdesk@caverescue.eu (only if you are already registered for the ECRA Meeting). Registration DEADLINE is September 18th, 2022.

Check-in for Excursions at the “Info Point” is required no later than 15 min. before “Departure Time”.

For more questions send an e-mail to helpdesk@caverescue.eu

EXCURSIONS

Ex-01 Stará Amatérská Cave – Sporty Tour

Date: Wednesday, 28.09.2022
Difficulty: medium
Duration (total): 6 h
Highlights: Water passages, fine stalactite decorations

Price: EUR 30, Included – guide service and collective material, transport
Payment: At check in before tour, cash only
Food and drinks: Not included. At your own expense. Water in cave isn’t drinkable
Accommodation: No overnight stay during the tour

Registration: book together with registration for the ECRA meeting
Max. number of participants: two groups each 10 people maximum

Meeting point: Rudice – Info Point
Departure Time: Group A at 9:00 and Group B at 10:00
Back at the starting point: 15:00 and respectively 16:00

The cave is located on the Ostrov plateau below the top of Simonův vrch (Simon’s Hill) l and it presents just a part of the longest cave system in Czech republic – Amatérská cave system, 44 km long. The entrance to the cave is from the bottom of the Cigansky sinkhole. The entrance shaft, 110 m deep (ladders), descends to the Vstupní dóm (Entrance Dome) and then the Kruhový dóm (Circular Dome), then to the Sintrová síň (Sintra Hall) and later to the massive Dóm Objevitelů (Discovery Dome) (90 x 30 x 30 m). Its floor is covered with floor sinter and stalagmite piles. Under the clay and gravel slope flows the underground river – Bílá voda (White Water). It has carved a significant, about 1 km long passage from the inflow siphon from the cave 13C to the low, 300 m long semi-siphons of the active bypass (Obtok) and the outflow siphon. The cave also includes the Přítoková chodba (Tributary Passage), 250 m long, with fine stalactite decoration in places (over 100 m high Variety Chimney) and the Povodňová chodba (Flood Passage) serving as the flood outlet of the Bílá voda River. It also has rich stalactite decoration. The total length of all corridors is about 2600 m.

The cave was discovered on 18 January 1969 by the Plánivská speleological group. During a flood in August 1970, the cavers Milan Šlechta and Marko Zahradníček died tragically.

Cave Tour
Walk time to the cave: Approx 20 min. from the parking
Time in cave: 4 h
Temperature in cave: 7° C
Denivelation of the cave: 120 m
Equipment needed: Standard cave equipment + equipment for waist-high water walking (neoprene socks and “Long John”), SRT kit for self-protection on 40+ m fixed ladder. Is to be brought along yourself

GPS Parking: 49.3953353N, 16.7703350E
GPS Entrance of the cave: 49.3944119N, 16.7588469E

Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amatérská_Cave

Transfer By own cars / transport provided by organizers.
From Rudice to the parking place 11 km.
From parking place to the cave entrance 1.3 km

From Rudice to the parking place

From parking to cave entrance

Ex-02 Výpustek Cave – Show Cave

Date: Wednesday, 28.09.2022
Difficulty: Show cave
Duration (total): 3 h
Highlights: Underground factory from World War II and socialist army secret command post

Price: EUR 7, Included – entrance fee, guide, transport
Payment: At check in before tour, cash only
Food and drinks: Not included. At your own expense

Registration: book together with registration for the ECRA meeting
Max. number of participants: 30

Meeting point: Rudice – Info Point
Departure Time: 10:30, guided entry to the cave is at 11:00
Back at the starting point: 13:00

The Výpustek Cave near the village of Křtiny is a wide and unique underground system created many centuries ago. Nevertheless, its areas were significantly affected by phosphate clay exploitation and activities of the Czechoslovak and German armies during the 20th century. In the 60´s an underground fallout shelter and a secret command post were created in one of the corridors. Visitors will learn about the whole history of this unique cave, including a “fallout shelter” – a secret underground headquarter, which in 1961 the Czechoslovak People’s Army built inside the cave (about 200 meters long), as a separate facility, in case of war.

Cave Tour
Walk time to the cave: Approx 1 min from the parking
Time in cave: 1,5 h
Temperature in cave: 7° C
Equipment needed: None

GPS Parking, Cave Entrance: 49.2911658N, 16.7238778E
Link: https://visit.caves.cz/en/cave/jeskyne-vypustek

Transfer By own cars / transport provided by organizers.
From Rudice to the parking place 10 km.

Ex-03 Rudické propadání Cave – Sporty Tour

Date: Thursday, 29.09.2022
Highlights: Water passages / underground canyoning, interesting stalactite decoration

Variant A – Upper Entrance – Dry shafts by ladders
Difficulty: Medium
Duration (total): 5-6 h
Equipment needed: Equipment for waist-high in water walking (neoprene socks), alternatively we can provide high rubber boots (limited amount), SRT kit for self-protection on fixed ladders. Is to be brought along yourself
Max. number of participants: Max 20
Price: EUR 20, Included – guide service and collective material

Variant B – Lower Corridor – Underground Canyoning
Difficulty: Medium+
Abseiling underground canyon, swimming in the active flow of the stream
Duration (total): 6 h
Equipment needed: Complete SRT equipment, complete wetsuit (neoprene) is strongly recommended. Is to be brought along yourself
Max. number of participants: Max 10
Price: EUR 30, Included – guide service and collective material

Payment: At check in before tour, cash only
Food and drinks: Not included. At your own expense. Water in cave isn’t drinkable
Accommodation: No overnight stay during the tour

Registration: book together with registration for the ECRA meeting

Meeting point: Rudice – Info Point
Departure Time: 9:00
Back at the starting point: 15:00
Variant A or B: The visit you can do in one of two levels difficulty of caving
Note: In case of rainy weather these excursions cannot be carried out! In this case we will offer alternative excursions.

The Rudické propadání is connected to the Býčí skála cave and together they form the 2nd largest Czech cave with a length of 13 kilometers. The Jedovnický creek plunges to a depth of 90 metres and forms a system of waterfalls underground, which freeze in winter and form icefalls. The sinking has attracted cavers to explore since 1802. After descent circa 90 m – Variant A on dry shafts on ladders, Variant B thought the water stream (the biggest waterfall is 35 m high) visitors will reach the main cave corridor. In this main corridor formed as high canyon, the visitors will move on the active flow of the wild waters of the Jedovnický creek, with the help of hanging ladders and rope traverses. Above the underground river, sometimes more than 100 m over it, there was found a labyrinth of chimneys and horizontal passages which, together with rich dripstone decoration, is a proof of the unending process of karstification.

Cave map – plan (only the part visited during the excursion):

Cave map – plan – entrance part:

Cave map – profile – Lower Corridor – Underground Canyoning:

Cave Tour
Walk time to the cave: Approx 15 min. from Rudice
Time in cave: 5-6 h
Temperature in cave: 7° C
Denivelation of the cave: 140 m

GPS Entrance of the cave: 49.3327511N, 16.7338764E (Lower Corridor)

Transfer: By foot, about 15 min from Rudice

From Rudice to the cave entrance – Lower Corridor

Ex-04 Punkva Caves & Macocha Abyss – Show Cave

Date: Thursday, 29.09.2022
Difficulty: Show cave & short trip
Duration (total): 3,5 h
Highlights: Macocha abbys 138 m, boat trip in cave

Price: EUR 12
Included: Guide service, Entrance fee, Transport, and Parking fee
Not included: Price for Cable car – 90 CZK one way, 130 CZK return ticket

Payment: At check in before tour, cash only
Food and drinks: Not included. At your own expense. Water in cave isn’t drinkable
Accommodation: No overnight stay during the tour

Registration: book together with registration for the ECRA meeting
Max. number of participants: 54

Meeting point: Rudice – Info Point
Departure Time: 09:30, guided entry to the cave is at 11:00
Back at the starting point: 13:00

Punkva Caves are part of the largest cave system in the Czech Republic – Amateurs’ Cave. The caves were being discovered in years 1909-1933 by an important group led by Karel Absolon. The tour begins in the Front Dome where the visitors pass the Guardian, a 4 meters long stalactite, then cross the bridge to the Mirror pond which mirrors the Upside-down umbrella, Two owls, Castle on the rock, or Turkish minaret. Afterwards, you will enter the Reichenbach Dome. Richly decorated Stalagmite corridor further continues to the Back Dome and further to the hall of the Angel, a monumental column of unique shapes. A tunnel corridor will lead you right to the bottom of the abyss. You will be amazed by the view of the 138.5 meters high wall. From the bottom of the Macocha Abyss the visitors begin the boat ride with a stop in Masaryk Dome with lovely dripstone decoration. A column named Husův sloup is the dominant of the place. After a short but magical break, it is only few more steps into the daylight.

Cave map

One of the possibilities to get out from the cave, optional 🙂

Cave Tour
Walk time to the cave: Approx 30 min. (walk) / 10 min. (via cable car)
Time in cave: 70 min. including boat trip
Temperature in cave: 7° C
Equipment needed: None

GPS
Parking: 49.3714344N, 16.7306792E
Entrance of the cave: 49.3710397N, 16.7257653E

Link: https://visit.caves.cz/en/cave/punkevni-jeskyne

Transfer By own cars / transport provided by organizers.
From Rudice to the parking place 9 km.
From parking to cave entrance there are two possibilities:
a) by foot approx 30 min.
b) by the cable car approx 10 min.
We recommend making at least one way by foot, to see famous abyss Macocha.

Macocha Abyss

From Rudice to the parking place

From parking to cave entrance

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All additional information about the area, excursions, Rudice, accommodation etc. could be found in the Appendixes, part of the Second Circular.

PARTNERS

General Directorate of Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic
https://www.hzscr.cz/hasicien/

Rudice Village
https://rudice.cz/

South Moravian Region
https://www.kr-jihomoravsky.cz/

Fire Rescue Service of the South Moravian Region
https://www.hzscr.cz/hasicien/article/about-us-scope-of-activities-integrated-rescue-system.aspx

A unit of the Rudice Volunteer Fire Brigade
http://sdh.rudice.cz/

Cave Administration of the Czech Republic
https://visit.caves.cz/en

ORGANISING COMMITTEE

Libor MATUŠKA, Head of the Local Organizing Committee
Head of Moravia region, CRS CSS, Czech Republic

Roman ŠEBELA, Member of the Local Organizing Committee
Head of Cave Rescue Service, CRS CSS, Czech Republic

Sebastian KOVAČIČ, Member of the Local Organizing Committee
Deputy Head of the Moravia Region, CRS CSS, Czech Republic

Dinko NOVOSEL, President of ECRA
Hrvatska Gorska Služba Spašavanja / HGSS, Croatia

Werner ZAGLER, Vice President of ECRA
Höhlenrettungsverbund Deutschland / HRVD, Germany

Kurt DENNSTEDT, General Secretary of ECRA
Österreichische Höhlenrettung / ÖHR, Austria

Giuseppe CONTI, Chairperson of the Technical Commission
Corpo Nazionale Soccorso Alpino e Speleologico / CNSAS, Italy
e-mail: technical-commission@caverescue.eu

Denes Akos NAGY, Interim Chairperson of the Medical Commission
Hungarian Cave Rescue Service / HCRS, Hungary
e-mail: medical-commission@caverescue.eu

Katrin HABEGGER, Vice Chairperson of the Medical Commission
Speleo Scours Swiss / SSS, Switzerland
e-mail: katrin_ha@hotmail.com

Robert ANZIC, Chairperson of the Cave-diving Commission
Jamarska Reševalna Služba Slovenije / JRS, Slovenia
e-mail: cavediving-commission@caverescue.eu

Werner ZAGLER, Chairperson of the Passage Enlargement Commission
Höhlenrettungsverbund / HRVD, Germany
e-mail: pec@caverescue.eu

Antoniya VLAYKOVA, Responsible for ECRA web visibility
Cave Rescue Bulgaria / CRB, Bulgaria
e-mail: web@caverescue.eu

CONTACTS

Dinko NOVOSEL, President of the ECRA
e-mail: president@caverescue.eu Phone: +385 91 517 94 31

Werner ZAGLER, Vice President of the ECRA
e-mail: vice-president@caverescue.eu Phone: +49 151 750 41 557
+49 89 856 1328 (landline)

Kurt DENNSTEDT, General Secretary of the ECRA
e-mail: general-secretary@caverescue.eu Phone: +43 680 230 00 25

If you have any questions, please contact the Helpdesk.