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World Speleology:
The International Union of Speleology and the NSS
Presented by: Dr. George Veni
September 18, 2018

Cavers know about caving opportunities and needs in their area. Many have a pretty good idea of what's happening nationally, but what about caving at the global level? Does it even affect you? Can you get in- volved, and if so, how? The International Union of Speleology (UIS) is essentially the United Nations of caving. It is composed of 54 member nations, working together to advance cave and karst research, manage- ment, and especially exploration, which makes everything else possible. The NSS represents the US to the UIS. This webinar will give you the background and history of the UIS and focus on its many projects around the world, how they merge with the goals of the NSS, and how you can join them -- even without leaving home. For a pre-webinar preview of the UIS, visit www.uis-speleo.org.

George Veni, is the Executive Director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI) and President of the International Union of Speleology (UIS). George is a long-time caver and a Life member of the NSS who has been active in many NSS and regional caving projects. Since 2002 he has served on the UIS Bureau (governing board), first as an Adjunct Secretary, and then eight years as the Vice President of Administration. For the past year George has served as UIS President. (1:14:38) Download a copy (151 MB)

Femur Fractures:
Traction Splinting for Technical Rescues
Presented by: Lance Tysom
June 5, 2018

An exploration of current trending, indications, and application of femur traction splinting based on evidence-based, best practices. Effective application and monitoring of a traction splint is technically challenging. Its one of many high-acuity, low-frequency, events which makes it a perishable skill. Managing a patient with a traction splint in place is also challenging - particularly so in the setting of a technical rescue, cave rescue. The evolution of commercially available traction splints is not practical when considering its use in a cave rescue or back-country environment. Rescue and SAR personal need knowledge, skills, and equipment to effectively manage femur fractures.

Lance Tysom (RN, BSN, CEN, CPEN, CFRN, EMP, WEMT) started as an emergency nurse and shortly began taking hospital patient transports by ground and fixed wing. In 1997 Lance began a full time career as a flight nurse/paramedic. In addition to his current flight job, Lance works as an educator and consultant for wilderness medicine and backcountry survival, training individuals and teams from Nepal, American Samoa, Indonesia, and across the US. (45:25) Download a copy (78 MB)

Lions and Wolves and Bears, Oh My!
The 2018 NSS Convention, Helena, MT
Presented by: Doug Warner
May 21, 2018

Chairperson Doug Warner provides a detailed look at the first NSS convention to be held in Montana. From registration to local sights and activities, to sessions and parties, Doug gives an exciting preview of what's in store. (1:03:14) Download a copy (155 MB)

The Secret Life of Ropes
Presented by: Tom Wood
December 5, 2017

How are ropes made?What’s the difference between static, low stretch or dynamic rope? Does my rope have to be certified? How do we choose the right rope for the right application? How do we inspect them? When do we retire them?
Whether you are a horizontal caver who only uses ropes occasionally or a vertical caver who trusts your life to your ropes on a weekly basis, this webinar, presented by PMI Technical Director Tom Wood, is sure to inform and entertain.

Tom Wood is the Technical Department Manager for Pigeon Mountain Industries and also a Lead Instructor for PMI’s training division, Vertical Rescue Solutions. A lifelong caver with several NCRC trainings under his belt, he’s also a Level 3 Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) Supervisor, a 19-year veteran of the Alpine Rescue Team in Colorado and is the U.S. Terrestrial Rescue delegate to the International Commission for Alpine Rescue. (1:46:57) Download a copy (187 MB)

Cave Resources of Tennessee
Presented by: Chuck Sutherland
November 6, 2017

This presentation will be a photographic exploration of Tennessee caves, with emphasis on their physical and cultural resources. Tennessee caves boast unusual geology, such as meteor impact karst, amazing formations, and “mountains” of bat guano. Chuck will also talk about cities caving in, early human exploration, overflowing wastewater gone awry, ancient artwork and Pleistocene megafauna.  Chuck says “This story is about cool stuff that you are interested in. And it doesn't matter what you're interested in, because Tennessee's got it!”

Chuck Sutherland is a caver, a photographer, a geographer, and a conservationist. His landscape photography has been published in dozens of magazines, books, newspapers, and web pages. The BBC and the Discovery Channel have both used his photography. (1:20:40) Download a copy (147 MB)

Comparing Two Rope Rescue Systems
(Twin Tension)
Presented by: Tom Evans
April 18, 2017

Recently, the rope rescue community has been debating the merits of using two kinds of two rope systems. Main and belay systems that have a main line that holds all the load, and a second belay line that is un-tensioned, versus two tension systems, where both ropes hold about half the total load at all times. Here we will explore the strengths and weaknesses of both systems based on testing data, and compare their usefulness and functionality for cave rescue.

Tom has been a vertical caver for a decade, and has been trained in both above and below ground rope rescue. He is a National Cave Rescue Commission instructor, and has a rescue rigging research program whose results are published at the International Technical Rescue Symposium. Recently he co-founded a nonprofit (SAR3) dedicated to providing research and teaching in support of rescue and sport rigging. Through his work, Tom is constantly immersed in the science and practice of rigging. (1:18:04) Download a copy (118 MB)

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