Caving: our advice

1. Never go caving alone.
2. Study the route to the cave entrance and check the weather forecast.
3. Check your and your team’s caving gear, wear suitable clothing and take the right equipment.
4. Check your access to the cave entrance is safe and that the routes inside are accessible.
5. Check you and your teammates are physically and mentally fit.
6. Check the knots at the end of the ropes and any fixed anchor points.
7. Always remove loose stones in the pits, beware of landslides and dislodged rocks.
8. As you descend, identify safe spots for sheltering in an emergency.
9. Do not climb a pit if the water level is high.
10. Always stay in voice contact with your teammates in front and behind you.
11. Always carry an emergency space blanket with a heat source, food and water, headlamp, torch and spare batteries, first aid kit, emergency equipment.

In the event of an accident:

1. Make sure you and the other members of your team are safe
2. Assess and commit to memory how the accident happened 
3. Move the injured person only if they are at risk of further injury 
4. Determine the extent of their injuries and memorise or write down as many details as possible
5. Create a warm spot, keep the injured person warm and reassure them, check the conditions of the other members of the team 
6. Exit the cave with a teammate and call mountain rescue (Soccorso Alpino Dolomiti Bellunesi) on 118, explaining how the accident happened, where you are and the conditions of the injured person

The first fundamental rule when going caving is to never go alone. Going with a group is essential, especially in an emergency; each member must have the right equipment and be familiar with safety procedures. Always tell someone ‘on the surface’ where you are going, giving as much information as you can that could be useful to rescuers in an emergency.
After you have decided on the area you want to explore, study the itinerary, checking the safety of the route to the cave entrance and that the routes inside are accessible. Don’t forget to check the weather forecast closely.