The exploration of caves, also called speleology, can be a fun and exciting activity, as well as a valuable tool for scientific discoveries. However, the hidden world of caves can be just as dangerous and even the most experienced explorers can get hurt or get lost inside a cave. If something goes wrong, you can suddenly find yourself in a survival situation that is important to know how to get out of.
Steps
Step 1. Get well prepared inside a cave
Caves are dangerous by nature, but you can reduce the risks by learning the proper exploration techniques, bringing the right equipment and knowing what to do. Never enter a cave without an expert guide and never explore it alone, especially if you are a beginner. Always make sure to notify someone about where you are and when you intend to return home, so that this person can alert any rescuers in case you don't return. Bring warm clothes, made of polypropylene or polyester but NOT COTTON and a plastic bag or an emergency blanket. It is important that all of your clothing is made up of synthetic clothing, even underwear and socks - cotton absorbs and holds much more water than synthetic fibers. Wearing cotton clothing in a cave will help cool your body temperature very quickly. In case you have no choice but to wear cotton clothing, be sure to place them on top of synthetic ones: otherwise you will deprive your body of the necessary heat, as the wettest clothing will be in direct contact with the skin. Also make sure that your flashlight is working and that you bring another one and spare batteries. The best way to survive in a cave is to know the environment and be prepared.
Step 2. Mark the way
Caves can be as disorienting as labyrinths, but there is no valid reason to risk getting lost. Always be aware of what is around you, mark landmarks and be sure to indicate the way out at each intersection. Use stones to represent an arrow pointing in the direction you came from, or draw one on the ground; leave yourself some markers, tie ribbons, or leave some light sticks (or starlights) to show you the way back. Make sure you can distinguish your tracks from those left by other explorers. Marking the route will not only allow you to get out safely, but will also help rescuers find you in case you can't get out.
Step 3. Stay calm
If you are lost, injured or trapped, don't panic. Evaluate the situation and think clearly about how to get out of it.
Step 4. If you are a group, stick together
Unity is strength, so make sure you all stay together. Hold hands in case you have to move in the dark and don't leave anyone behind.
Step 5. Stay warm and dry
Caves are often cold and hypothermia is one of the worst risks you can run into. Bring warm clothing made of a material other than cotton with you and store a large plastic bag in your helmet to wear as a poncho to conserve heat. Always keep your helmet on. If you have to venture into the water, in the event that the cave is flooded or you have to cross a stream, take off your clothes to keep them dry, dry and put them back on when you get out of the water. If your clothes get wet and you don't have a change, squeeze them completely and put them on so that the body heat dries them. If you are in a group, huddle together to give each other warmth and limit contact with the cold ground. If you are very cold, try to keep moving (even on the spot) avoiding sweating.
Step 6. Ration food and water supplies
If you have informed someone of your expected return home - which is highly recommended - help shouldn't be long in coming. If for any reason, such as a flood or cave collapse, rescuers are late in arriving, be sure to ration the food to make it last. Make sure everyone gets enough water, but don't try to make it last as long as possible - stay well hydrated even if you're not thirsty. If you run out of water you can drink the one from the cave, but be careful because it could be contaminated: drink it only if you have no alternatives.
Step 7. Keep the light
Turn off the flashlights when you are not moving and use only one at a time. Form a chain behind a person with the flashlight. If you have a headlamp, use it on reduced power.
Step 8. Stand still if you don't have a light source
Unless you're sure help isn't on the way, don't move without light. A cave is an unpredictable and dangerous environment where the risk of getting injured is very high. If you have to move without light, proceed with extreme caution - moving very slowly may be the best choice to avoid falling.
Advice
- If there is no current of air, the smoke tends to rise. You can try to ignite something small that can create smoke and try to follow it. However, remember that smoking is dangerous in confined areas and that you can get choked. You also need to make sure you can keep track of what you set fire to.
- Keep your cell phone, lighter and matches in an airtight bag to keep them dry.
- Cell phones, matches and other similar items can be used as backup light sources.
- If you are in a deep cave, try to understand where the air comes from and follow it to the source: there are usually several ways out of a cave.
- Always carry a flashlight with you when you enter a cave and always carry a spare one along with some batteries, in case the first one runs out of battery.
- If you are in a cave near the water, be sure to take note of the high and low tide times so as not to risk being submerged by the water.
- Go to a cave with at least 4 other people so that if one is injured, one person can stay with him while the other two seek help.
- Keep the weather in check - a 15-minute downpour can make you drown. Remember that caves are generally dug out of water.
- If you are traveling with a group, make sure you keep the stouter person in the middle so that the people on either end can help them break free if they get stuck in a tight spot.
- If you travel in a group, keep a short distance from each other, staying within sight. A few meters of distance between one person and another can avoid injuring more people, in the event that someone stumbles or a part of the cave collapses. When engaging in a climb, proceed one at a time: the others should keep away from the area below the climber, as stones (or the climber himself) could fall and injure them.
Warnings
- Avoid climbing wet rocks, as they may be particularly prone to landslides.
- Do not drink water in the cave if it smells strongly or is contaminated.
- Pay attention to the sharp and slippery stones when moving inside the cave.
- There are several overhangs in the caves that could kill a person if they fall into them. When you walk inside a cave, ALWAYS check where you put your feet as well as the entire surrounding area.
- Pay attention to the water inside a cave, especially during a flood: it can be difficult to check the level and there may be underground currents.
- Do not try to move a seriously injured person. Keep it still and warm and seek the help of experienced rescuers who can free it.
