Seneca Rocks Community Rescue Team training.
July 13 2025 9am - 4.30pm
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE TEAM!!
In contrast to many major climbing areas, Seneca Rocks does not have a (close by) official rescue team. In places like Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Red Rocks and the Gunks there are nearby official rescue teams that are trained to perform the rescues in that area. In these climbing areas the guides and other climbers are not allowed to initiate rescue even if the equipment they needed (litters, backboards etc..) was available.
They may, depending on the circumstance try to get the injured party to the ground but their responsibilities would end there.
Seneca is not like most climbing areas.
EVERY SENECA CLIMBER SHOULD KNOW HOW TO LEND A HELPING HAND IN AN EMERGENCY !
Seneca Rocks is a completely different animal. When an accident occurs on the mountain...
YOU AND I ARE THE RESCUE TEAM!.
In most climbing areas all you would need to do is get you and your partner "to the ground", at that point you could run (if you hadn't called already) and get help. At Seneca Rocks "the ground" is Roy Gap Rd, not the base of the cliff. That means we need to be able to transport a patient over steep unstable terrain for at least 1000'-1500' until we reach the road. This is not an easy task, the more people who can help, the faster things get done and the more likely the person will survive.
The Big Picture-
There are many jobs that need to be done, you don't necessarily need to be able to run the entire rescue but you should be able to help in some way. If you know how to build the anchor systems we typically use during litter lowers here at Seneca maybe you could start getting the anchor ready for lowering, maybe you could get yourself set-up and then help others set up as litter bearers (probably the simplest job and something everyone should know how to do) to help carry the litter, or maybe you have medical experience and you are dealing with the patient or you could be prepping the litter with a backboard and "spider" to facilitate a horizontal lower. I have only listed a few of the jobs that need to be done, some are complex some are simple, there is a job for you.
Tom Cecil
To sign up email Tom at
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or call 304-607-3632
Cost $50
SRMG Community Rescue team Course
GEAR LIST
Please bring the basics...harness, helmet, belay/rappel device, sturdy shoes or boots and plenty of food and water for the day.
PLUS-
2 cordalettes
2 48" runner
2 24" runner
4-6 extra locking carabiners -HMS style recommended
1 personal prussic - 24" loop recommended
Optional-- Gri-Gri, Tibloc or ascender
Meeting time:
9AM
WE WILL MEET AT THE TOP OF THE ROCK STAIRCASE -AKA The THIGH-MASTER (West Face trail) at 9 am
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Workshops in Seneca Rocks,
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Seneca Rocks,
Meetups in Seneca Rocks.
