Cave Rescue and Emergency Services

Caves are cavities in the earth that are formed when molten lava becomes solid on the outside after cooling and stays hot on the inside and eventually drains away, leaving behind an opening in the earthen rock. Some caves are the result of acidic water that enters fissures in limestone and dissolves the internal area over time. Archaeologists define "caves" as open areas in the earth that have an overhead ledge and ascribe the term "caverns" to the larger cave formations. Outdoor enthusiasts and vacationers alike travel to places like Mammoth Caves in Kentucky every year to explore these natural spectacles. This section concentrates on some of the emergency and rescue services that assist tourists when they find themselves trapped or injured while exploring caves located throughout the world.