About Caves Branch
	Caves Branch Guides
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Caves Branch Guides

Ian Anderson, Belize's premier explorer into "Xibalba".. the Maya Underworld, has hand picked and trained each of the local guides that lead you into the world of a civilization lost.

Each Caves Branch guide has received intensive training in "Cave and wilderness rescue / evacuation" and "Wilderness first aid" and are founding members of the Belize Cave and Wilderness Rescue Team. Our guides are re-certified twice each year, which is mandated by Ian Anderson.

Every expedition that leaves Caves Branch has a back up to support the possibility of a potential injury. Each expedition is monitored by radio to within an hour of returning to base.

"I personally and professionally feel that Caves Branch has the best trained guides in safety, rescue and medical training in the entire country, bar none, and they have repeatedly proven themselves in rescue, medical and relief assistance on numerous occasions during National Disasters" says Ian Anderson. He continues... "When participating in High Adventure activities, you should always consider the qualifications of your guides... We absolutely have the best"

For the last 9 years, Ian has worked hard to establish the "Belize Cave and Wilderness Rescue Team" based at the Caves Branch Jungle Lodge. His team has now been tested and proven to be an intricate part of Belize Rescue and Relief as well as recognized by the United States FEMA organization.

On September 18, one week after the World Trade Center disaster, Ian Anderson and the "Belize Cave and Wilderness Rescue Team" received an email from Bruce Hagen, Chief rescue instructor for the team and medical commander of a California FEMA team. He asked them to assist in the relief efforts in New York. The "Belize Cave and Wilderness Rescue Team" would have been the only non American rescue / relief organization allowed into the disaster site to work hand in hand with the U.S. federal rescue organizations.

However, as they were awaiting airline reservation confirmations to travel to N.Y., Hurricane Iris was moving into the Caribbean and towards Belize. Although assisting in N.Y. would certainly have put this team into the realm of recognized international rescue organizations, they thought their efforts would be needed more desperately in Belize if Hurricane Iris did indeed hit. And it did!

Click here to read more about the Hurricane Iris rescue effort.

When planning Caving or Jungle expeditions in Belize, we beg you, please, ensure that you are with fully trained "caving / wilderness guides". Ask for proof that they are fully certified in Cave and Wilderness Rescue and Wilderness first aid. Your life is in their hands. What is your life worth?