European Cave Rescue Association

ECRA's stated purpose is to promote the exchange of knowledge and experience in cave rescue, and it describes itself as a community of European cave rescuers ^[1]. Its history page traces the idea to a 2007 meeting of alpine karst countries in Berchtesgaden, followed by meetings in Munich, Treviso and Saalfelden; the decision to create a European association came in spring 2012 and it was founded in France in autumn 2012 ^[2]. Its contact address is given care of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) in Zagreb ^[1].

Full membership is open to European organisations whose primary function is cave rescue, either nationally or regionally; cave rescue organisations outside Europe can join as collaborating members without voting rights, and there are associate, individual and honorary categories ^[3]. ECRA does not present itself as a body to call in an emergency: rescues are run by national and regional organisations under their own authorities.