Sixty-five people rescued from the Solymár-Ördöglyuk between 1966 and 1974. That’s just one statistic highlighting the incredible work of the Barlangi Mentőszolgálat. Standing here before its modest Keleti Károly utca office you might not immediately grasp its significance. But this unassuming building houses a remarkable history. The Barlangi Mentőszolgálat or BMSZ isn’t just any organization. It’s a vital force in Hungarian cave rescue.
Established in 1961 its initial focus was on finding lost young adventurers. However its role expanded to encompass more serious cave accidents. The BMSZ is a public service organization. Its members work tirelessly and voluntarily. They are unpaid yet their commitment is unwavering. Throughout its history the BMSZ has been affiliated with various organizations. These include the Red Cross the MTSZ and the Hungarian Karst and Cave Research Association MKBT. It even had a period of affiliation with the Police. Despite these changes the BMSZ remains an independent entity operating continuously since its inception. Since 1991 it has functioned as an independent association.
The organization’s membership consists primarily of cavers from various cave exploration groups. Before joining members demonstrate their skills through expeditions and competitions. They also must complete technical examinations and a four-year probationary period. Doctors with caving experience further enhance the BMSZ’s capabilities. The organization’s diversity is striking. Members’ backgrounds range from skilled workers to university professors from public employees to entrepreneurs. Their common goal unites them: helping those in need in challenging and inaccessible locations.
The BMSZ’s structure is democratic. Its leadership including the president is elected by its members. Membership is categorized into four groups: regular members associate members probationary members and supporting members. Regular members are active cavers and doctors. Associate members cannot fulfill the requirements of regular members but may still participate in rescues. Probationary members are trainees learning rescue techniques. Supporting members provide moral and financial assistance.
Cave rescue is demanding and hazardous. A clear hierarchy exists during rescues. A rescue leader coordinates action teams guided by their respective team leaders. When an alert reaches the BMSZ members drop their personal lives. The leader receiving the alert immediately notifies the team. The leader determines the urgency and the required personnel and equipment. Once assembled the team proceeds to the rescue site often with police assistance using specialized vehicles or members’ personal vehicles. On-site the leader assigns tasks to the action teams constantly monitoring and coordinating the rescue efforts.
The BMSZ goes beyond rescues. They actively participate in education and training. Through the MTSZ and the MKBT they contribute to caving guide and research training. They also conduct technical courses. Furthermore they continuously upgrade their members’ skills. When possible some members participate in international training in France. They share this knowledge during local training exercises. These drills take place in various caves to improve rescue knowledge of different cave systems.
The BMSZ also has strong international ties. It participates in the International Cave Rescue Organization’s activities and events. The 1983 International Cave Rescue Congress in Aggtelek and the 1989 International Cave Rescue Symposium were highlights. Both events earned considerable praise from foreign participants and international organization officials. The BMSZ has been sought after for assistance both nationally and internationally. They have searched for missing persons in difficult terrain assisted in recovering bodies for the police and even participated in major disasters like the Jó utca explosion. During the Turkish earthquake their volunteers aided rescue teams. Their expertise in confined spaces was invaluable in various accidents. Most recently the BMSZ played a crucial role in the rescue of an American caver in Turkey. The swift response and successful rescue demonstrated their exceptional skills. The Barlangi Mentőszolgálat stands as a testament to selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to saving lives in extraordinary circumstances.