Rescue Lab: Jess Coffey

In this episode of The Rescue Lab, we sit down with Jessica Coffey, cave rescue specialist, instructor, and adventurer, to explore one of the most challenging rescue environments imaginable. Jessica takes us inside the world of cave rescue—where darkness, confined spaces, difficult access, communication challenges, and long-duration operations can turn even a relatively simple problem into a complex rescue. We talk about the skills required to operate underground, moving patients through extremely restrictive environments, training for low-frequency/high-consequence incidents, building trust within a rescue team, and the mindset required to remain effective when the way out may be hours away. We also explore Jessica’s experiences as an instructor and adventurer and what the broader technical rescue community can learn from people who routinely operate in places where access is difficult, resources are limited, and adaptability matters. 🎙️ The Rescue Lab — Real People. Real Rescue. Real Stories.