Ski patrol

A ski patrol is an organization that provides first aid and rescue services to skiers and participants of other snow sports, either at a ski area or in a backcountry setting. Patrollers are trained with the first aid necessary to stabilize and transport casualties to advanced care, often as EMT-B's or the National Ski Patrol's equivalent Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) certification. Patrollers can also be EMT-I's or paramedics. Due to the remote location and terrain, transportation is often limited to toboggan, snowmobile and helicopter. Patrollers are often well versed in avalanche search and rescue and other specialized techniques (e.g., chairlift evacuation, helicopter rappelling). Patrols work to promote ski safety, enforce area policies (where applicable), and help injured skiers when necessary. Ski patrollers also work to set up the mountain before it opens by conducting trail checks and setting up necessary equipment in preparation for the day. At the end of the day they also conduct a sweep clearing the mountain for off-hours.

Related Topics:
First aid - Skiers - EMT-B - Outdoor Emergency Care - Toboggan - Snowmobile - Helicopter - Avalanche

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Contrary to the name's implications, ski patrollers can be snowboarders in addition to alpine, telemark, or nordic skiers. Many patrols also have non-skiing positions whereby patrollers no longer able to ski or lacking the skiing skills to handle toboggans can still provide emergency care in a first aid room. Some ski areas also have a junior ski patrol program where teenagers can work as a ski patrol without full duties and without medical training.

Related Topics:
Snowboarders - Alpine - Telemark - Nordic

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