Becoming
a Patroller - Photo Page
Next Outdoor Emergency Care classes start early August – On hill instruction
begins in December
Printed Hidden Valley Ski Patrol Application OR sign up with
an on-line
Application
· PROSPECTIVE
MEMBER
During the ski season a Prospective Member should contact the Patrol Director to
arrange for a brief interview, an application form, and a ski proficiency exam.
There is a $5 fee required prior to the skiing exam. Next the prospect must
complete the National Ski Patrol first aid course, known as Outdoor Emergency
Care, or simply OEC. The OEC course is given only during the off-season from
mid-August through November, as we are too busy during the winter season. The
course is a comprehensive introduction to first aid principles and skills
spanning about 14 weeks. A prospect must also have current certification in CPR
for the professional rescuer (a more advanced level of CPR training). This CPR
certification is available through the American
Heart Association.
The patrol coordinates an American Heart Association sponsored course each year for new
applicants. Certain health care professionals, from basic EMT to Physician, may
elect to "challenge" the OEC course by purchasing the textbook (and optional
workbook), demonstrating first aid skills consistent with OEC guidelines,
paying the applicable course fees, and passing the written and practical exams.
Our recommendation is, however, that even these individuals take the entire OEC
course. Once the individual has come this far, he or she is now registered with
the national organization as a Candidate Patroller.
· CANDIDATE
PATROLLER
The Candidate Patroller at
· APPLICANT
An applicant who has been accepted is encouraged to begin serving as a
Pre-Candidate anytime during the ski season prior to starting the OEC training.
The Pre-Candidate will be given one duty shift per week, and will be assigned
to ski the shift with an experienced patroller to gain an insight to
patrolling. The patrol will provide a lift ticket for each of these
Pre-Candidate sessions. The Pre-Candidate will be required to pay full dues
prior to starting. Provided there is sufficient interest, a weekly skiing
improvement training session will be offered to the Pre-candidates.
· COSTS
The Costs associated with the ski patrol membership include annual dues. The
cost of registration and textbooks for the OEC and CPR courses total about
$120. A first-aid belt costs $30 - $40 and must be stocked initially by the
Candidate Patroller. The National Ski Patrol parka is the required uniform, and
will cost ~ $200 (~ 100 for a vest) depending on the model selected. A suitable
Candidate Parka is provided to Candidates who have completed OEC qualification.
· REQUIRED
DUTY
REQUIRED DUTY consists of sixteen ski area shifts two of which are Midnight
sessions each season. There are also non-ski activities such as fund raising
and work parties. Annually, each patroller must attend refreshers for OEC, CPR,
chair evacuation, snowboarding, skiing, and toboggan handling.
· BENEFITS
The Benefits of the ski patrol include the satisfaction of helping others,
advanced snowboard and ski training by ski patrol instructors, many of whom are
also PSIA certified instructors, and the camaraderie among the patrollers.
· BECOMING A
PATROLLER
To become a patroller, one must love the sports of snowboarding and skiing, be
willing to work hard at becoming an advanced rider or skier, and enjoy working
with people.
· CONTACT
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED in joining the Hidden Valley Ski Patrol, send an e-mail
to info@hvsp.org or
fill out our on-line
Application
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Proud member of the National Ski Patrol