The Afton Alps Ski
Patrol is a member of the National Ski Patrol
system,
and is an all volunteer patrol. There is a commitment of time,
effort,
and money to participate, particularly in the first year.
In the Fall we have a
first aid class called Outdoor Emergency
Care (OEC), followed by on the hill training (skiing and
toboggan).
OEC is similar in content to an EMT class, but OEC is shorter (about
50-60
hours) and is tailored to first aid one can do with what you carry with
you.
After you go through
the OEC class (September to mid November)
and
pass, we have on the hill training from December through January.
Passing the evaluation in early February makes you a Basic
Patroller. A Basic
patroller is a patroller classification meaning that you can provide
emergency
first aid to the skiing public and transport patients via a toboggan to
the aid
room.
Before the class in
September, we have a get together near the end
of
the prior February to discuss what kind of commitment you need to make,
plus what
you get out of patrolling. Then we do some skiing. A letter
is sent in July or August inviting those who participated in our get
together to start in the OEC class that fall.
The initial expense involves the cost of the OEC materials (about $50)
and joining
the ski patrol (about $68 for Afton, Region, Division, and National
dues). Upon successful completion of hill training, a patrol jacket and
first aid pack are required at a typical cost of $200 or more.
If you are interested in joining the Afton Alps Ski Patrol, you
can
apply on line via the
link at the bottom of the Join page.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Thank you.
Susan Vermeland
AASP Patrol Director