CandidateGuidelines

Introduction to Candidates

Dear Candidate,

Congratulations on passing your ski-off, and welcome to the Sierra Ski Patrol’s National Ski Patrol candidate training program.

The purpose of this manual is to provide you with some basic information and clarifications about the training and testing program you are about to begin. This manual is intended to give you a general overview of what to expect and what will be expected of you. You will be provided details throughout the coming year on each topic of instruction and procedure.

As a rule, if you are unsure of something or if a conflict develops, ask questions of your Candidate Advisors (Stefan), Assistant Patrol Director T&T (Doug) or Patrol Director (Todd). We know that you are going to receive conflicting information over the course of the year. Your best course of action is to have a good attitude and ask us for clarification when questions arise.

The material covered in this manual, and the information and training you will receive throughout the ski season, is designed to turn you into a competent and confident patroller. It may seem, at times, that the training is excessive. Please know that, although we are volunteers, we take our jobs very seriously, as lives depend on us. When you pass our tests you will be ready to respond. Experience has proven that those candidates who put in the maximum effort and attend the most training dates are the candidates that are the most successful. All our training is signoff/objective based. There is no set number of training days required, however a good rule of thumb is that typically OEC competency on the hill will take 8-10 days of training and toboggan mastery another 8-10 days. So you should be pre-allocating your weekend time and scheduling days you can make training on the http://www.sierra-nsp.org/tix website to make certain you are on the hill at least 20 days to ensure your success in the program. Refer to the training guidelines to make sure you are keeping pace with the program throughout the year.

An important thing to remember is that a ski patroller is first and foremost a first responder and secondarily someone who skis well.

There are many learning opportunities and a lot of hard work ahead in this coming year for you. The sense of accomplishment you will feel when you put on your patrol jacket the first time will make it all worthwhile!!

Welcome to the Sierra Ski Patrol.

Stefan ten Brink stefantenbrink@yahoo.com
Assistant Patrol Director – Training and Testing
Sierra Ski Patrol

Todd Sprague tksprague.ssp@gmail.com
Patrol Director
Sierra Ski Patrol

Section 1: Candidate Preparation

Prior to participating in on-the-hill training you must satisfy the following criteria:

1. CPR: CPR for the Professional Rescuer must be completed. This is not the basic CPR course. You may use American Heart Association or American Red Cross certification programs.
2. OEC: A registered Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) class must be completed prior to the start of the ski season or you must receive permission from the Sierra Ski Patrol Director in order to join the program.
3. First Aid Supplies: Every candidate must have a fully stocked candidate vest.
   (Appendix A contains a list of items to stock in your vest.)
4. Vests will be provided without first aid crosses on them. You will need to make certain that your vest is visible externally at all times.
5. Refresher: Each candidate should attend the Sierra-at-Tahoe annual refresher, without exception. It is held on the second weekend in October at Sierra-at-Tahoe. You will be required to bring your CPR card, your OEC completion certificate/letter, your vest, and be registered as a candidate, with all appropriate dues and fees paid. The Assistant Patrol Director - Administration (Steve Costello) will provide registration details via e-mail.
6. Candidate Vest: You must obtain a candidate vest from the Candidate Advisor(s) (Debbie/Kelly). There is a $95 deposit on this vest which is refunded when you get your cross and turn in the vest. Your vest has a unique insignia on it and will identify you to staff and patrol as a candidate in training. This allows you access to lifts prior to the resort opening to the public in the morning as well as priority loading through the ski school line. You should wear this vest at all times during the patrol day. The vest indicates that you are affiliated with the resort and you will be required to act professionally at all times.
7. Nametag: You are required to obtain a nametag to be worn on your vest. Nametags can be obtained in HR and labeled appropriately. Take care to secure them to your vest.
8. Dress code: Under your vest you should wear dark clothing. Black pants are preferred now as they will be a requirement when you make patrol. A dark blue or black jacket is preferred, but we are flexible during your candidate year. (Your attire after your candidate year will be clearly defined.) Your vest must be your outermost layer clearly visible to all resort personnel.
9. Family: Your candidate year is going to be a very challenging time. On training days you will start at 7:15am and finish at approximately 5:00pm. During the day there will be no time for family or taking care of children. You will need to make separate arangements for your children because you will not be released from training the entire day.

Section 2: On the Hill Training

Training will encompass a variety of areas, from learning Sierra-At-Tahoe protocol for OEC, to mountain procedures, to dealing properly with the public. Be prepared to learn from every situation you encounter, it is all part of being a good patroller.

1. Your vest should be worn and visible at all times with your nametag attached. In the event you become separated from the patroller you are shadowing, simply ride the lift back to the bump station and report in. As a candidate you can stop and radio call for patroller assistance on the hill should you encounter someone who needs help while you are alone. You are not allowed to treat anyone you encounter.
2. Candidates may not, at any time, wear any apparel that has NSP identification on it which is directly visible as an outer garment.
3. Candidates are responsible for keeping the first aid room clean, and toboggans packed and ready to go. (You will learn the proper way to pack a toboggan early in the season.)
4. Candidates will participate in hill set-up each morning. Initially this will involve shadowing a national ski patroller and observing the set up procedures for each run/area. After you become familiar with the procedures, you should be a proactive part of set-up and perform necessary duties. You must stay on the Grandview side of the mountain during hill set-up, unless otherwise directed by the Assistant Patrol Director – Testing and Training or the Candidate Advisor.
5. Candidates must ALWAYS ski with a National ski patroller, unless specifically instructed by a patroller to an emergency related task. If you find yourself alone at the bottom of the hill, ride the Grandview lift and wait at the top of the lift or in the Grandview patrol room for a patroller to ski with. Don’t be shy. Ask a patroller if you can ski with him or her.
6. Candidates are to ski behind the patroller they are shadowing. When that patroller stops, you must safely stop downhill of him/her.
7. When the patroller you are shadowing responds to an incident, go with him/her to the scene and ask what you can do to help. It is up to the discretion of that patroller as to your role at the accident scene. Even if asked to perform crowd control, or merely observe, don’t be disheartened. Both can also be learning experiences.
8. Collision reports, supplemental patroller reports, witness reports, and first aid refusal forms should be carried at all times. You should be very familiar with each, how to fill it out, and when to fill it out.
9. At the end of each day, all Basic patrollers participate in a sweep of the mountain to ensure that all customers are off the hill. Auxiliary patrollers also participate in sweep, if they are not needed in the first aid room. As part of your training, you will shadow a patroller who has an assigned sweep. This patroller will teach you the duties relating to that sweep. Make sure that you request a different sweep each night during sweep assignment. This will give you a better feel for the complete sweep of the mountain. There is a sweep sheet that must be signed at the end of the day by each patroller with a sweep assignment. This will not be your responsibility until you are a patroller, but know where it is and ensure that the patroller you shadowed signs the sheet for all runs swept.
10. Candidates should request to carry a radio whenever possible. There are typically not enough radios for all patrollers on weekends. But if there is an extra one, check it out from the hill captain and always select the older 2 channel radios. The purpose is to become familiar with radio protocol, and hear how things are coordinated on the mountain. Listen carefully! There is one MAJOR stipulation: Do NOT talk on the radio unless you are specifically called by another patroller. If, in an EXTREMELY unusual circumstance, you must initiate a call (i.e., report an incident), identify yourself as a candidate to the person you talk to!!
11. Each candidate is required to spend one weekend day in the first aid room. You can split it up into two half days, if desired. During your time in first aid you will see real injuries and treat them accordingly. This is NOT a training session in first aid. It is hands-on time. You will learn which forms must be completed under different circumstances, and how to fill them out. The first aid room gets VERY busy at times! If you need help/advice with a patient, paperwork, etc., patiently ask for assistance. (Hint: Become familiar with required paperwork and the location of supplies when things are slow.) Get your skills/attendance card signed by the dispatcher when you complete your hours or partial hours. This is counted as one of your required training days. There can be no more than two candidates working in the first aid room at one time.
12. Candidates must be ready to respond at a moment’s notice, any time of the day. This means that all equipment must be in working order. Stay in your boots with your vest on and your equipment close by at all times. This includes during your lunch ‘break’.
13. A patroller’s attitude, cooperation, and teamwork are extremely important. Someone’s life could depend on it. Patrol, management, and the public are continually observing candidates. Demonstration of a poor attitude could result in dismissal from the program no matter how good your skills are. You may be asked to perform menial tasks from time to time. Take it in stride. It’s all part of the job.
14. Ask many questions. It is the best way to learn. There will likely be conflicting information relayed to you from different people. If you get conflicting information, consult the Patrol Director, Assistant Patrol Director - Testing and Training or the Candidate Advisor and one of us will clarify the issue. 1. At any time during your training, if you are asked to perform a task for which you have not been trained or which you do not feel comfortable performing, politely decline the request and/or get assistance from another patroller. Do not ever put yourself or a customer in danger of injury.

Section 3: Typical Candidate Day

On scheduled training days, or other days that you ski in the capacity of a candidate (and wear your vest), you do not pay for a lift ticket.

Note: Unlike Basic and Auxiliary Patrollers, candidates do not receive lift ticket vouchers, but they do get employee discounts for food and in the retail shop with your mountain ID.

Sign in procedures

You must sign in on the computer in the patrol room each day you intend to train or ski (shadow), prior to the morning patrol meeting. Make sure you bring a printout of your current signoff sheet with you each day you patrol. Occasionally you will want to make sure that the online database and your record of days skied are in sync. If you find a discrepancy, ask the candidate advisor to deal with it.

Note: It is a good idea to keep your record of days skied, OEC, CPR and NSP (when received) cards stapled together and with you.

Weekends

Weekends are typically training days. Consult the attached schedule.

Time	Activity
7:15	Be booted up and ready to go. Wait in the first aid room out of the way. If you have friends or family they should not be in the patrol room as the space is limited and patrollers need to get in, dressed and out on the mountain.
7:15-7:30	You should be proactively cleaning up the first aid room, readying equipment to go back on the hill, and repacking toboggans for transport up the hill to the appropriate bump station.
7:30-7:40	Morning patrol meeting, which is typically held in the first aid room
7:40-8:30	Hill setup.
8:30	The hill is opened to the public.
8:45	Be at the designated training location for the day, ready to go. It is imperative that you are on time as we will start without you and you will miss training.
11:30	Training typically ends – lunch break. Eat your lunch at the top of Grandview or Westbowl with patrollers.
Afternoon	Candidates will shadow a National patroller.
3:30	Report, with the patroller you are shadowing, to that patroller’s bump station. Pre-sweep begins on designated run, at the discretion of the Pro patrollers.
4:00	Mountain sweep begins. It does not end, and no patrollers or candidates may leave until everyone is off the hill, the mountain is called clear, and dispatch is off the air.

The schedule during the entire Christmas – New Year’s holiday is the same, with the exception that there is not usually training performed.

Weekdays

The schedule for weekdays is the same as for weekends, except that the hill is opened to the public at 9:00, instead of 8:30, and, typically, weekdays are not training days. The rest of the morning schedule above should be adjusted accordingly. If you decide that you want to ski on a weekday you will need to pre-arrange with a national patroller to shadow him/her that day. Or, you can use your employee pass and ‘free’ ski to work on your skiing/riding skills. Do not wear your vest, or expect to use the patrol lift line, when you free ski!

Section 4: Training Requirements

Candidates must complete the following on the hill training in order to be eligible to test.

1. OEC training days: Each candidate must attend a minimum of eight training days with unique training material, and demonstrate minimum standards of performance prior to taking the OEC test.
2. Skiing and toboggan: Each Basic candidate must attend a minimum of seven training days. Attendance is highly recommended at all of the skiing & toboggan training sessions. Sessions will be coordinated directly after the patrol meeting.
3. Total commitment: A total of sixteen training days are required for Basic candidates to take the skiing and toboggan test, and for Auxiliary candidates to become Auxiliary patrollers. There are eight OEC days, seven S & T days and one day in the first aid room.
4. Additional testing: A test addressing lift evacuation and sweep procedures, and run and lift identification will be administered as time permits.

Section 5: Testing

There are four areas of testing:

• Hill Protocols/Knowledge.
• Outdoor Emergency Care On the Hill,
• Skiing/Riding
• Outdoor Emergency Transport via Toboggan

Knowledge areas will each be addressed and tested separately. If a candidate is not able to successfully pass all tests they may be allowed the option to continue his/her candidacy into the following season.

• The Hill Protocols/Knowledge tests cover locations on the mountain, radio protocol, setup, sweep and knots. It is suggested that you get these taken care of as soon as possible at the beginning of the season.
• The OEC test is a series of scenarios conducted outside (in the snow and weather) that will test your first responder and secondary responder skills.
• The Skiing/Riding test is much like the ski off you participated in last season, prior to becoming a candidate, only more comprehensive.
• The Toboggan test will cover all aspects of toboggan handling.

In order to become a Basic Patroller you must obtain a passing score on all four tests. And, as mentioned in the previous section, all candidates must also complete 16 training days. Successful Basic Patroller candidates will be awarded their crosses when all testing is completed.

Section 6: Candidate Orientation

Candidate Orientation Slide Presentation

First Aid Orientation

Item	Requirements
Gurneys	Wipe down with antiseptic spray and towels. (There is also a portable in the hallway, West side). Once clean, cover the gurneys in the First Aid room with sheets and pillows with cases, which are found in the supply cabinet.
Trauma pack	Check every Saturday (list inside pack). Confirm with dispatch in the beginning of the season which days to check
ALL OXYGEN bottles	Mark with tape when checked for PSI on and off the hill: PSI amount example: 1200 PSI, 2000 PSI Date when checked example: 2/30/14 Your initials example: MJD
Oxygen bottles between gurneys	check O2 levels (we keep closed and replace when empty). On each bottle: Two pediatric NRM and nasal cannula Two adult NRM and nasal cannula
Oxygen bottles used in first aid	replace when empty. The replacement bottles are located in dispatch.
Oxygen bottles used on the hill	check with dispatch each year for required PSI/Pounds per square inch for hill use, replace when needed with a full bottle. The replacement bottles are located in dispatch.
Backboards	repack any leftover in the morning to be taken up before mountain opens. When a guest is brought in on one, track where it came from so it can be returned.
Repack sleds	supplies and list inside of large supply cabinet.
Rental equipment	call board/ski rentals for pick up of equipment: Numbers on post it inside rental equipment cabinet (upper right hand corner).
Ice	take two ice buckets to ice machine and fill our ice chests. Fill up zip lock bags in preparation for guests. Check and refill throughout the day.
Supplies	on shelf by sink (band aids: misc sizes, roller bandages, 2X2’s and 4X4’s, gloves (by dispatch door and by sink), zip locks, medical tape: 1” and 2”, pen light, scissors, confirm location of hot water bottle and emesis bags (in cabinet above the sink) and cravats: extras in large supply cabinet.
Wild Mountain blue binder	Dispatch confirms procedure for the year.
Forms	check top drawer of the filing cabinet: make copies if needed.
Forms	in the rack by the window (these are most often used). Refill as needed.
Pens	on the window counter.
Cups	Make sure there are drinking cups and miscellaneous band aids on the aspirin cabinet by the door. We sell aspirin/ibuprofen through dispatch - $1.00 each.
Cleanup	Clean sink, counters, wipe down door handles, chairs and phones with antiseptic spray and towel.
Vacuum	Vacuum the rugs and floors. Vacuum kept behind the dispatch door.
FA Duty	Attend to all guests walking into First Aid
FA Response	Respond to calls in and/or around the lodge.

Grandview Orientation

Westbowl Orientation

Skiing/Riding Orientation

Skiing/Riding Signoff

Toboggan Handling Orientation

Empty Toboggan Signoff

Section 7: Hill Protocols

There are 6 areas of Hill Protocols that candidates need to learn:

• Proper Radio Protocol
• Run names (public and slang)
• Locations of equipment and reference points
• Hill Setup Procedure
• Hill Sweep Procedure
• Knots and rope skills

Radio Protocol

We use a modified set of 10-codes at Sierra. When placing a radio call, it's important to be as professional as possible. The entire mountain can hear you on channel 1.

Radio Protocol Reference Materials

Radio Guidelines
Radio 10-codes Guide describes all 10-codes used at Sierra
Ambulance + GCS + LZ Coordinate Request Cards

Radio Protocol Signoff Process & CPI

Written Signoff

1. Download your own personal copy of the Radio Protocols Signoff document
2. Refer to the Radio Protocol Reference Materials and fill out your Radio Protocols Signoff document.
3. Review your Radio Protocols Signoff document with your mentor, at Wine & WEC, and on candidate teleconference calls. Send completed Radio Protocols Signoff document via email to sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoogroups.com.
4. Make any changes suggested by the patroller who responds to your request and re-submit your updated copy to sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoogroups.com via email. This may take several iterations for you to get it correct.
5. Once you have a correct Radio Protocols document you need to study, practice and memorize your answers in the the Radio Protocols Signoff document. When you are ready to be evaluated request a verbal signoff from sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoo.com. This will need to be done in person, so it's ideal to accomplish this at the Wine & WEC, pre-refresher or refresher.

Verbal Signoff

1. Complete Written Signoff process.
2. Evaluator will download a blank copy of Radio Protocols Signoff document and simply ask you each question.

CPI:

• All responses from candidate must be in the form of valid radio calls.
• No "umm's" are allowed, responses should be crisp, concise and professional.
• Candidate thinks through what to say before "keying" the microphone and waiting 3 seconds..
• "I need ....." and "I'm at"... No studdering, no "umm's".. Clear, concise, professional

Runs and Locations

In addition to published run names, we have a series of nicknames for popular locations throughout the hill. You'll want to be familiar with both the official run names and the nicknames so that you know where you're going!

Runs and Locations Reference Materials

Trail Map of Huckleberry Canyon
Sierra Trailmap with Equipment & Legend 2013
Sierra Run Quiz (fill in)
Sierra Run Quiz (answers)
Learn The Mountain: Locations around the mountain + Pictures

Runs and Locations Signoff Process & CPI

Written Signoff

1. Download your own personal copy of the Location Signoff document
2. Refer to the Runs and Locations Reference Materials and fill out your Runs and Locations Signoff document.
3. Review your Runs and Locations Signoff document with your mentor, at Wine & WEC, and on candidate teleconference calls. Send completed Runs and Locations Signoff document via email to sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoogroups.com.
4. Make any changes suggested by the patroller who responds to your request and re-submit your updated copy to sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoogroups.com via email. This may take several iterations for you to get it correct.
5. Once you have a correct Runs and Locations document you need to study, practice and memorize your answers in the the Runs and Locations Signoff document. When you are ready to be evaluated request a verbal signoff from sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoo.com. This will need to be done in person, so it's ideal to accomplish this at the Wine & WEC, pre-refresher or refresher.

Verbal/In Person Signoff

1. Complete Written Signoff process.
2. Evaluator will provide candidate a blank copy of the Sierra Run Quiz (fill in) and candidate will need to accurately fill out all runs.
3. Evaluator will download a blank copy of Runs and Locations Signoff document and simply ask you each question.
4. Evaluator will also quiz you on each run which is listed in the Runs and Locations Signoff. They will say a run name and then you will be required to make a radio call to the bump which serves that run.

Examples:
Evaluator would say: "Corkscrew" -- Candidate would say "Grandview, Doug"
Evaluator would say: "Bashful" -- Candidate would say "Westbowl, Doug"
Evaluator would say: "Barnyard" -- Candidate would say "Grandview, Doug"

CPI:

• Candidate must accurately be able to answer all location questions from signoff sheet.
• Candidate must be able to accurately fill in Sierra Run Quiz.
• Given a blank run quiz form, candidate must be able to accurately fill in all run names.
• Verbal Run quiz requires all responses from the candidate to be valid initial radio calls.
• No "umm's" are allowed, responses should be crisp, concise and professional.
• Candidate thinks through what to say before "keying" the microphone and waiting 3 seconds..
• "I need ....." and "I'm at"... No studdering, no "umm's".. Clear, concise, professional

Setup

In the morning you will be required to setup the mountain in order to get it ready for the public. There are a number of activities which are required to accomplish this on the two major bump stations Grandview and Westbowl. I

Setup Reference Materials

Unfortunately we don't really have any reference materials for doing Setup at present. This means that you will need to learn this one on the hill! I'd suggest that you take the signoff sheet with you so that you can fill in these answers as quickly as possible and become familiar with the setup process.

Setup Signoff Process & CPI

Written Signoff

1. Download your own personal copy of the Setup Signoff document
2. Refer to the Setup Reference Materials and fill out your Runs and Locations Signoff document.
3. Review your Runs and Locations Signoff document with your mentor and on candidate teleconference calls. Send completed Runs and Locations Signoff document via email to sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoogroups.com.
4. Make any changes suggested by the patroller who responds to your request and re-submit your updated copy to sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoogroups.com via email. This may take several iterations for you to get it correct.
5. Once you have a correct Setup Signoff document you need to study, practice and memorize your answers in the the Setup Signoff Document. When you are ready to be evaluated request a verbal signoff from sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoo.com. This will need to be done in person, so it's ideal to accomplish this on the hill.

Verbal Signoff

1. Complete Written Signoff process.
2. Evaluator will download a blank copy of Setup Signoff document and simply ask you each question.

CPI:

• Candidate must accurately be able to answer all setup questions from signoff sheet.
• No "umm's" are allowed, responses should be crisp, concise and professional.
• Candidate thinks through what to say before "keying" the microphone and waiting 3 seconds..
• "I need ....." and "I'm at"... No studdering, no "umm's".. Clear, concise, professional

Sweep

At 3:45pm each day we begin pre-sweep activities at Grandview and Westbowl. This closes the outer sides and back of the resort to the public and flushes everyone into the center of the resort. At 4:00pm each day the resort closes and sweep begins at approximately 4:20 as soon as last chair arrives at the top of Grandview. It is recommended that you print out the sweep signoff sheet and take it with you on the mountain so you can fill in the required information as you see sweep happening.

Sweep Reference Materials

Sierra Sweep process

Sweep Signoff Process & CPI

Written Signoff

1. Download your own personal copy of the Sweep Signoff document
2. Refer to the Sweep Reference Materials and fill out your Sweep Signoff document.
3. Review your Sweep Signoff document with your mentor, at Wine & WEC, and on candidate teleconference calls. Send completed Sweep Signoff document via email to sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoogroups.com.
4. Make any changes suggested by the patroller who responds to your request and re-submit your updated copy to sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoogroups.com via email. This may take several iterations for you to get it correct.
5. Once you have a correct Sweep document you need to study, practice and memorize your answers in the the Sweep document. When you are ready to be evaluated request a verbal signoff from sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoo.com. This will need to be done in person, so it's ideal to accomplish this on the hill.

Verbal Signoff

1. Complete Written Signoff process.
2. Evaluator will download a blank copy of Sweep Signoff document and simply ask you each question.
3. Evaluator will also quiz you on each Sweep individually requiring you to make the necessary radio calls appropriately. They will say for example "SHLM" and you will need to tell them what the sweep depends on and what radio calls are necessary. You will need to make the actual radio calls as well.

* For example: "Dynamite" -- Candidate would detail process of sweeping Upper Dynamite, when they can start and then the two radio calls which are necessary. "Grandview Super, upper-D is clear to sugar.".... "Grandview Super, Grandview Side is down".

CPI:

• Candidate must accurately be able to answer all sweep questions from signoff sheet.
• Verbal Sweep quiz requires candidate to make all radio calls successfully for each sweep on the mountain as detailed by quick reference cards.
• No "umm's" are allowed, responses should be crisp, concise and professional.
• Candidate thinks through what to say before "keying" the microphone and waiting 3 seconds..
• No studdering, no "umm's".. Clear, concise, professional

Knots

Required Knots

• Trucker's Hitch
• Coiling rope for a closure properly
• Burkhart bow for tower pad straps
• Double Fisherman's knot (traction/tie two ropes together)
• Water Knot (webbing knot)
• Clove hitch (bamboo rope lines)
• Bowline (Tie a rope around yourself without squeezing..)
• Double Figure Eight Follow Through (harness knot)
• Square Knots (cravats)

Animated Knot Examples

Bowline
Clove Hitch Tied with half hitches
Figure 8
Double Fisherman's
Water Knott

Section 8: OEC

Assessment Basics

Guide to Assessment
Assessment Procedure Flow for Sierra NSP

MP3 Verbal Assessment Example #1
MP3 Verbal Assessment Example #2
MP3 Verbal Assessment Example #3
MP3 Verbal Assessment Example #4
MP3 Verbal Assessment Example #5

OEC All-in-one Study Guide
Ambulance + GCS + LZ Coordinate Request Cards

Surveys

Survey Resource Materials

Assessment Procedure Flow for Sierra NSP

Primary Survey/Kill Zones

Secondary/Whole Body Survey/A closer look

Vitals/Pulses

Blood Pressure

Section 9: OEC Signoffs

Assessment Signoffs

Trauma Assessment
Medical Assessment
Traction Immobilization Skills

Bandaging and Bleeding Control

Specific Bandages

Specific Splints

O2 Administration

First Aid Station Work

Critical Care

KED Extraction

SAGER

Backboard Handles

Full C-Spine Immobilization

Go to http://trainingcenter.xcollar.com and click on “GET TRAINING CERTIFICATION” – once you complete, send in your training certificate, basically we don’t use C-collars at Sierra, we use X-collars which are a higher standard of care! Go through the online training to familiarize yourself with the X-collar and how it’s applied.. We’ll do handson on the hill for you!

Practice Scenarios

Master Scenario Listing

Minor Injuries: Single

Minor Injuries: Double

Medical Issues

Major Injuries: Single

Major Injuries: Double

Section 10: Sking/Riding & Toboggan Skills

Skiing/Riding Signoff

Skiing/Riding QuickRef Signoff
Skiing/Riding Signoff

Empty Toboggan Transport Signoff

Empty Toboggan QuickRef Signoff
Empty Toboggan Signoff

Loaded Toboggan Transport Signoff

Appendix A: First Aid Vest Contents

Each candidate must carry the following in their candidate vest:

Item	Minimum Quantity
Non-Latex gloves	2 pair
CPR pocket mask with one-way valve	1
Triangular bandages/Cravats	4-8
Sterile compress dressing/bandage	2
Sterile gauze dressing: 4 x 4	4
Roller bandages: 3 inch	4
Adhesive tape rolls: 1 inch	1
Band-aids, assorted sizes	12
Zip-loc type plastic bags	4
Folding knife: Swiss army or Leatherman	1
Scissors: Blunt surgical type	1
Whistle, plastic	1
Pen light	1
Emergency space blanket	1
Black ink pen and pencil	1
Sierra At Tahoe trail map and Note pad in zip lock	1
Appropriate on-the-hill forms in zip lock, to include: Collision report, refusal form, witness report	3 each
SAM or wire splint	1

Optional Items	Quantity
Seam ripper	1
Tweezers	1
Avalanche cord, 25 feet	1
Tongue depressors	3
Airways (OPAs), five sizes	1
Butterfly closures, assorted sizes	12
Waterproof safety matches/ lighter	1
Safety pins, assorted sizes	10
Roller bandages: 1 inch	1
Sterile gauze dressing: 2 x 2	4
Glucose -or- plain M&M's	2

All candidates are required to use the Sierra Ski Patrol supplied training vest for first aid supplies your candidate year. Once you become a patroller you may choose to wear a fanny pack or your own vest.

You are responsible for showing up for training with a fully stocked vest each day!

You are responsible for making your own cravats. Here is a reference on how to make your own cravats.

You can purchase medical supplies such as a SAM splint at http://www.life-assist.com – They are located in Rancho Cordova – right off of 50.

Appendix B: Candidate Training Information

Available on Google Drive -- you should have an account there and see it when you login as:

traininglog_vx_yourname

Here is a sample blank signoff form Google Drive training log

You should plan on printing this document out and bringing it with you each day you are on the hill!
This will enable us to get you signed off as quickly as possible!

Complete details are on http://www.sierra-nsp.org/candidates

OEC/Assessment
Assessment Process
Quick Reference Study Guide
How to cut your own cravats

Run, Trail & Sweep Information

Sierra Trail map with Equipment & Legend
Sierra Run Quiz (fill in)
Sierra Run Quiz (answers)
Sierra Sweep process

Radio Protocols

Radio 10-codes Guide

Candidate Hill Protocol Signoffs
Location Signoff
Radio Protocol Signoff
Hill Setup Signoff
Sweep Signoff
Ropes Signoff

Candidate Ski & Toboggan Signoffs
Empty Toboggan Signoff
Ski/Ride Signoff
Checkoff OTH Card

Appendix C: Helpful Email Distribution Lists & Websites

General Guidelines for using Email Distribution Lists

• These distribution lists are for patrol related business.
• Do not send out solicitations which do not have benefit to the patrol
• Think before you click send!

Email Distribution Lists
sierra-nsp@yahoogroups.com - The entire Membership Including some who are Pro patrollersl
sierra-nsp-candidates@yahoogroups.com - All candidates and trainers
sierra-nsp-signoff@yahoogroups.com -- Patrollers who can sign off your written completions
sierra-nsp-board@yahoogroups.com -- Board Members (Patrol Director, APD: T&T, APD:Admin, Treasurer & Secretary)
sierra-nsp-oec@yahoogroups.com -- All OEC Instructors on the patrol
sierra-nsp-oet@yahoogroups.com -- All Toboggan Instructors on the patrol

Useful Websites
Sierra Ski Patrol Candidate Training Resources http://www.sierra-nsp.org/candidates
National Ski Patrol http://www.nsp.org
Eastern Sierra Region http://www.easternsierraregion.org
Far West Division http://www.farwest.org
Sierra At Tahoe http://www.sierratahoe.com

Once you become a patroller and want to purchase your own vest or fanny pack for use on the hill here are some resources:

http://www.skiareasupplies.com has patrol vests available for $110 which are compatible with the style we are wearing on the hill. You can order from them directly. Purchasing from NSP requires you to be a member.

I would suggest obtaining:
Ski Patrol Vest w/Stand up collar & radio Harness: CAT #0079C
http://www.skiareasupplies.com/patrol_skivest.htm cost is $110.

http://www.mountainouterwear.com also has a rescue Vest,Red/Black with crosses for $95 which is acceptable as well. http://www.mountainouterwear.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=D50000-1155766337

If you decide to go the vest route, please contact Doug to confirm it's acceptability prior to purchase.

If you’d like to get a fanny pack instead http://www.harperpack.com has a wide selection.

Appendix D: 2013/2014 Candidate Schedule

Date	Event
7/20/13	Candidate Orientation Meeting @ Katie's
8/14/13	Wine & WEC Begins (every Wednesday night until OEC Refresher)
~9/4/13	Weekly Teleconference's begin (radio calls, signoffs etc)
9/28/13	OEC Pre-Refresher at Katie's
10/12/13	OEC Refresher at Sierra at Tahoe
TBD	CPR/FPR at Sierra at Tahoe
10/13/13	On-The-Hill Refresher at Sierra at Tahoe
12/07/13	OTH Training #1 - T1
12/08/13	OTH Training #2 - T2
12/14/13	OTH Training #3 - T2
12/15/13	OTH Training #4 - T1
12/21/13	OTH Training #5 - T3
12/22/13	OTH Training #6 - T4
12/28/13	OTH Training #7 - T4
12/29/13	OTH Training #8 - T3
01/04/14	OTH Training #9 - T5
01/05/14	OTH Training #10 - T6
01/11/14	OTH Training #11 - T6
01/12/14	OTH Training #12 - T5
01/18/14	OTH Training #13 - Mock OEC Exam
01/19/14	OTH Training #14 - Mock OEC Exam
01/25/14	OTH Training #15 - OEC Exam
01/26/14	OTH Training #16 - OEC Exam
02/08/14	OTH Training #17 - S&T
02/09/14	OTH Training #18 - S&T
02/15/14	OTH Training #19 - S&T
02/16/14	OTH Training #20 - S&T
02/22/14	OTH Training #21 - S&T
02/23/14	OTH Training #22 - S&T
03/01/14	OTH Training #23 - S&T
03/02/14	OTH Training #24 - S&T
03/08/14	OTH Training #25 - S&T
03/09/14	OTH Training #26 - S&T
03/15/14	OTH Training #27 - S&T
03/16/14	OTH Training #28 - S&T
03/22/14	OTH Training #29 - S&T
03/23/14	OTH Training #30 - S&T
03/29/14	OTH Training #31 - Toboggan Exam
03/30/14	OTH Training #32 - Toboggan Exam
TBD	Annual Awards Banquet

Timeline	Topic
Pre-Refresher minus 4 weeks:	Teleconference: Radio Calls
Pre-Refresher minus 3 weeks	Teleconference: Runs & radio calls
Pre-Refresher minus 2 weeks	Teleconference: Locations, Runs & Radios
Pre-Refresher minus 1 week:	Teleconference: Sweep, Locations, Runs & Radios
Pre-Refresher:	Knots, Assessments, GCS, Code Yellow criteria, Ambulance Calls, & help with patroller scenarios
Refresher:	Knots, Assessments, GCS, Code Yellow criteria, Ambulance Calls, & help with patroller scenarios

*These "Plans" are not necessarily consecutive weeks (weekends), but is a general outline for what will be covered and when. You will be updated weekly via email with a plan for the following weekend.

Plan	Topics
Training Plan 1:	A. First Aid Orientation including: BP, trauma pack, paperwork, O2, AED, Backboard Packs, etc.
	B. Orientation of each Bump Station, guided tour of equipment locations and hill locations
Training Plan 2:	A. Code Yellow Scenarios
	B. Traction Splint, KED, Backboard Scenarios
Training Plan 3:	A. Medical Scenarios
	B. Bandaging & Splinting Scenarios
Training Plan 4:	A. Comprehensive Scenarios
	B. Comprehensive Scenarios

Skiing and Toboggan Training

TBD: Skiing and Toboggan Testing • You will be trained and tested on tail rope, handles, communications, and equipment on toboggans. • The skiing skills and conditions you will be tested on/in will include: snowplow, kick-turns, short radius turns, medium radius turns, long radius turns, side slip, falling leaf, quick stop, crud, powder, moguls.

04/09? Patrol/Award Banquet This is when candidates are officially recognized as full patrollers. Don’t miss it.