Sunday, October 13, 2024

FAQ

What are the requirements needed to join the Canadian Ski Patrol?
What are the requirements needed to join the Canadian Ski Patrol?

  • You must be 18 years of age
  • Complete a police criminal record and vulnerable sector check
  • Be an intermediate/advanced to expert skier (apline, telemark, or Nordic) or snowboarder
  • Be willing to learn and practice new skills
  • Provide your own skiing/snowboarding equipment
Is it mandatory to attend the Open House?
  • It’s strongly recommended to attend an Open House if the zone you’re planning to join holds one. You can meet some patrollers in the zone and it’s a great opportunity to talk with them. An Open House provides a casual presentation that will answer a lot of questions about joining. Joining is a big commitment and it is important you have all the information you need to make the decision to join.

 

I have no previous first aid experience – can I still join?

Yes! We provide all the training for you to join us. Many of the people who join the CSP have little or no first aid experience. After taking the course, which gives you an advanced level of first aid training, and with practice, most people become very competent first aiders.

 

First Aid Training
I have previous first aid training and/or a medical background (e.g. wilderness first aid, EMR, nurse, doctor, etc.) - does this qualify as a substitute for New Patroller training?
  • No. All new patrollers must successfully complete the Canadian Ski Patrol new patroller course. Protocols will differ between CSP and other medical professionals and full training will ensure protocols are understood. This ensures that we all understand each other’s level of training, and for our insurance purposes.
I patrolled a while ago with CSP – do I still have to take the new patroller course?
  • If you completed the course more than two years ago without completing the Canadian Ski Patrol annual recertification, then you must complete the New Patroller Course again.
What happens if I am unsuccessful with my first aid exams?
  • You are allowed one re-test of the exams. The training can be overwhelming, but all our instructors are there to help you as much as possible. All patrollers must successfully pass their first aid exams (CPR/AED, Skills, Written, and Diagnostic) prior to the on-snow training. We do not offer refunds for unsuccessful participants.
What are the First Aid exams like?
  • There are three components to the first aid exams, as well as skills assessment. All of these exams must be successfully completed before proceeding to the on-snow training.

    1. CPR/AED Exam: The pass mark is 80 per cent on a multiple choice exam.

    2.The skills assessment is an assessment of your ability to successfully complete various treatments and assessments. Your skills sheet will be marked off by instructors once they are satisfied of your knowledge of the treatments.

    3. Written Exam: A 100 question, multiple choice exam on the Canadian Ski Patrol First Aid manual content. A written exam review sheet will be provided beforehand. The pass mark is 75 per cent after which you will be required to correct your exam to 100% using the manual. Should you achieve a score of less than 75 per cent, you will be asked to re-write the same exam.

    4. Diagnostic Exam: This is a real-time evaluation of your patient assessment skills, diagnosis of the problem and how you would treat the patient. A minimum of 80 per cent is required for the Diagnostic exam. A single re-test is available and are examined by two instructors with a different scenario.

I cannot make some in-classroom sessions – what are my options?
  • As volunteers, we understand we all have busy schedules and circumstances happen. If you have to miss classes due to work or family circumstances, please make arrangements with the Zone Training Manager to discuss and arrange options.
I cannot make the CPR course – what are my options?
  • If you can’t make the CPR class, you must inform your Zone Training Manager. Depending on the zone, the CPR class may be offered again. If it is offered only once, then you are responsible to get your CPR course from another certified provider (for example Red Cross). The certification should be valid until at least the end of the winter season. If your zone takes part in 365 Events it is best to have valid CPR until the end of the following summer. You must certify in the HCP (Health Care Provider) level and present your valid certificate to your Zone Training Manager for documentation. The extra cost for your CPR course from another provider is your responsibity.
I already have CPR Certification, do I have attend this session?
  • If you hold valid CPR at the HCP level that will be good until the end of the ski season, present your card to your Zone Training Manager for documentation. Note that the Canadian Ski Patrol requires annual CPR re-certification.

 

 

On Snow Training
What is the On-Snow ski/snowboard test like?
  • Our On-Snow Instructors evaluate your skiing or riding skills. Basic elements including turns, snowplows, toe/heel edges, will be assessed for level of competence. Following this evaluation you’ll be trained in toboggan handling.
What is the on-snow requirement for Nordic Patrol?
  • Patrollers choosing Nordic should be in good physical condition, and be comfortable on skis on uphill, downhill and flat terrain. You will be required to demonstrate a level of competency of your Nordic skiing skills with one or more of the senior Nordic patrollers.

 

What happens after I am successful with the on-snow exams?
  • You will be encouraged to contact Patrol Leaders and begin active patrolling.  You will be on hill with seasoned patrollers who will mentor you in on-hill rescue.
What happens if I am unsuccessful with my On-Snow exams?
  • We offer weekly improvement sessions. If you put in the effort to improve your skiing/snowboarding our instructors will help you obtain and achieve the required skill level required. The weekly ski improvement is also open to ski patrollers who have passed their on-snow exams and looking for additional feedback for improvement. This is also open to snowboarders. If you are unsuccessful with your On-Snow evaluation and training, you are still a certified first aider and can patrol at off-snow special events (i.e. marathons, races, etc.)
I cannot make the On-Snow training – what are my options?
  • Please do your best to accommodate these sessions, as it can be difficult to reschedule (we are all volunteers as well). However, exceptions can be made. Please note that these dates are dependent on weather and snow conditions and may change.

 

 

Ski Areas & Patrolling
Can I pick which ski area I want to patrol at?
  • Yes, it’s important that you choose an area where you will be easily able to get out and patrol. We encourage patrollers to visit all, or more than one, area. Each area is different and unique, and you need to be comfortable where you patrol.
What if I cannot make my patrolling commitments?
  • Patrolling requirements differ from zone to zone and are normally arranged through your Patrol Leader. New patrollers are strongly encouraged to patrol as much as they can. It takes time and experience to learn area and hill procedures. Patrolling frequently allows you to learn the ropes and keep your skills fresh. It’s best to speak with your Patrol Leader about your schedule.

 

How do I schedule my patrol days?
  • You'll contact your Patrol Leader and let him/her know when you can sign up for shifts.  Depending on the area, some are open during weekdays as well as evenings and/or weekends.  Each area has their own scheduling procedure so it's best to speak with your Patrol Leader.
Do I get to ski for free?
  • Each area is different and one may offer different benefits than another. It is best to check with your Patrol Leader to find out what may be available, and what the procedure is for that area.
  • Most areas will provide a lift ticket if you are on patrol duty. It’s important to check that with your Patrol Leader.

Can I patrol during the summer?

  • Yes, depending on the zone. Some zones do more spring or summer patrolling than others. For those that do take part in 365 Events, the Zone 365 Coordinator will send out  notices about events and how to sign up to patrol for these.

 

Equipment
Do I need to buy my own equipment?
  • The zones provide your uniform jacket, although it does remain the property of the zone. First aid kits stocked with supplies are also provided by the zones for new patrollers. You must have black ski pants and your own ski/board gear.
  • Helmets are strongly recommended in plain black or grey, and some areas may require patrollers to wear helmets. Your Patrol Leader will tell you what the policy is for your area.
Where and when do I pick up my jacket and pack?
  • After you have completed the On-Snow training and have successfully completed the ski assessment, new patrollers will be provided a patrol jacket and pack. Details of how you will receive your uniform will be provided by your Zone President and/or Patrol Leader.

 

More Info
I am undecided if this is really for me – what are my options?
  • Joining is a big commitment, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make the decision to become part of the CSP. Plan on attending your zone Open House so you can talk with patrollers and ask as many questions as you like. We’re all passionate about the CSP and love to talk about it. Our National website also has a lot of information.

.

I still need more information – who do I contact?
  • Please visit our website and use the ‘Contact Us’ option on our website. We’ll get back in touch with you as soon as possible to help you.