FAQ – COVID-19

COVID-19 is the name of a coronavirus disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which was first identified as responsible for a public outbreak in the city of Wuhan, China towards the end of 2019. There has been subsequent spread to more than 80 countries including Canada and the United States.

Human coronaviruses are common and are typically associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold. Symptoms of human coronaviruses may be very mild or more serious, such as:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

Symptoms may take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.

Coronaviruses are most commonly transmitted in the following ways:

• respiratory droplets from an infected person when they cough or sneeze;
• close personal contact with an infected person, such as direct contact or a handshake;
• contact with a contaminated surface, followed by hand contact with the mouth, nose or eyes before washing hands.

These viruses are not known to spread through ventilation systems or through water.

The best way to prevent the spread of infections is to:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands;
• avoid close contact with people who are sick;
• cough and sneeze into your sleeve and not your hands; and
• stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others.

Routine use of surgical type masks is not at this time considered to be an effective means of risk reduction, and presents increased opportunities for bringing one’s hands to their face.

Patrol first aid treatment rooms

In addition to PPE as needed, standard universal precautions are encouraged for all surfaces that have come in contact with an injured person to be wiped with a cleaning solution. This could include treatment tables, BP cuffs, pulse oximetry devices, etc. Where available, patients who do not require ventilation support but do present with a cough and particularly with a fever, should don a standard face mask prior to evaluation in the patrol room.

Additional information - Public Health Agency of Canada: “Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Healthcare Settings” 

At the moment, treatment for the condition is symptom management and supportive treatment as required. It is possible that there will be effective antiviral medication available in coming months, and vaccine development typically takes over a year for human trials to demonstrate safety and effectiveness.

Information and advice are changing daily, the following are amongst the recommended “sources of truth”:

World Health Organization - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

Government of Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

Alberta - https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page16944.aspx#about

British Columbia - http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/coronavirus-(novel)

Nova Scotia - https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

Ontario - https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/diseases-and-conditions/infectious-diseases/respiratory-diseases/novel-coronavirus/public-resources

Quebec - https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/

Each returning patroller will be required to attend the online 2020-2021 training update modules and quiz. This will be tracked with reminders sent to patrollers near end of November.

By the first day of scheduled patrolling or December 1, 2020, whichever is earliest, patrollers will receive a final notice. Patrollers will have ten days to complete the online modules or their patrol qualifications will be suspended.

Once a patroller is registered in their zone and the information is updated on national database the patroller will be able to access the training updates.

Patrollers in Quebec will be required to attend a 16-hour online course and discussion to meet the provincial requirements for advanced first aid  training.

There is no clear answer to this as the situation with COVID-19 changes frequently. Each division/zone will need to consider the COVID-19 recommendations in their area in planning for the possibility of courses being started.

In order to assist with retention of patrollers, it is being recommended for any patroller with one-year sabbatical, regardless of years of service:

• Attend new candidate course on key dates (to be determined) to cover the updates and evaluations
• If there is an issue with either too many candidates in an AFA/eAFA class OR too many returning sabbatical patrollers, the Zone Training Manager may request approval for an alternative process with Division Training Manager. This could include attending a one-day session organized by the zone.
• Full evaluations are required for:
• Basic Life Support / AED
• Training record
• Written exam
• Diagnostic exam

For patrollers with two years or more sabbatical, the Leave Of Absence guidelines will apply:

• Absence of 2-4 years: Returning patroller must register for and attend the full first year candidate course requirements of the System. A returning patroller may request exemption for this requirement if they can demonstrate, in writing, that they have continued to have extensive involvement in delivery of advanced emergency response activities as part of their work or volunteer activities. If an exemption is approved by the Zone President or their delegate, the returning patroller will be allowed to register in a scheduled zone recertification session having completed the full registration requirements of the zone.
• Absence of 5 years or more: Returning patroller, having completed the full registration requirements of the zone, must attend and successfully complete the full first-year candidate course requirements.

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The National COVID-19 Recovery Committee has begun work to develop national protocols to manage patroller safety. Protocols will be developed for non-skiing events, AFA classrooms, and the skiing environment. There is a tight frame for this to be provided, and it will come in stages for final completion by end of August.

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Le comité national de la PCS sur le rétablissement post-COVID-19 a commencé à élaborer des protocoles nationaux pour gérer la sécurité des patrouilleurs. Des protocoles seront établis pour les activités sur piste, les activités hors-piste et les cours de secourisme avancé. Tout cela s’inscrit dans un cadre serré et se fera par étapes, l’étape finale ayant lieu vers la fin d’août.

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The National COVID-19 Recovery Committee is also tasked with developing training modules such as appropriate process for personal protective equipment (PPE) use, set-up and cleaning of treatment areas and AFA classrooms.

No. All CSP events are based on volunteering. There will not be any repercussions from CSP for a patroller to decline signing up for a duty or shift.

Once a patroller has committed to a shift, they must follow proper procedures in their zone if they need to cancel.

When representing the CSP, such as patrolling shift or helping at an event, you are obligated to provide CSP services and first-aid assistance to the best of your ability.  All other policies and regulations (uniform, Code of Conduct, Code of Ethics, etc.) still apply.

Get tested within the recommended timeline. Follow local health and provincial rulings which should outline who you may need to inform and what you will need to do for self-quarantining or isolating.

Absolutely. All members are important. Inform your zone that you are joining but are unable to patrol. If you wish to remain involved, let your zone or patrol know you want to help and what you have to offer.

No. The CSP Accidental Death and Dismemberment policy is for accidents and recovery. The General Liability covers the CSP should a person become infected with COVID-19 while in our care, providing we are following all procedures and precautions and that we are not grossly negligent.

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No. Members of the CSP, while representing the CSP in any capacity, such as a duty or providing first aid, must follow all CSP protocols and local heath and provincial rules. Members that fail to meet this obligation are subject to disciplinary action, which can include suspension or dismissal from the CSP.

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Non. Lorsqu’ils représentent la PCS à quelque titre que ce soit, les membres de la PCS doivent se conformer à tous les protocoles de la PCS et aux règles imposées par les autorités locales ou provinciales en matière de santé concernant la prestation de services de secourisme. Les membres qui ne respectent pas cette obligation seront passibles de mesures disciplinaires, qui pourraient comporter une suspension ou un renvoi de la PCS.

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Yes. Zones should be actively involved in recruiting and set tentative course locations and dates. Retention should be a priority. See questions on new candidate courses.