How To Join
First Fill out the an interest form, available below or in our patrol room at Cataloochee.
Take the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course, published and maintained
by the National Ski Patrol. It is an approximately 80 hour
course, offered at the Cataloochee Ski Area and in Atlanta.
OEC is also offered as a college course at WCU and other colleges,
where it is a 4 credit hour PE course.
OEC may also be challenged. To challenge, you must have at least
EMT-B credentials. The challenge is taken on the same day as the
final for the OEC class. OEC may be challenged only once. A
failure on a challenge will require you to take the course before
another test.
In addition, CPR for the Professional Rescuer is required.
Once you have completed OEC, you have the same medical credentials that
every other ski patroller operates under. While patrollers range
in medical experience from OEC to M.D.s all follow the same protocol of
OEC.
After OEC, Candidates do Ski and Toboggan (S&T) Training.
Cataloochee is fortunate in that it has very experienced S&T
Instructors, including several PSIA certified instructors. The
S&T training usually takes around a full ski season to complete,
although it may be shorter, or much longer. Training sessions
occur every weekend after the holiday season. Once a Candidate
passes their S&T examination, they become a Basic Patroller capable
of running a Toboggan (the transportation device for injured
skiers/snowboarders), and entitled to wear the National Ski Patrol
backcross.
After a person reaches the Basic Patroller level, there are several
avenues for growth, including the Senior Program, which builds off of
already established skills in S&T and takes a much more in-depth
look at OEC.
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Benefits of Joining
For a ski
patroller, there are many reasons to contribute as a volunteer. For
people outside the medical field, there is the insight into a new
career and background knowledge that is applicable in almost every
situation. For developing skiers, there are free lessons provided on
Sundays for S&T. As a patroller, you will gain several close
friendships within the patrol, as well as the knowledge that what you
do really has a significant positive impact on people's lives.
Requirements
15 years old by the start of the Ski Season
Desire to help others
A willingness to learn and grow
Be on duty every 3rd weekend during ski season
Recommended:
Advanced-Upper level skiing/snowboarding skills (our instructors and
other volunteers will work with you at wherever you may be, but
entering at a higher level of skiing/snowboarding will help facilitate
your progress.)
Own Ski/Snowboard Equipment (Rentals are offered at a discounted rate,
but with the frequency of your visits, it is much more affordable and
advantageous to have equipment that is conducive to your skill level,
it also saves time in the morning. As a patroller, even a
candidate, it is possible to receive a reduced price on equipment.)
For the 2008 Season:
Cataloochee OEC Course
Informational Meeting
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Cataloochee Ski Area Main Lodge
For: Any Candidate, Paid or Volunteer
Full Class or Challenge
Class
meeting days and times will be determined
after this
meeting.
828-926-0285 x316
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