News and Views of the Far West Division, NSP; www.farwest.org, December, 2020 Volume Twelve, Issue 3

L a n c e D ues keep the NSP alive by funding - Mark your calendars: Vaughan, FWD OEC & education records, the many Jump to p. 21 to mark your Director member recognition items (plaques, NSP calendars for a host of “I should have Pins, National Appointments), the NSP clinics and events! made a left turn at office staff and support the educational Albuquerque, this training of our program leaders. Continually check out the FWD doesn't look like Patrol Reps - Please manage rosters web site, farwest.org, ….” Bugs Bunny and keep members on your roster as for updated calendar dates. repeated that theme many times in his active to ensure their service years career. If only a left turn at remain current and all member What’s Inside... Albuquerque would fix our current benefits remain active. Members Alumni program is focus, p. 22 2020 conditions and get us on a path sidelining this year can remain on your American River Bike Patrol, p. 9 towards…… normal. roster without increasing your admin Award nominations tips, p. 16 Yet, we can take a minute and duties, or you can move to temporary Big Bear pioneers training during celebrate the little normal things not patrolling. Please limit your Covid times, p. 26 between the big non-normal events. choices to just those two. Other labels Calendar of FWD Events, p. 21 This season offers challenges for all will impact years of service or access Certified program expands, p. 4 of us, the constant to Pro deals. China Peak Patrol, p. 6, 7, 8 onslaught of news is OEC refreshers Community service options, p. 21 almost all negative, a r e n e a r l y Covid-19 insights, p. 11 editors seem to completed across Election notification for FWD, p. 2 think bad news sells the Division via Events in the Far West, p. 21 better than good virtual tools, our FWD Officers, Staff; p. 28 news, I ready for a OEC candidate FWD Recognition Program theory test with classes are nearly rewards patrols, individuals, p. 16 positive news. A bit c o m p l e t e d . Instructor development, p. 25 o f b a l a n c e i s Complete the on- Mountain Travel & Rescue, p. 12 needed, go make line course, self- Newsletter editor sought, p. 4 some good news of e n r o l l i n t h e OEC program updates, p. 5 your own. Get your c o r r e c t O E C OET/“Transportation Nation”, p. 3 opening day skiing refresher course, Officers, Advisors of FWD, p. 28 and get on the and send your Patrols of the FWD, p. 27 “wave” that makes us all smile while certificate of completion to the Sea Otter Bike Classic, p. 10 zooming down the hill. instructor of record, asap. Sierra at Tahoe Hosts, p. 20 Instructors – Please check your NSP Sunrise Patrol, p. 13 Some important items for Patrols Reps education profile records for your Tri-Advisory celebrates 42nd and members, mixed with some Instructor Continue Education Clinic annual event, p. 14 observations: compliance. Each instructor shall Whitefish Mountain, Montana Members – please ensure you pay complete the Inst Dev continuing celebrates NSP alumni, p. 25 your National Dues ($60) via the email education course and any skills Women's Program, p. 15 and website before December 30, courses at least once each three years. Web site, Facebook for the Far 2020, this protects your membership, Two items are key: West Division, p. 21 service record, years of service, Pro 1) C o n t i n u e d e d u c a t i o n Lots more; see inside! Deals and OEC credential. National Instructor Development Please see Director, cont’d p .13 Addresses up-to-date? Is your mailing address and e- Far West Division address current with the National office? Remember, the FWD gets its Election Notification mailing lists and email lists directly from the National office in Denver. If 2021 - 2023 FAR WEST DIVISION you change your US mail or email — ELECTION NOTIFICATION address, to to your Member Profile to REGION DIRECTOR ELECTIONS change, and, notify your own patrol. Don't miss out on exciting future issues of FWD ‘News and Views’ and To reflect FWD By Law changes August 2020 other NSP publications! REGION DIRECTOR ELECTIONS: Per 2020 Summer Meeting FWD News and Views Bylaw changes News of the Far West Division, NSP Division Director, Lance Vaughan Be advised that Eastern Sierra and Southern California regions are due Asst. Dir., Nancy Stormswold for Region Director elections, in spring 2021. Positions are for June 1, Asst. Dir., Richard Wilson 2021 – May 31, 2023. Region directors may serve no more than 3 Arizona Dir., Andrew Youngblood Eastern Sierra Dir., Brian Haena consecutive 2-year terms. Mother Lode Dir., Amy Lindblom Northern Cal., Dave Brown Incumbents: Eastern Sierra – Brian Haena (completing his first term Professional Rep, Open position May 31, 2021) Southern California, Richard Roth Secretary, Janice Waits Southern California – Richard Roth incumbent Treasurer, Keith Dickens Per Bylaw changes - SoCA is up for Legal Advisor, Josh Masur reelection) Registrar, Ri Chan Alumni Advisor, Dr. Jim Margolis Awards Advisor, Bill Gibson Nominations are now open and will be accepted no later than February Avalanche Supervisor, Keith Church 1, 2021. Consult a region officer or your region's by-laws, officer's Certified Advisor, Dave Rhodes handbooks, and ski patrol manual for qualifications. Nominations are to be Community College Advisor, Steve submitted to the Division Election Chairperson, Janice Waits. Thorsted Conferences Advisor, Sonja Kively Instructor Devel. Super., Loretta O’Brien REGION ELECTION TIME LINE Mountain Travel, Rescue Supervisor, February 1, 2021 —Pronouncements of Candidacy and letters of Karl Chulski acceptance of candidacy due to Elections Chair/committee Nordic Supervisor, Wayne Wong April 5, 2021— Ballots sent out along with candidates' platform and Communications/Newsletter, Tim Viall statement Communications/Web, Rye May 3, 2021 — Date all ballots to be received/postmarked or if no Livingston other candidates see FWD Bylaws 5.4.2.1a — results announced Outdoor Emergency Care Supervisor, Sue Dennison Outdoor Emergency Transportation PLEASE FORWARD ALL NOMINATIONS, PLATFORMS AND/OR Supervisor, Daryl Whitcher ANNOUNCEMENTS TO: Recruitment/NorCal, vacant Recruitment/SoCal, Scott Goodman Email to: [email protected], Janice Waits, Election Chairperson, SAR Liaison, NorCal, vacant 1202 Rembrandt Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94087 SAR Liaison, SoCal, Kamran Padar Woman’s Program, Trudy Nye

The FWD News and Views is published three times yearly, in September, December and February. Deadline is the end of the month prior to publication. Features, photos; send to Tim Viall, fwd- [email protected], or mail to 5854 Turtle Valley Drive, Stockton, CA 95207. FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 2 The Sled Commander Decemburrr 2020 Transportation – the other requirement being attendance at an on-snow Workshop course for instructors – completion TRANSPORTATION NATION of the online Instructor Skills Review course alone will get you a one year Instructor recertification. If, during the All the fake news that's fit to print….. season, you also complete a discipline specific CE course (the Toboggan Trainers Workshop or Snowsports Trainer Well, here we go with the start to our first COVID ski Workshop course), then you will get a full 3 year renewal season! A few resorts up and down the Division have for your instructor certification. Easy peasy! already begun limited operations and all indications are that those restrictive operational parameters are already We are committed to making this season as simple as being stretched, bent, and broken – mostly by our skiing possible for you to continue as an NSP instructor. We all public. Stay tuned, stay loose, and be flexible as we wander have way too many distractions in our daily lives already, our way through what is sure to be an interesting year! and this COVID season will provide plenty of drama and distraction for all of us. Your FWD Team Transportation Effective Instructor Communication is will adhere to the KISS Principle to help us get us through vital. this year. Much of our pre-season instructor preparation has been If you have any questions modified due to CV-19 restrictions. Continuing education regarding your instructor courses, once face to face group encounters, have been recertification, please chat with Rob Maxim (Mother L o d e R e g i o n ) , D a v e Stromswold (Eastern Sierra Region), Darren Church (Southern CA Region), Andy Youngblood (Arizona Region), or Seok Joo Kim (Korea) to get answers - they are all great resources!

Looking to the Future? Don't forget:

The OET clinic instructor told Geoff to demo the The Nation's finest sled head laboratory toboggan. Hutch thought that meant demolish it….. Nuts & Bolts – Timberline, Mt. Hood, cancelled and yet we still have instructors whose Oregon certifications are set to expire December 31, 2020. No Hosted by the Wy'East Region of the Pacific worries; your Region OET Administrators are busy Northwest Division working with the instructor corps to make sure that we Palmer Glacier, Timberline June 5, 6, 7, 2021 allow a positive path forward. Of course, you can always contact me at any time as To those of you Transportation Instructors who may not well! Thanks for all that you do for the National Ski have a Continuing Education class already in your Patrol. Stay safe, be careful, and have fun! Patroller Profile on NSP.org, you can take the online Instructor Skills Review course! Click on the Online – Daryl Whitcher, OET Supervisor Learning button, and then follow the path to the Instructor Skills Review course for Continuing Education. Once titled complete, your will receive a course completion next commented Certificate. Then all you have left to do is to enroll in one of Daryl Whitcher is FWD the many registered CE courses (mine is course number OET Supervisor, Instructors F026200012) and submit the Certificate of Completion to [email protected] the Instructor of Record and you are done!

While you may recall that the Instructor Skills Review course is only one half of your CE requirement for

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 3 NSP Certified program offers fun and challenging opportunity!

The NSP Certified Program is a self-guided educational If this sounds like you then the Certified Program might program leveraging current NSP educational programs, just be your thing! Training and Testing clinics for the 20- e.g. Senior, OEC, OET, Avalanche and others, as well as 21 season are beginning to be planned and scheduled. If patrol experience and education outside the NSP system. you are interested in learning more about becoming a C e r t i f i e d P a t r o l l e r c o n t a c t m e , The Certified Program consists of six modules: (1) [email protected], or your Regional Certified Outdoor Risk Management, (2) Avalanche, (3) Outdoor Advisor and let us know of your interest so we can answer Emergency Care, (4) Rope Rescue, (5) Skiing/Riding, and your questions and keep you abreast of upcoming events in (6) Toboggan Handling. The NSP Certified program is your area. closely aligned with the Association of Professional Patrollers (APP) Certified program, and in the Far West Division Certified testing is done in partnership with the D a v e R h o d e s , APP. F W D C e r t i f i e d Program Supervisor, The Certified Program seeks to identify and nurture drhodes528@sbcglob patrollers who not only have exceptional patrolling skills al.net and leadership qualities, but who also want to provide outstanding training and education back to the NSP membership as well as excellent service to the skiing/riding public.

Wanted, Far West division newsletter editor, will train! Confessions of a veteran newsletter editor… I've been doing newsletters for several nonprofits I worked for, for the Mother Lode Region of the NSP for nine years, and for the Far West Division for 12 years. It's been fun, rewarding and makes me one of the better informed members in the Far West Division. But it's time for new blood and new views. Happy to coach a new newsletter editor and work with him or her on the next several issues – but perhaps new ideas are needed, or a new design, or moving to an electronic E-newsletter, rather than producing a 20-some page traditional newsletter and sending it out. The job currently entails three newsletters per year (December, February and September) done with the contributions of about a dozen FWD program advisers and a half dozen Patrols who submit newsworthy items. The job entails sending several pre-issue reminders to regular contributors and patrol leaders, and then taking the dozen to 20 submissions and putting them into newsletter format, using a choice of newsletter layout software, from MS Word to more exotic options. It takes me anywhere from six to about 10 hours to accomplish the newsletter crafting, which is then sent after the division Website Advisor for posting. Hence, a flurry of work, but just three times per year. We have long had one of the best NSP newsletters in the country, comparing ours to others. But, new blood and fresh ideas can improve on what we currently do, and offer even more insight to our 2000+ active members and alumni in the hallowed Far West division. So, any takers for a rewarding Division Advisorship? If you have questions or want to chat, email me or phone me, [email protected], or, 209.969.3875. Ready to transition to a creative person. Yours in good communications!

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 4 Outdoor Emergency Care in these challenging times As 2020 starts to wind down, it can only mean that skills practice sessions. Most courses divided into pods ski season is just weeks away from getting started for and worked with the same people at every training another season. 2020 has brought with it many changes session. This seems to work really well. Over this past to our “normal” and introduced us to a new normal that summer/fall, in the bay area alone, there were 3 OEC many are still trying to figure out. I like to refer to this courses, with 36 students. I am happy to say all but 2 as the “new normal.” passed the OEC final. One withdrew from the course, This summer/fall we have seen many changes to how and one was a challenge (who will be back next season) we train and introduced us to an environment many to take the course. were not quite sure of. In addition to OEC, there have been several OFC Like everything we as ski patrollers face, we faced (Outdoor First Care) courses to train bike patrols 2020 with an open mind and make adjustments along (American River Bike Patrol and the emerging China the way. We use our knowledge and make it work, that's Peak Bike Patrol) and several mountain host programs. what we do. These courses have all been held during the COVID pandemic and a testament of being able to have in- OEC6 ROLLOUT person meetings, while still taking safety precautions All OEC instructors should have taken the OEC6 into consideration. That's an awesome job by Rollout. If you have not completed it, you should not be all….instructors, helpers, patients, and students. You teaching any part of OEC6. This all needs to be should all be very proud of that huge accomplishment! completed by 11/30/2020. If you have questions, please Now that the ski season is upon us, resorts have had contact your region OEC advisor. to make “rules” that no one is going to particularly like. We have to remember that we are the face of the resort REFRESHER CYCLE A to many of the guests. We have to keep that positive All refreshers this year must be completed online. attitude and have that smile in our voice (as most will This is a two (2) step process. You must take the not see the smile because of the infamous face Refresher Cycle A course in the Online Learning section covering). Smile through your voice and your eyes. Be of the NSP website. In addition, you must enroll in the that positive experience for our guests. refresher from your resort. If these two (2) steps are not Thank you to each and every one of you for what you completed, you will not receive proper credit for the do. Ski patrol is successful because of people like you. 2020 Refresher. Questions on this year's Refresher Remember to make this season fun. Get outside and should be directed to you individual patrol. enjoy the scenery. Stormy days hold just as much beauty as those sunny days. OEC INSTRUCTOR CONTINUING EDUCATION (ICE) Until next time, Sue Dennison - FWD OEC Supervisor As with other large gathering restrictions, ICE clinics were not held in person this year. However, if your instructor credentials expire 12/31/2020, and you have not attended an ICE clinic in the last 3 years, you must complete the online course “NSP Instructor Skills Review for Continuing Education.” This must be Sue Dennison, FWD completed by 12/27/2020. In addition to the online OEC Supervisor, course, you must register for course #F057200021. Once [email protected] the online course is completed, email the Certificate of Completion to [email protected] If your region has a separate course registered, enroll in that course. One of the biggest challenges we faced this summer/fall was our training programs and how can we effectively teach new people OEC and in a world of social distancing. Many instructors were faced with that challenge and I am pleased to say we conquered that. All OEC classes have been online learning, with

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 5 see what is h a p p e n i n g China Peak for others in the mountain community patrollers lose surrounding China Peak and to my homes in Big horror learn fifteen China P e a k S k i P a t r o l Creek Fire! f a m i l i e s e v a c u a t e d Patrol community their homes a n d t h r e e responds! P a t r o l l e r s homes have I sit in my truck at the end of the driveway stunned from the burned to the present chaos and the promise of ensuing devastation. My g r o u n d . daughter is in the truck coughing, rubbing her burning eyes and Several other sweating from our frenzied manual labor. Behind me is a P a t r o l l e r 14,000-pound trailer loaded with horses, hay and any farm h o m e s equipment that would fit. To the right we see the ridge dancing i n c u r r e d with unbridled flames and to the left a bumper to bumper stream d a m a g e of trucks and trailers pouring out of the Sierras like a parade. while others Overhead the air strike teams fly so low we are forced to cover w e r e our ears which consequently drowns out the assaultive surprisingly emergency broadcast system alerts. As I join the ensuing s p a r e d . parade, I glance in my rear-view mirror through the curtain of T h i r t e e n smoke and catch glimpses of my husband tractoring fire break members of lines and my two boys weed-whacking what looks like a our Patrol are universe of weeds. t i r e l e s s l y fighting the fires either with the Forest Service or on fire crews. Driving into town, I see for the first time the mass-scale, Portions of China Peak are on fire and employee housing was emergency evacuation shelters for refugeed people and animals lost. At this moment I reflect that only four days prior, China alike. Churches, ranches, high schools and rodeo grounds Peak was loaded with the public and a team of Mountain Bike instantly are turned into warehousing facilities without question. Patrollers who came to enjoy the mountain in exchange for the This moment is surreal. For months we are mandated to stay soaring valley heat and shelter in place. Word spread that a fire away from each other and shelter in place but now, with a much had begun only a few miles away. The mood was reflective of an bigger threat than Covid-19, we are all forced into small housing ordinary day on the hill until 10:00 AM on September 5th, when communities or move in with each other to survive. This threat, the call came in to evacuate. Now, China Peak was the site for named the Big Creek Fire which began only five days before air-lift evacuations and for the next two and a half months during Labor Day weekend, I later would learn burned 380,002 became Incident Command Center Base Camp for work crews acres of the Sierra National Forest and is categorized as the and equipment. fourth largest wildfire and the largest single fire in California As I read about the status of our China Peak Patrol families history. and the mountain we serve, I instantly feel the gravity of grief Late that evening, exhausted from a day of evacuating, I am and loss shared by our displaced Patrol. I also feel trivial for able to return as thankfully our road is not closed yet. I drag into feeling weathered by my day as it is only a fraction of what the house and sit in a quiet moment with a heavy heart. I recall others experienced. We are being attacked by traumatic events, what seems like one million inquiring phone calls blanketing my experiencing great chaos, and all seem lost to know how to serve day from family, friends and China Peak Patrollers offering the cause. As China Peak Volunteer Ski Patrol Director, it concerned help and looking for information. I open Facebook to P l e a s e s e e F i r e , n e x t p a g e . . . FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 6 Fire, continued from p. 6 China Peak expands its Young becomes clear to me the Adult Patroller Program: time for leadership is now. I launch a Patrol email China Peak has been a supporter of juniors on patrol for offering a plan of action years. We have many veteran patrollers on staff that began as including updates, how we a junior member. The last three years we have had an can help, and what to expansion to the junior, now YAP, program as we tend to expect while experiencing attract as a Patrol more family age members. As a result, t r a u m a . F e e l i n g Patrol often has Patrol kids on site while their parents serve overwhelmed and weary and they naturally become oriented to Patrol. When they turn myself, I admit, my efforts 15 most want to join and half bring their friends as well. We to provide direction for formalized the YAP program at CP three years ago as we had Patrol are selfishly seven YAP candidates in the 2018 OEC class. cathartic. The next few Coincidentally, NSP made a push the same year to expand days became a flurry of this program and we became one of two patrols in the FWD p h o n e c a l l s a n d to participate in a pilot program. CP assisted in writing the c o o r d i n a t e d w o r k s YAP manual and offered input for necessary training and between our patrol and protection policies. FWD which resulted in our We currently have 11 YAP who are headed up by a YAP live Go Fund Me account, advisor and a Junior YAP Advisor. The leadership serves as a intended to assist the China vital part of growing and managing this program and also Peak Patrollers who lost attend BOD meetings. Our YAP members undergo the same everything. The needs of OEC and On The Hill Training as the adult Patrollers. To our Patrol families may be help bridge the gap of youth working in an adult great, but my intention was to enable ourselves to pour into their environment each YAP is given a mentor as their Patrol lives a support that communicates they are not alone. A response advocate. This offers another layer of support to ensure their from a team that takes care of its own no matter the threat. Truth success. To orient Patrol on these issues we conducted a is, I didn't know what was going to happen with the Go Fund me Patrol wide training at Refresher and continue this training page as I only created a venue for an inquiring Patrol to respond. now in every OEC class. In devastation there is opportunity. In one month, as a result of Since our program has continued to grow each year, 70 contributions nationwide, nearly $10,000 were collected to China Peak would like to host the first annual YAP Ski and assist and alleviate the immediate needs of our China Peak Ski Toboggan Clinic. It is our hope to build camaraderie Patrollers who were traumatically ravaged by the Big Creek Fire amongst all junior members, offer a venue to learn from their and escaped with only the clothes on their back. These donations peers, and build momentum for other Patrols trying to get are a blatant example of Patrol service and dedication that extends their YAP program off the ground far past our local Patrol. Patrollers nationwide did not hesitate to answer the call and support our team. P l e a s e c a l e n d a r t h i s c o m i n g e v e n t : . If anyone recalls the six core values of NSP, service, responsiveness, camaraderie and excellence were demonstrated F W D , YA P S k i a n d To b o g g a n C l i n i c through every contribution. As a result, leadership was enabled C h i n a P e a k M o u n t a i n R e s o r t to bring integrity to our loss. Thank you Patrol for reaching out to F e b r u a r y 6 - 7 , 2 0 2 1 partner with China Peak and support our affected patrollers during Contact: Julie Winter, [email protected], 559-360- their time of unpredictable need. Your investment has 6025 strengthened the ties that bind us and demonstrated the heart of Patrol service. We hope to see you this year at China Peak as we Submitted by Julie Winter, China Peak volunteer patrol forage ahead in a season of healing and recovery. We welcome the rep. upcoming snow as it covers the apocalyptic nature of the landscape and offers a season of hope. To sum it up, China Peak often hears me say, “We are Patrol, We are Service, We are Family”.

Submitted by Julie Winter, China Peak volunteer patrol rep.

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 7 China Peak expands as both ski/snowboard and mountain biking destination! China Peak Mountain Resort has been home to the Central Valley ski and snowboard community since 1958. Ten years ago, China Peak began summer operations to include a disc golf course, hosted weddings and downhill mountain biking. In June it is the site for the heavily sought out China Peak Enduro which is a mountain bike qualifier race for the Enduro World Series. Hundreds of people attend this event each year. China Peak Mountain Bike Patrol provides necessary first responder services for all these summer events and is made up primarily of 50 Ski Patrollers, YAP Patrollers, and M o u n t a i n H o s t s . I n preparation for summer operations we host a summer refresher that orients Patrol to summer rescue equipment and lift evacuations. Our mountain bike patrol territory covers dirt trails on many well-known ski runs but also off-piste trails created to enjoy the back side of the mountain as well. Difficulty ranges from easy to most difficult. While biking at China Peak one might encounter the historical one-hundred-year-old trapper cabin or ranging cattle grazing on the grass and wildflowers. This last summer we had the strongest turn out of volunteer Mountain Bike Patrollers and forecast its continued popularity in the seasons to come. We had 10-15 Patrollers serve each weekend. Those that were not comfortable biking the downhill terrain covered base patrol and all the surrounding offices, rental and repair shops and the China Peak Hotel. Summer season covers more than three months of fun from early June through Labor Day weekend and is open on Saturdays and Sundays. We always welcome visiting Bike Patrollers and look forward to sharing the best of China Peak trails. Submitted by Julie Winter, China Peak Volunteer Ski Patrol Director

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 8 American River Bike Patrol... “ready to serve”!

The newest patrol to join the ranks of the National Ski Patrol is the American River Bike Patrol (ARBP). As an Urban Patrol, the ARBP works closely with the Sacramento Parks and Recreation Department and County Rangers, as well as State Park Rangers in the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The ARBP works as trail ambassadors, providing emergency care, trail directional advice, equipment assistance and safety insights to all users of the American River Trail (AKA Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail). ARBP members also serve as added eyes and ears for the Parkway Rangers and other stakeholders on one of the country's busiest and most scenic bikeways. The American River Bike Trail is a paved multi-use pathway that runs between the confluence of the Sacramento River with the American River, to Beal's Point north of Folsom, California. The trail is 32 miles (51 km) long, and is used as a major recreational destination, as well as a commuter artery for cyclists. The trail is considered one of the longest paved purpose- built bike trails in the country. The trail is maintained by the County of Sacramento. The ARBP has grown to 66 members. Since June 2020, ARBP Members have logged year-to-date (YTD) totals of 1059 hours and 5,733 miles traveled. In the month of October alone, ARBP Patrollers provided 309 assists to Trail Users. These YTD totals do not reflect efforts made since February 2020 before tracking was initiated or hours of administration in the development of the Patrol. As membership continues to grow, ARBP members are planning to hold special events, continued first-aid training for members and educational opportunities for the community. Despite COVID19 restrictions and threats born by the pandemic, the ARBP is growing by leaps and bounds with a strong future of community service ahead. Submitted by Jim Cheng, ARBP patrol representative.

From top left, Nancy Stromswold looks on during OFC training in July, Doc Jim Margolis offers “trail ready training” to new patrollers, Ben Horner shares trail insight with parkway guests and Rich Fowler helps guests with bike adjustment. All in a day’s work for members of the American River Bike Patrol. FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 9 Join NSP ski patrollers, family May 20-23, 2021, for first-aid, marshal services at USA’s big cycling event! Sea Otter Bike Classic located at Laguna Seca country rides. Each year, NSP members provide first-aid Raceway/Ft. Ord National Monument, CA. care to over 200 riders, from incidents of road rash and For the 17th year, 60 Far West Division ski patrollers, exhaustion to more serious trauma-induced injuries. family and friends are invited to help provide first-aid Over 70,000 spectators crowd the huge venue, which service, non-emergency transport and course marshaling at spreads out from Laguna Seca Raceway into the scenic back the Sea Otter Classic at Laguna Seca Raceway near country of the Ft. Ord National Monument and, for the road Monterey, CA, the races, along roads USA's largest outdoor through Monterey biking event. County. 600 trade show NSP members and vendors make for the friends camp at “Ski largest market in the Patrol Central” within country for cycling the event, enjoy evening barbecues, find time to ride their equipment and accessories. bikes, attend the huge trade show and make new NSP In 2019, the Dodge Ridge Patrol led in volunteer friends! For their volunteer service, the Sea Otter numbers, with 31 members and friends/family (providing Foundation donates approximately $5,400 to patrols of the marshaling services), joined by patrollers from Alpine NSP volunteers. Meadows, Bear Valley, China Peak, Heavenly, Mt. Shasta, Patrollers, family and friends are offered free camping Sierra at Tahoe and Squaw Valley ski patrols. The NSP right in the Laguna Seca paddock at Ski Patrol Central as contingent pairs with members of Friends of Fort Ord and well as free admission, lunch and t-shirt. Motorhomes, back-country first-aiders, along with Monterey County camping trailers and tents make for cozy accommodations Rural Fire Services and AMR Ambulance. and evening NSP barbecues add camaraderie and fun ! We invite members of NSP patrols to join us! For event This four-day bicycling extravaganza attracts 10,000 insight go to: seaotterclassic.com; mark your calendars, participants ranging from world-class pro riders to serious May 20-23, 2021. amateurs and recreational cyclists. Over the four days, To volunteer or for more info, email or call Tim Viall, riders take part in circuit racing, cross-country events, wild Coordinator for NSP Volunteers for the Sea Otter downhill and dual slalom racing and citizens road and cross- Classic: [email protected], or (209) 969-3875.

Clockwise from top left, the NSP first aid crew for the backcountry courses prepare to depart for assignments, NSP volunteers staff two large first-aid tents at the venue; NSP members, back- country first-aiders and Friends of Ft. Ord volunteers (in orange vests/shirts) pose for back- country photo, and tents, motorhomes made for cozy evenings at “Ski Patrol Central”. Join the NSP team in April for NSP service and fun! COVID-19: Reflections on a Novel Disease and its impact for the near future Background Division (and a lecturer back in the In late December 2019, day at my medical school), the first reports of a cluster of predicted the U.S. (which was pneumonias in Wuhan, a city of experiencing 40,000 cases per day) 11 million in the Hubei province was on track to see 100,000 new of China, were released. Within a cases per day, and that deaths could week of that initial report by hit between 100,000 and 240,000. Chinese health care officials to We currently stand at over 260,000 the China office of the World deaths and will almost certainly Health Organization, not only 44 break 300,000 deaths in the new patients had fallen ill (a quarter of year. them seriously ill), but the source In April of this year, I responded had been traced to an open air to a plea from Governor Newsom to market. Authorities shut down support the development of a surge the market for sanitation facility at Sleep Train Arena (STA- purposes on 1 January. By 5 Alternant Care Facility) in January, the WHO put out their Sacramento. This plan was a bold first Disease Outbreak News, and on the 10th the WHO move by the governor responding undoubtedly to the published a technical guide for identification, testing and dramatic scene playing out in New York City. But by June management for this new disease. By the 12th of January, 1st, we had only cared for 7 total patients: all but one well the Chinese published the genetic sequence of the new over 80 years of age, and all with significant comorbidities. respiratory pathogen: SARS-CoV-2, or Severe Acute What became evident to those of us at STA-ACF was that Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2 (or the second despite the fear that these elderly patients in our care (yes, form, as opposed to SARS-CoV-1, which occurred in selected for our care because of their minimal symptoms), 2003). none deteriorated. Moreover, all remained positive for The hallmarks of this new respiratory illness were dry SARS-CoV-2 by PCR nasal swab tests for over three weeks cough, shortness of breath, fever, and lung infiltrates, often after they first tested positive for the virus. bilateral. Initially, the Chinese saw no evidence of human- to-human transmission as the bulk of those afflicted could Current Status be traces to that open air market. But by mid January, the Fast forward to the present. With 10 months of WHO technical lead for response reported there was experience nationwide with this illness, armed with reams limited human-to-human spread based on the confirmed of new studies and data, there are still many unknowns. We cases in Wuhan, but limited to family members. However, have exceeded 240,000 deaths and are well over 150,000 he also stated publicly that wider spread transmission was new cases per day in what is arguably our second or third likely given our experiences with SARS-1 and MERS surge. And most of our firsthand medical experience has (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome). come in the past 8 months. So where do we stand in our The U.S. response to SARS-CoV-2 was not as deliberate fight with treatment of this illness? By the time of reading or timely as had been our response to SARS-1, and this, we may be facing 200,000 new cases per day and certainly not as absolute as with Ebola. But to a certain 2,000 deaths per day in the US. extent, that point is not only Monday morning What do we know (or think we know) about SARS- quarterbacking, but likely moot, since in all probability, CoV-2? We know that this virus is easily transmitted. The

SARS-CoV-2 had found its way to the Western U.S., and measure of transmission for a disease is termed Rho (R0), possibly New York during the window in early December, and is the number of individuals that will contract the or even late November, when asymptomatic or mildly disease from a known carrier. The general consensus for symptomatic carriers traveled from China to the U.S. and SARS-CoV-2 is that its Rho is approximately 2-2.5. The other countries. So by June, Dr. Fauci, the head of the absolute value for SARS-CoV-2 is more difficult to National Institutes of Health, Allergy and Immunology Please see Covid-19, continued on page 17...

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 11 Mountain Travel and Rescue preps for big season! Winter storms are approaching! Thus we at the MTR Field session Feb 13-14, 2021 in program are looking forward to sufficient snow conditions Truckee in the back country to enjoy. Field & Overnight March 13-14, 2021 Due to COVID the backcountry industry is expecting in Truckee many more public to venture into the Winter Mountains this Course # F005200004 season as ski resorts limit numbers and other entertainment For more information contact Chris venues remain closed so there is an expected increase in Haagen at [email protected] SAR needs. The MTR course presents how to confront the winter Southern California Region: environment and be prepared. Clothing, nutrition, weather, MTR 1 Classroom Yet to be scheduled shelter are just a few of the topics presented to prepare for Field session Yet to be scheduled the winter environment in the event of an emergency, SAR, For more info contact Natalie Muraciov at or just for the enjoyment of the winter backcountry. The [email protected] public is expecting us to be skilled in the mountain winter environment in all aspects of it, on the slopes of the resort Arizona Region: and being able and knowledgeable of the winter survival MTR 1 Classroom Yet to be scheduled skills. Field session Yet to be scheduled There have been changes to the student manual that the For more info contact Guy Roll at MTR courses will be based upon and many of the classes [email protected] will be using for this season. This is the second year of the three year transition for using selected chapters in Freedom Currently there are no MTR 2 courses that are scheduled Of The Hills, 9th edition. As this will be a three year in the Far West Division as of this writing. If there is interest transition be sure to contact the course IOR (listed below) contact myself for more info on what can be done. for the manual to be used. Check with your IOR of the These courses are designed for the patroller and will course to be attending to see what manual will be used prior increase the skills and knowledge of winter mountain to any book purchase. survival and travel. Freedom Of The Hills is certainly recognized as the bible These courses are opened to all patrollers, Alpine, of the mountains and is updated every about 5-7 years by Nordic and Auxiliary. This course is designed to expand those working in the industry. your knowledge and experience of the mountain winter to a Contact these Regional IOR's to check on availability of higher level and gain confidence in how to survive in MTR courses. If non in your Region check with me for relative comfort and how to be an effective member of an other possible courses to attend. SAR (Search And Rescue) team if called upon by your Hill If you would like to learn more about the MTR program management. and join in a course contact myself (numbers below) or the These courses and skills are designed for the patroller instructor listed for the course of interest. that has not taken this type of activity and are designed to increase your confidence in the winter environment. Northern California Region: Think snow and get the most out of your NSP None scheduled at this time. Make plans to attend one experience! of the other courses.

Mother Lode Region: MTR 1 Classroom Yet to be scheduled Field session Yet to be scheduled For more information contact Jeffery Karl P. Chulski, FWD-MTR Gurrola at [email protected] Supervisor, Far West Division Mountain Travel & Rescue Eastern Sierra Region: Supervisor, [email protected] MTR 1 Classroom Dec. 8, 9, 10, 15, 17, 2020 via Zoom

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 12 Sunrise patrollers earn purple merit stars! Three patrollers from Sunrise Ski Patrol were recently awarded the Purple Merit Star for lifesaving actions taken at Sunrise Park Resort in Arizona on February 20, 2020. On that date a 70-year old guest collapsed at the top of a lift. Patrollers Debbie Coleman, Hal Hamilton, and Rieko Ford responded immediately and provided high quality chest compressions, two shocks with the AED, and airway support. The patient went from being pulseless and apneic to having pulses, spontaneous respirations, and return to mental normal status on scene. Ski patrol transported the patient to the base area where he was transferred to White Mountain Apache Tribe (WMAT) EMS and on to advanced care where he underwent double bypass surgery. WMAT EMS stated, in a letter to Sunrise Ski Patrol, that “It is believed that the immediate care provided by ski patrol is the largest factor to the patient's survival. The ski patrol acted professionally and of the highest quality.” Debbie Coleman, who was first on scene and started chest compressions has been a patroller for 54 years. She stated, “I've seen just about everything, but in all those years, I had never actually performed CPR on anything other than a dummy. In the back of my mind I always wondered if I would be able, capable, and/or strong enough to effectively administer CPR to save a person's life. I want everyone to know that if I can do this, so can you!” Sunrise Ski Patrol is proud to have Debbie, Hal, and Reiko on our patrol. Congratulations, all! Submitted by Kristin Gunckel, Sunrise Ski Patrol Representative. At right, from top; Debbie Coleman, Hal Hamilton and Rieko Ford, patrollers earning merit stars. Director, continued from page 1... module (How NSP instructors teach) this is an individual course to sign up and complete. 2) Each NSP skills discipline specific training course. Each is a separate course to sign up and complete. Youth Protection Training: If your Patrol has Young Adults the NSP now requires safety awareness training for patrol leadership, instructors and members teaching or patrolling with Young Adults (under 18). See the NSP website for instructions on who must complete the training and which training is acceptable – (One is available via NSP insurer Mountain Guard, Scouts BSA YPT, or most required classroom teacher training). First Responder status – Recently I started hearing of NSP members trying to get themselves registered as “EMS First Responders” allowing added travel, benefits, or even early access to a COVID-19 vaccine. I pass along concerns from the National Legal team asking DD's to discourage such efforts. Please do not disturb state agencies with such a request. N95 masks – Some patrols in the Far West are asking for N95 masks and a required N95 mask fitting. The NSP will not pay for the mask fitting, this is part of your “uniform” and the responsibility of each patroller or patrol. Recent media coverage of patrollers losing their beards for work in the news may spread awareness of this practice and you may need to decide… Razor or…. Clinics: Training is permitted this year as allowed by unit service area, local and state ordinances. Please follow ALL NSP, local, county and state mandates for class management and education. Local areas may opt out of training, please do not press hard to run a clinic, these rough waters will pass, and we can train next year. Respect the health of each other and remember to be gracious with each other during this time of less close contact is safer. Member Recognition: Now is the time to start documenting the efforts and results of many of your peers for one of the many areas of recognition of excellence. I offer a Thank you! to all who authored submissions last season, this past September we acknowledged several nominees with National level recognition – Outstanding in the NSP and runner up. Get started now to recognize our members. Finally, I think of the analogy about the graceful ducks gliding along in the water, most of the ducks look relaxed, yet below the water many are franticly paddling to keep up with the flock. Days are stressful and many of our peers are working hard to keep it together. Let us all take time to be graceful, kind and forgiving, adding being fun, friendly, and flexible can help defuse many moments where someone may be working hard to manage the moment. YouTube a Bugs Bunny show, it will make you smile and when things go sideways, remember tomorrow you can take that “Left at Albuquerque”, and stop and enjoy a margarita on your way. Lance Vaughan, FWD Director. FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 13 Tri-Advisory celebrates 42nd annual program!

“Free Range Tri-Advisory” organized by Larry was the theme for this year's Cody and Melissa (Mt Tri-Advisory as the 42nd annual P i n o s ) e v e r y o n e gathering was held this past prepared their own food October 30th - November 1st. and was again certainly WOW, 42 years…..this is memorable! certainly a tradition in the Far West Division! Tri Advisory is sponsored by the MTR Due to COVID restriction (Mountain Travel & outlined by Yosemite Park and Rescue), Avalanche, COVID policy by the NSP the and Nordic programs attendance was extremely and is opened to all limited this year with the social members that wish to distancing in camping and no gain and enhance their sharing of food (no banquet) knowledge of the winter being followed. backcountry. Lodging is either camping at the The Yosemite Park staff was site where Tri Advisory able to invite us to the secluded events are held, or at the camp site in the Yosemite RV camp site, or the Valley for our gathering with lodges. the smoke being cleared from the fires and with the limited Our instructors look number of visitors allowed. forward to seeing yhou Weather was GREAT allowing on the slopes, and at all our activities to be held next year’s 43rd annual outdoors in comfort. Tri-Advisory!

With the limited attendance and the possibility of a necessary cancelation from the Karl Chulski, MTR Supervisor, FWD, fwd- Park due to possible fire smoke and COVID restrictions no [email protected] planned activities were scheduled for this gathering. Keith Church, Avalanche Supervisor, FWD, fwd- Everyone was free and encouraged to explore somewhere [email protected] in The Valley that they had not ventured before or for quite Wayne Wong, Nordic Supervisor, FEW, fwd- some time, and then for the evening report to everyone [email protected]. what the conditions were for their activity. Mirror Lake and the 4-Mile Trail to Glacier Point seemed to be the most popular.

Even without the banquet dinner that is traditionally

Assistant Far West Division Newsletter Editor sought! FWD ‘News and Views’ Assistant Editor: The FWD newsletter is published three times yearly, in September, December and February. Deadline is the end of the month prior to publication. Seeking an assistant for newsletter editing and layout, will happily train and mentor! Contact Tim Viall, [email protected], or phone (209) 969-3875.

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 14 Far West Women's program update, 2020-21! I hate to say this but so far, the women's program is waiting and hoping, waiting for their programs at region and local levels and hoping clinics can still be run at ski areas this season. I want to encourage all of you to work with your region and local patrol to work on how we can still provide women's toboggan and ski clinics safely. Here are some thoughts and ideas and possible events and maybe rumors of events--

Women's Summit is possibly happening, but virtually. This event has always been a great cooperation between PSIA and NSP. Wheels are turning and ideas are being floated around especially regarding developing marketing ideas to get everyone excited to sign up.

Powderfall 2021 is postponed until 2022, rats!

ESR region women's clinic (formerly the Heavenly women's clinic)- -Amy Sprague has started working on logistics and covid rules to follow for our annual clinic to happen. Nothing definite but the conversation has started. Good job! There are hopes that there may be one more clinic in the region but these depend on a lot of things happening. Safety first of course!

It sounds like MLR has some plans and are working on them, possible ski and toboggan clinics, hopefully at least one women's clinic would be stellar!

In all regions, trying for a women's clinic is going to be challenging: snow amounts so far are lacking in some areas, covid restrictions, resorts not wanting any additional activities, etc.

But, check this out: INSTAGRAM #nspwomen

Women of Patrol - A community to honor and feature the women of patrol. To be featured, tag #womenofpatrol and @womenofpatrol

Also check out the women's program Facebook page and join! Women of the National Ski Patrol (NSP)

At right are some pictures of the ESR clinic at Northstar last winter, right as the first snowstorm hits Tahoe. And a great group shot at last season's Women's Summit.

Good luck everyone with starting their season. Let me know what is happening in your region. Any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected]

Trudy Nye, Far West Women’s Program Advisor; [email protected]; (707) 321-9694

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 15 Member Recognition in challenging times 2020 has sure been quite a year and that is certainly Margolis, Homewood Ski Patrol true when it comes to Member Recognition. When ski Outstanding Instructor – Darren Church, Big Bear Ski area had to close early last March, most patrollers went Patrol home and many became very involved in the response to Outstanding Large Alpine Patrol – Dodge Ridge National the pandemic. That is because many of our members are Ski Patrol employed as first responders and medical professionals Outstanding Nordic Patrol – Mt Pinos Nordic Ski Patrol and the pandemic has certainly been very taxing on many Outstanding Nordic Patroller and runner up in the Nation of you. And if the pandemic was not enough, this year – Diana Osterheus, Mt Pinos Nordic Ski Patrol we saw the most extreme fire season in the history of the Outstanding OEC Instructor – Scott Goodman, Big Bear west coast. So with ski areas closed our members still Ski Patrol had plenty to do. How does this relate to Member Outstanding Paid Patroller and Outstanding in the Nation Recognition, you may ask, well the NSP gives out – Julien Vaughan, Dodge Ridge Ski Patrol awards annually based on years of service not just the Outstanding Patroller – Linda Metzger, Big Bear Ski past season. Patrol Before you read about the recognition of some of our Outstanding Patrol Representative – Amy Lindblom, outstanding members, please keep in mind that member Dodge Ridge National Ski Patrol recognition starts with you. Even if you are at an area Outstanding Small Alpine Patrol – Diamond Peak Ski that is furloughing your patrol, reducing your patrol Patrol hours or suggesting that you simply take the year off, you Outstanding Young Adult Patroller and Outstanding in can still see that members on your patrol are recognized. the Nation – Marci Winter, China Peak Ski Patrol Because Merit Stars are for actions of a member in Also receiving Recognition during the Zoom Call was: saving a life, helping save a life, an arduous rescue, or Division Directors Award – Richard Wilson, Big Bear other acts that demonstrate their use of NSP skills. This Ski Patrol means that they can be submitted for a Merit Star even National Appointment – Dore Bietz, Dodge Ridge away from their normal patrol duties. And National National Ski Patrol Appointments and LCA's are given for many years of National Appointment – Amy Lindblom, Dodge Ridge exemplary service in the NSP as are DSA's and MSA's. National Ski Patrol And for members that have been demonstrating above Hall Of Fame – Cliff Chewning, Big Bear Ski Patrol average service there is the NSP Hall of Fame. All of Even with a short season last year and the unknown of these can be submitted anytime and even in these what this next season will bring, please take the time to challenging times we should still be recognizing any submit your fellow patrollers for an award this winter. member that deserves the recognition. We all know someone that we look up to that really Coming up again this season are the Outstanding deserves the recognition and you can see to it that they Awards. These awards are based on service over the last receive it. four years. So you see that even a member that is If you need help, please contact your patrol furloughed this season can still be submitted for their representative, your patrols awards advisor or your actions in past seasons. Please take the time to write a regional awards advisor. They are all more than willing submission or two this winter for consideration as an to give you a hand. Outstanding Award. Besides the Outstanding Awards Additional information on the NSP Awards Program that were presented during a Zoom call in November can be found in the NSP Policies and Procedures, other awards include, Outstanding Bike Patroller, Chapter 12. Outstanding Bike Patrol, Outstanding Paid Patrol Director, and Outstanding Paid Patrol. The following are a brief list of this year's recipients of the Division's Outstanding Award Winners. Submitted by Bill Gibson, Outstanding Administrative Patroller – Barbara Razo, FWD Awards Advisor Big Bear Ski Patrol Outstanding Alpine Patroller – Chris Petersen, Dodge Ridge National Ski Patrol Outstanding Alumni and Outstanding in the Nation – Jim

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 16 Covid-19, continued from p. 11... ascertain for several reasons. First, we don't have a good certain patients, even those without comorbidities can handle on how prevalent the virus is in the community become seriously and life-threateningly ill. And many of because we still don't have wide enough testing. Second, the those that become seriously ill, have described long-lasting ability to transmit a disease is affected by several variables, residual weakness and fatigue. The disease process has such as population density, travel modalities (commuter shown a propensity to affect literally every organ system in trains/buses versus individual cars), and immediate the body, resulting in thromboembolic clots, cardiac environment (indoor vs. outdoor) factors. And third, not inflammation, kidney injury, along with the characteristic everyone who contracts the virus is symptomatic. It has severe lung injury. Many of these complications will take been estimated that approximately 40% or more of people months or more for recovery. who have the virus are asymptomatic or presymptomatic, even among assisted living facility residents! There is Treatment concern then that the true Rho for SARS-CoV-2 is closer to Remdesivir, a drug the FDA had never approved for use, 5, when all these variables are accounted for. Furthermore, was originally developed initially for hepatitis and also tried there is good evidence that the SARS-CoV-2 virus we're for Ebola. It had been an orphan drug that had been seeing is at least the second major strain of the virus. And previously tested for use in SARS-1 and MERS in animals this newer strain is felt to be even more highly contagious. and showed good promise in those early non-human Still, SARS-CoV-2 is not as highly contagious as other viral studies. During the first few months here in the US, illnesses such as measles, which has a Rho value of Remdesivir was being used on a compassionate use basis approximately 15. By comparison, rubella, polio, and with patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2. These early smallpox each have a Rho greater than 5. And the H1N1 reports did show promise in shortening the course, and influenza has a Rho of approximately half that of SARS- lessening the severity of the disease. Other recent reports CoV-2 highlight the impact of steroids early in the disease process. We also know that the spread of the virus is more likely to Decadron, a mineralocorticoid, has been shown to reduce to occur in enclosed spaces, especially in such spaces for intense inflammatory response to SARS-CoV-2. Together, prolonged times. We also strongly suspect that the virus is these two drugs form the cornerstone of current medical not only spread via visible droplets produced by coughing, management of this illness. Of the two, according to a sneezing, yelling, or even singing loudly, but also by number of intensivists I have spoken with, the decadron suspended vapors that may linger for hours, particularly in seems to have had the greatest impact. Other novel enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. treatments that have been tried include convalescent In general, the majority of people infected with this virus plasma. This is plasma from recovered patients and is are no more than mildly symptomatic. This is particularly thought to be teeming with immune fighting antibodies. true of the younger age groups. Over the course of the Given within the first seven days of symptoms, there is pandemic, we have seen a shift from the groups more likely some, though not convincing data as yet, of benefit for those to test positive from those over 60 years of age to those with severe disease. Of course, one must make mention of between 20-39 years of age. If one considers that we have the experimental drug REGN COV2 the President received more widely available testing (though perhaps still not when he contracted the virus. This drug is a combination of widely enough), that younger people are more apt to be human and mouse-derived monoclonal antibodies directed frontline workers (retail, restaurant and bars), and are against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. This potential returning to campuses, gyms and bars this fall, it is not a (and possibly highly effective) drug, not yet widely stretch to see the shift in distribution of those affected to available for the general has just been granted a younger ages. In La Crosse County Wisconsin this past Compassionate Use exemption by the FDA. However, September, over 95% of new cases were between the ages of most of these therapeutic options are recommended within 19 and 39! However, perhaps as a result of the 5-7 days of onset of symptoms or testing positive, and some predominance of infections now in the younger are NOT recommended for hospitalized patients! populations, overall only 30-35% of people have anything Equally important to mention, has been the realization above minimal symptoms. that intubation with the severe respiratory distress was But in the older populations, those who get sick do have a actually decreasing patient outcomes. The early greater risk for severe illness. If your over 80, and land in an experiences in New York highlighted not only that ICU, the mortality rate approaches 80-85%, particularly intubation and mechanical ventilation worsened outcomes, those with significant comorbidities. And it's not just the but also underscored a national shortage of ventilators elderly that become severely ill. For inexplicable reasons, S e e C o v i d - 1 9 , c o n t i n u e d n e x t p a g e . . . FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 17 Covid 19, continued from previous page... healthcare workers and high-risk groups. But that also (among other supplies, such as PPE). Currently, high flow means the John Q. Public won't likely be seeing a vaccine oxygen (upwards of 70 liters per minute, yes 70!) via nasal offered before mid-year 2021. And already other countries cannulae is the new standard approach for these critical are lining up to bid on millions of doses from each of these patients. In short, the current focus of care nationwide is manufacturers. mostly supportive while the disease process runs its course. Adjuvant treatments to speed resolution have mostly What does any of this have to do with the 2020/2021 minimal impact overall. ski season? Plenty. As the virus numbers surge as we head into Vaccines winter, states and local communities are struggling to find The strategy that the U.S. has embarked on is akin the the balance between arcane restrictions that pummel treading water while we wait for an effective vaccine. economies versus fewer restrictions and exploding viral Operation Warp Speed has been a creative and massive infections. Nationally, governors are taking unprecedented effort across governmental and private industry to develop steps to limit the spread of this illness within their borders. and distribute an effective vaccine as soon as humanly Looking at the skier/boarder demographics, the sport is possible. The fruits of this 10 billion dollar effort are at highly tilted to the younger, and generally fitter population. hand. Currently, three vaccines have been shown in early Yes, there is also large proportion of skiers/boarders over 50 preliminary reports to be upwards of 95% effective in years of age. And while the sport itself is outdoors, and we preventing, or at least limiting, the disease in those that have in the west are blessed with many sunny ski days, the cooler, been exposed to the virus. Likewise, adverse reactions were drier climate actually favors viral spread. Moreover, the indicated as minimal. It is, however, crucial to understand cafeterias and pubs associated with virtually all ski resorts the subjects were NOT given the virus after the vaccine, but has the potential for close, indoor exposures, especially allowed to become exposed in the community. Why would with a population that has a higher propensity for this matter? Prevention of the disease is only assured in asymptomatic carriers. those that are knowingly exposed to the disease. If the study As of this moment, all four counties of the Greater design assumes a certain prevalence of the disease in the Sacramento area are in the most restrictive, purple tier in community, results may be affected if the community which many non-essential indoor business operations are burden of virus is actually much lower than predicted. closed. Sacramento County alone has posted nearly 1000 Longer term and larger population studies are still pending new cases daily. In the Lake Tahoe area, only Alpine and may ultimately alter those results to one degree or County is in the Moderate tier. What is propelling this another. Still, this is very encouraging news. The surge is not completely understood, although Halloween- availability of one of these vaccines by December 2020 related gatherings and reduced restrictions over the through an Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA is previous month almost certainly contributed. increasingly likely. To add to the vaccine enthusiasm, there “Quarantine fatigue” is likely another contribution with appear to be potentially at least one other vaccine candidate many folks relaxing their social distancing and mask in the developmental pipeline. wear. What has not received much attention is that, given In addition to vaccine development, Operation Warp the insidious nature this virus spreads (owed in large part Speed also seeks to coordinate distribution of the vaccine. to the high proportion of asymptomatic carriers), as the Details of that critical component of vaccination are slow to prevalence of the virus in the community increases, so too emerge. One of the current vaccines requires storage at -70 the potential for contact increases exponentially. to -80o Centigrade (or -94 to -112o F). This poses significant Currently, California overall has a test positivity rate of logistical challenges when it comes to widespread approximately 6%. Other areas of the intermountain west distribution. Moreover, current vaccine candidates require have much higher test positivity rates. Therefore, for two doses to achieve effectiveness. The federal California, the worse may lie ahead. government has guaranteed purchase from Pfizer (not A quick survey of most Tahoe resorts reveals consistent directly part of OWS) of 100 million doses. That's enough employment of social distancing protocols (longer lift line for 50 million people. However, Pfizer has just mazes, limiting chairs to those of the same ski party, limited acknowledged that they will have 6.4 million doses by the ticket sales, etc.), contactless transactions, and mask end of December. A similar amount of vaccine from wearing, both among patrons as well as employees and Moderna has also been pledged. So distribution and patrol staff. Resort corporate offices and patrol leadership vaccination will necessarily begin with a priority system not are undoubtedly walking a tightrope in an attempt to find a yet clearly delineated, although certain to focus on Please see Covid-19, continued on next page... FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 18 Covid-19, continued from previous page... mechanical ventilation, has been upended in this disease balancing point. Sugar Bowl Resort will be limiting with a reliance on noninvasive techniques of super high indoor contact to brief 'grab and go' food purchases, flow volumes of oxygen provided through nasal cannulae, monitored warming zones, and telling patrons to plan on an as well increased use of prone positioning to optimize lung “outdoor experience”. Masks and social distancing is aeration and mechanics. And perhaps most notable in this required, except while skiing/boarding, and eating or pandemic, has been the ability (although yet to be fully drinking. Limiting ticket sales to advance purchases is realized) to develop, manufacture and distribute an required to limit the number of patrons on the mountain effective vaccine within one year's time. (not to mention congregating in long ticket lines!). I would This season will certainly not be normal by any also not be surprised by seeing an increasing trend in measure. But we can only hope that backcountry treks placing increased pressure on back we can move forward this season country patrols and response systems, as more people through the use of novel approaches attempt to avoid the crowds or restrictions at resorts. to many of our existing policies and In regards to training, we are already adopting new protocols, and that by 2021/2022 we minimal contact teaching protocols for OEC, OFC and will be back to a more normal other traditionally 'hands-on' training. At the American appearing season. River Bike Patrol this past summer, our planned OFC course was postponed amid county restrictions on group Jeffrey J. Du Bois, MD, FACS, size gatherings. Ultimately, we devised outdoor training Sugar Bowl Ski Patrol Auxiliary, utilizing a modified “bubble” approach where the testee American River Bike Patrol, would demonstrate techniques and scenarios on a Medical Advisor housemate. This proved highly successful and an effective approach as not a single case of COVID-19 was traced to ______either students or instructions (several in their late 70's and https://www.who.int/news/item/29-06-2020- 80's). Emergency care protocols will have to be modified covidtimeline to some extent to limit the exposure to patrollers, as well as COVID-19: The first documented coronavirus to minimize aerosolization of the virus, particularly in first pandemic in history. Biomed Journ 2020; 43:328-333 aid rooms. Essentially, we are in a race between viral spread and opening day employing the best preventative https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/how-contagious-is- precautions, while we await the widespread availability of covid-19-compared-to-other-viral-diseases-1.4836734 a vaccination program. While the current surge is likely to https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/2006/2006.08471. continue for the next few weeks, it remains to be seen what pdf further mitigations strategies might need to be employed, https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm69 both on the ski hill as well in our communities. 39e1.htm Compassionate use of Remdesivir for Patients with Summary severe COVID-19. N Engl J Med 2020; 382:2327-2336 As we look ahead to this ski season, we are faced with an https://www.cebm.net/covid-19/weather-conditions- infectious calamity not seen in this country (or the world) sars-cov-2/ since 1918. The capricious SARS-CoV-2 virus is unique not only in its enhanced transmissibility, but also in its ability to lead to a high number of asymptomatic carriers. It is equally unique in the severity of disease in can impart to people of all ages, and result in long-term sequelae. But with any natural disaster of such magnitude, ultimately there are some notable victories that need highlighting. As a scientific community, the genetic code of this virus was completely sequenced with weeks of the illness being identified. By comparison, the smallpox virus (which has been around for centuries) was not fully sequence until the 1960's! Our treatment strategies for managing acute respiratory failure, historically leaning heavily on

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 19 Sierra at Tahoe Mountain Hosts - Different year, still awesome! Sierra at Tahoe is home to the largest Mountain Host unit in the Far West Division and the second largest in NSP, only to Vail. This season 78 active hosts have an important mission to help guests maximize their Sierra experience while communicating the resort's COVID guidelines, all while staying safe and compliant with NSP protocol.

Once out with the public, hosts continue to follow these guidelines while going about their duties, which include assisting guests on the plaza, calling in injuries on the hill, and monitoring slow zones at patrol's request.

“We are focused on helping the resort follow the guidelines outlined by the National Ski Area Association's Ski Well, Be Well initiative,” states Diane Neill, Lead Host. “Our hosts are an integral part of staying open and helping people safely enjoy safe and fun winter recreation.” The guidelines begin with the host trailer, and a capacity set to adhere to 6 foot social distancing. Submitted by Diane Neill, lead host of the NSP-approved 3 ply masks are required at all Sierra at Tahoe Mountain Host uit.n times and a stringent cleaning routine is followed at the end of each day. This large group yielded donations of cleaning supplies and guidance on using them from hosts with careers in emergency services and janitorial.

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 20 FWD Events Calendar: Alumni celebration events in Tahoe and SoCal, TBA Mountain Travel and Rescue sessions, see p. 12 Outdoor Emergency Transport training session, 3 Women’s events in the FWD, coming to a mountain near you, p. 15 FWD Winter Board Meeting, January, location TBA Sea Otter Bike Classic volunteer opportunity, May 20-23, 2021, see p. 10 Tri-Advisory event coming to Yosemite, November, 2021 Alumni Celebration Week in Whitefish, MT, Feb. 27-March 5, 2022, see p. 25 Post your key events in FWD ‘News and Views’, send to editor Tim Viall, [email protected]; also post on the FWD website, send to webmaster Rye Livingston. [email protected]. Consult the website: farwest.org throught the year. Communications enhanced in FWD, regions! Did you know that both the FWD web site and the FWD successes, fun activities and to recruit patrollers and alumni Facebook page have been enhanced and expanded to share into off-hill and on-hill activities. Go to: information with patrollers and alumni? facebook.com/groups/448272738574183/ and Join the As an example, is you need insight on Awards, go to the page! It's there for you and your patrol! web page and click Awards in the Member Programs area. On the Facebook site, you can post up news to reach our The FWD web site offers a new look, new organization and FWD members, upcoming events and special projects, or offers new options like Community Service Opportunities. just good skiing insight worthy of sharing. So, check it out, To see the start of this new resource for you, the patroller, go and use it! to: farwest.org/MemberPrograms/CSO/CSO.html. If you are sharing news of your patrol or region, also The FWD Facebook page continues to grow in interest remember to send it along for inclusion in the FWD 'News (almost 900 FWD members) and utilization as more and Views' newsletter. Send to newsletter editor Tim Viall, patrollers and patrols use it as a place to communicate their [email protected]! Website is place to list, find community service options! Have you an outdoors event that could use NSP help? continuing info on such events and programs - as well Seeking an off-season way to utilize your OEC skills? as new developments in your Far West Division! List your events and opportunities! If you are Send your event and activity postings, with the “who, working to organize NSP first-aiders for Tough Mudder what, where, when and how” to FWD Webmaster Rye events, annual Cerebral Palsy bike-a-thons, community Livingston, [email protected]. Also send your fund-raising events, big outdoor events like the Sea Otter events to Tim Viall, FWD Newsletter Editor, Classic and more, list them! And, don’t forget to work to [email protected] and we will profile them in FWD ‘News enlist your alumni to assist! and Views’, the newsletter of the Far West Division! And, make a habit of scanning the FWD website for

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 21 NSP Alumni members provide a solid gold resource! A solid gold resource; with NSP alumni membership at the end of the day because he knew the mountain so well recently topping 5,000 members, take time for a fresh look and continues to be such a strong skier. at the talent and contributions that can be provided, and is When we first started the American River Bike Patrol already enriching, the National Ski Patrol and hundreds of he was one of our first recruits. His background in NSP and NSP member units. long love of biking and riding the American River Bike Alumni members can provide a wealth of experience, Trail made him a natural. He recently completed his talent and knowledge; they provide a vast resource of Outdoor First Care and Trail Readiness training and has needed skills and expertise to supplement the efforts of the already committed to patrolling three mornings a week. "active" membership. With the Covid19 pandemic, many He is a great example of a dedicated ski patroller retiring, have found new ways to remain active, assisting their transitioning into an active alumni and now returning to former patrols, regions or divisions, or taking on renewed serve as a high-energy bike patroller. activity as mountain hosts or bike hosts. Carl's insight was forwarded by Dr. Jim Margolis, Far NSP members find many reasons to go inactive: family West Division alumni advisor. Doc Jim was one of the responsibilities, relocating to a new part of the country, job founding fathers of the newest NSP bike patrol, with responsibilities, educational options, health issues, members acting as trail ambassadors and first-aiders along concern for COVID19 and more. Likewise, the pandemic the 32-mile American River Parkway multi-use trail in may cause many patrols, to reassess and reconnect, finding Sacramento, California. He heads up Outdoor First Care involvement opportunities for active alumni, including training, with 65 bike patrollers trained as the patrol patrol or divisional community service events and pioneered on-line trail training and OFC delivery and expanding mountain host and bike host programs across physically-distanced hands-on training in the face of the the NSP. COVID19 pandemic. Here we highlight some of our more active alumni and their contributions to NSP: American River Bike Patrol Rep Jim Cheng notes, “Carl is one of our most consistent patrollers, clocking in Carl Dahl, American River Bike Patroller: 18 miles a day patrolling the Parkway. Having been an Carl (pictured at right, with NSP Instructor he brings that fellow bike patroller Doc Jim experience and knowledge Margolis) retired as a patroller with him. We are lucky to from Homewood Ski Patrol, Far have him on the Patrol”. As to West Division, California in 2008 Dr. Jim Margolis; "Words after 36 years of outstanding cannot begin to capture how service as a patroller, OET important Doc Jim has been instructor and the head instructor for the Bike Patrol. He helped at Homewood and a Senior establish the Patrol and Instructor with the Mother Lode continues to bring an Region. He has taught and overwhelming amount of mentored many patrollers who knowledge and experience; as have gone on to be outstanding Patrol Medical Advisor one leaders and trainers. He began his outstanding contribution has career with Sierra Crest, a been establishing protocol for Sacramento-based metropolitan patrol; before coming to hands-on training amid the Covid Pandemic. He also Homewood he patrolled at most of the Lake Tahoe-area makes overwhelming contributions to the region as the Far resorts. West Alumni Advisor and has been awarded 2020 Since retiring he continued as an active alumni, one National Alumni of the Year”. Since the ARBP debuted in who could always be counted on to be a well-acted patient July, our members have been credited with saving a life by at our annual OEC refreshers. He and four other active administering CPR on the trail, provided first aid to alumni continued to ski together and serve as an extra set dozens, repaired flat tires, guided parkway users back to of eyes and often hands helping out with active patrollers. their cars, and removed safety hazards along the parkway. He could always be counted on to help sweep the mountain Please see Alumni, continued next page... FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 22 Alumni, continued from previous page... leaders at patrol, region or division level know your Rob Scharf, Sierra at Tahoe interest...be the squeaky wheel! Mountain Host: Rob patrolled at several Lake Tahoe resorts from Finally, alumni and families are invited to volunteer at 1997-98 to 2008-09 and notes, “I the annual Sea Otter Bike Classic, recently moved to May simply got burned out driving 2+ 20-23, 2021, for first-aid and course marshal work. Held at hours to the ski resort to be there Laguna Seca Raceway and Ft. Ord National Monument, by 7am, working until 5pm, then next door to Monterey Bay, California, volunteers receive driving 2+ hours home. So, I took free camping, full event pass, lunch, event t-shirt and their a year off by going alumni. After patrol receives a financial donation. Make it an end-of-ski- realizing that I missed the season vacation to sunny Monterey. camaraderie of the patrol and that Note: our third annual “Alumni Celebration Week” at good feeling we all get when Whitefish Mountain Resort, Montana (which had been set helping a guest of the resort, I for February 28-March 6, 2021) has been rescheduled for returned as a Sierra at Tahoe mountain host, active from February 27-March 6, 2022. fall, 2010 to the present. For more information on these two events, see the NSP "Our unit is grateful to have alumni patrollers like Rob Alumni website. to lead our Outdoor First Care training and to mentor To the many thousands of NSP alumni, we welcome hosts who do not have extensive medical knowledge," your continuing involvement in your local patrol, region states Sierra at Tahoe Mountain Host Patrol Rep Diane or division. Please share your thoughts; Doc Jim Neill. "Past patrollers are important leaders of our 90 Margolis, Far West Division Alumni advisor, member unit which adds about a dozen new recruits each [email protected] ; Tim Viall, National alumni advisor, year." [email protected] or (209) 969-3875. Thanks! For patrol representatives, region or division directors, please keep the alumni program and our active alumni in mind. Suggestions for building an active, dynamic alumni program include:

· Establish an Alumni Advisor for your individual patrol (and, region and division), to take the lead on building alumni support, activities for alumni (i.e., an “Alumni Celebration Ski Day”) and options for alumni who wish to remain active with their old patrol. · Advise current patrollers of “life after active patrolling” - as an active NSP alumni. · Encourage patrol leadership to retain, involve, and keep lines of communication open to your patrol's alumni and those “contemplating going inactive”. · Share your patrol's alumni advisor's contact information with your region and division alumni advisor, so individual patrols receive ongoing alumni updates and tools! If you are already an NSP alumni, what are your ideas? With your help, additional value and enthusiasm can be added to a well-established alumni program. Don't overlook alumni perks such as access to the NSP catalogue and NSP “pro deals”. And, alumni retain their on-going years of service! If you want more involvement, let those

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 23 Have you taken a break or retired from patrolling? If you want to stay connected with NSP and were a patroller for at least oney ear (excluding candidate), you can become an alumni member.

Alumni membership is a way for former patrollers to remain affiliated with NSP. You can choose how involved you want to be, whether as an instructor or with your local patrol. You always have the option to go back to patrolling with current OEC and your patrol representative/director’s approval.

For only $35 a year, you’ll receive benefits including:

- Ski Patrol Magazine - Discounts through the Ski Patrol Catalogs and NSP Pro Deals Page - Sweep and Sweep Deals monthly e-newsletters - Ability to participate in NSP Training or Education programs - Online access to the NSPw ebsite - Voting rights in board elections

Become an alumni member today, and join over5,000 other alumni who help support our great organization. Send in the form below with a check or money order for $35 made payable to National Ski Patrol to:

National Ski Patrol 133 S. Van Gordon St., Suite 100 Lakewood, CO 80228 303.988.1111

Photo credit: Jan Nelson. [email protected]

New Alumni Registration

Dues for 2021 - Membership paid through 12/31/2021 - $35.00 07/2020

Name NSP Member #

Address Phone

City State Zip

Email Birth Date Former Patrol

Join NSP alumni, active patrollers, friends and family in Whitefish, Montana, Feb. 27-March 5, 2022! You are invited to join The Lodge is adjacent to a NSP alumni, active patrollers cross-country ski center and and family in Whitefish, MT, just a mile from downtown for an “NSP Alumni Whitefish; majestic Glacier Celebration Week” at National Park and dog sled Whitefish Mountain, during tours are nearby. the week of February 27- Special activities: The March 5, 2022 (yes, the event Northern Division Alumni rescheduled for 2022). Advisor will offer several no- Whitefish Mountain cost “Old Knees Clinics” (formerly Big Mountain) is during the week and XC clinics consistently rated in the top will also be offered. 30 US ski resorts, offering Special nights out at local 3,000 skiable acres, almost restaurants are part of the fun; 2,400 vertical, 11 chairlifts optional tours into Glacier and presents an incredible National Park (no charge), or skiing/snowboarding experience (see: skiwhitefish.com). Dog Sled Adventures (fee involved) in nearby Montana The mountain offers low cost skiing to “super seniors” (age State Forests will be offered. A great adventure; meet NSP 70+) and about a 20% discount to seniors age 64 and up friends from around the country and share those “alumni (hence, many alumni and spouses ski for LOW prices). tall tales”. The highly-rated Grouse Mountain Lodge Don't miss this fun event; Mark your calendars (glacierparkcollection.com), just minutes from the beginning Super Bowl Sunday, February 27-March 5, mountain, with free shuttle to the mountain, offers a “book 2022. four nights, get the fourth night free” package (just $79 per For more info, let National alumni advisor Tim Viall night, double occupancy, one of the great ski bargains in the know your interest, at [email protected], or (209) 969- Big Sky Country! 3875; we will send you more insight and keep you posted. Instructor development on-line courses The Instructor Development (ID) Committee has If you have any questions about these new courses, or worked to expand and improve its online resources. A any other ID question, please feel free to contact me or your result of these efforts is two new online courses that better Region ID Advisors. meet the remote learning needs of NSP Instructors. The first is “Instructor Development eCourse (2020)”, Regional ID Advisors, FWD: an update of the online portion of the Hybrid ID Course. Arizona ID Advisor: This streamlined version has improved graphics, audio, and Kristin Gunkel, [email protected] interactive exercises. When combined with the in-person Eastern Sierra ID Advisor: portion, the web-based series of lessons meets the Sandy Sommer, [email protected] Mother Lode ID Advisor: requirements for an ID Course for new Instructors. This Tony Atkins, [email protected] course is available now for any NSP member. Northern California ID Advisor: The second is a new course geared towards certified NSP Bill Gibson, [email protected] Instructors. “Called Instructor Skills Review for Southern California ID Advisor: Continuing Education,” this course meets the Instructor Doug Hill, [email protected] Continuing Education course requirement for a review of ID. This web-based course gives NSP Instructors a self- paced web-based option for the every three years Far West Division ID Program requirement. This course will be available in Fall 2020. Supervisor: You can access both of these courses on NSP's Online Loretta O'Brien, Learning Management System can be found under the [email protected] “Member Resources” tab.

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 25 On-the-hill training and compliance during Covid Traditionally, On the Hill events are the best way to resolved, some procedures were acknowledged as activate, educate and honor patrollers. COVID limitations undefined while the pandemic is still wreaking havoc with put a damper on our plans, challenging leadership to find norms. modern solutions. The live event was mandatory. Still, the 3-hour Teams Big Bear Ski Patrol's NSP Patrol Representative, Phil platform event was recorded for review with so much Ben-Joseph activated his team of advisors and created information available for replay. solutions to this multi-faceted event. Membership dues were collected through a shop that Usually, Big Bear's On the Hill weekend is a 2-day was set up on Square, redirected from the Big Bear Ski event. The first day rolls out new procedures and protocols, Patrol website. Members could add Big Bear Ski Patrol starting with keynotes and remarks from leadership. merchandise and purchase raffle tickets via the platform. Patrollers then break into groups that rotate through Membership was offered at different levels that packaged stations including mandatory lift evacuation, over-the-side coveted logowear and raffle opportunities in several value procedures, case documentation and more. Then, an propositions. evening banquet honors our finest and raises needed funds The event culminated in a raffle conducted by BBSP by raffling valuable items. The next day is devoted to Treasurer Cita Bodea. Cita uploaded 'tickets' to a virtual refreshing Outdoor wheel-of-fortune Emergency Care skills. that randomized But this year was t h e w i n n e r s . different. So much Donated prizes new information to included several disseminate, so many $500 shopping questions to answer- all sprees courtesy of the while remaining Goldsmith's, a s o c i a l l y d i s t a n t , Tr a e g e r g r i l l , provided a unique W a v e f o r m challenge that was w a k e b o a r d , a embraced by Big Bear private flight for 2 Ski Patrol leadership. to Catalina Island The result was a Virtual and more. Funds On-the-Hill refresher, raised exceeded that complemented our expectations. Screen shot of Big Bear training i n C O V I D t i m e s NSP Hybrid OEC The event was refresher. quantifiable, as Phil Ben-Joseph wrote, installed and integrated a advisors could verify their team members participation. All Learning Management System into the Big Bear Ski Patrol of the compliance goals set by leadership were attained. website. Coordinating with Big Bear Mountain Resort Big Bear Ski Patrol is happy to help other patrols management, instructional videos and narrated slides were leverage a learning management system and provide created and uploaded. Accountability was verified with insight into how we made a volunteer portal become the individual secure login, and each module culminated in a central resource for information for our active members multiple question pass/fail exam. Modules included 1Risk and on-boarding new candidate. Ben-Joseph stated, “Time case management, risk management, lift evacuation invested will be leveraged for years to come. By procedures, over-the-side rescue guidelines and Shiftboard developing the online content our volunteer patrol can now scheduling application. refresh their skills on demand off the mountain”. Big Bear Ski Patrol is a large patrol serving 2 resorts, Patrolling is a social construct. Face-to-face refreshers and almost 150 strong. Management and accountability will always be preferred, but lessons garnered from this was delegated to 8 advisors, each sharing test compliance, experience will be utilized for compliance and efficiencies along with CPR currency and ICS100 status on a group for years to come. spreadsheet. Submitted by Scott Goodman, Far West Division The most anticipate segment was a live, moderated Promotion/Recruitment Advisor-So Cal; Assistant NSP Q&A session with Big Bear Mountain Resort Patrol Representative, Big Bear Ski Patrol. management. Questions regarding COVID procedures were answered candidly. While many issues were FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 26 Ski Patrols of the Far West Division: Here are the stellar patrols of the FWD: American River Bike Patrol Mt. Shasta Arizona Snowbowl Mt. Waterman Alpine Meadows Northstar Alta Sierra Pinecrest Nordic Badger Pass Reno Ski Patrol Big Bear Sierra Ski Patrol Bear Valley Ski Patrol Snow Valley Boreal Ridge Soda Springs Buckhorn Ski Club Squaw Valley China Peak Sugar Bowl Coppervale Sunrise Diamond Peak Tahoe Backcountry Dodge Ridge Tahoe Donner Donner Ski Ranch Tahoe Donner Nordic Center Heavenly Homewood Mountain Host units: June Mountain China Peak Mountain Hosts, Kirkwood Dodge Ridge Mountain Hosts, Lake Alpine Nordic Donner Ski Ranch Mountain Lee Canyon Hosts, Lassen Volcanic Mt Pinos Mountain Hosts, Mammoth Basin Nordic Sierra at Tahoe Mountain Hosts, Mount Lemmon Snow Valley Mountain Hosts, Mountain High Sugar Bowl Mountain Hosts, Mt. Baldy Mt. Pinos Nordic Additional units: Alta Sierra Ski Patrol, Southern Arizona Search & Rescue, US Ski Patrol Asia (Korea)

FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 27 Editor: Tim Viall 5854 Turtle Valley Drive Stockton, CA 95207 Email: [email protected]

FWD Officers and Program Chairs - contact them...

Administrators Name: E-mail Contact: Division Director Lance Vaughan [email protected] Asst. Division Director Nancy Stromswold [email protected] Asst. Division Director Richard Wilson [email protected] Arizona Director Andrew Youngblood [email protected] Eastern Sierra Director Brian Haena, [email protected] Mother Lode Director Amy Lindblom [email protected] Northern California Dave Brown [email protected] Professional Representative Open position [email protected] Southern California Director Richard Roth [email protected] Legal Advisor Josh Masur [email protected] Registrar Ri Chan [email protected] Secretary Janice Waits [email protected] Treasurer Keith Dickens [email protected] Alumni Advisor Dr. Jim Margolis [email protected] Awards Advisor Bill Gibson [email protected] Avalanche Supervisor Keith Church [email protected] Certified Advisor Dave Rhodes [email protected] Community College Advisor Steve Thorsted [email protected] Communications-Newsletter Tim Viall [email protected] Communications-Webmaster Rye Livingston [email protected] ConferencesAdvisor Sonja Kively [email protected] Historian Open position [email protected] Instructor Development Super. Loretta O’Brien [email protected] Mountain Travel/Rescue Super. Karl Chulski [email protected] Nordic Supervisor Wayne Wong [email protected] Outdoor Emergency Care Super. Sue Dennison [email protected] Outdoor Emergency Trans. SuperDaryl Whitcher [email protected] Recruitment Advisor NorCal open position [email protected] Recruitment Advisor SoCal Scott Goodman [email protected] SAR Liaison NorCal vacant SAR Liaison SoCal Kamran Padar [email protected] Woman’s Program Advisor Trudy Nye [email protected] FWD News and Views, December, 2020 Check the new FWD web site: www.farwest.org Page 28