Outstanding Awards Hall of Fame

Official Publication of the National Ski Patrol nsp.org + Winter 2016 + Volume 33 Issue 2

 Outstanding awards  Hall of fame

Cancel my appointments. © 2015 Patagonia,© 2015 Inc. Deciphering the guidebook takes on new dimensions after the international red-eye, but Caroline Gleich and Donny Photos: Deciphering the guidebook takes on new dimensions after the internationalRoth red-eye, are happy to reap but Caroline the rewards. Gleich Jalovec and Donny Couloir, Triglav National Park, Slovenia. Jay Beyer

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© 2015 Patagonia,© 2015 Inc. Deciphering the guidebook takes on new dimensions after the international red-eye, but Caroline Gleich and Donny Photos: Deciphering the guidebook takes on new dimensions after the internationalRoth red-eye, are happy to reap but Caroline the rewards. Gleich Jalovec and Donny Couloir, Triglav National Park, Slovenia. Jay Beyer

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Patagonia is an Ofﬁ cial Supplier to the National Ski Patrol and offers NSP members pro pricing on Patagonia gear. To shop, visit the Pro Deals section at nsp.org.

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42 wards A Outstanding Outstanding arti cle 62 Nine Months in By Sheila Summers s Education Director Sheila Summers reviews her first nine months at NSP, how she has gotten acclimated, and what plans she has for NSP education programs.

27 Cover Shot By Scott Brockmeier Photographer Scott Brockmeier, who shot the cover images for both this issue and the fall 2015 issue of Ski Patrol Magazine, offers some tips on how to shoot cover-worthy photos.

29 Enjoy the View! By Cara Waite NSP’s 2016 photo contest, Enjoy the View!, offers new categories for Instagram, more prizes, and an departments enhanced submission process. 40 Environmental footprints By NSP Staff A look at environmental efforts spearheaded by NSP and its partner companies.

64 Avy tech specs By ed carlson and NSP staff Avalanche safety information and a look at tech specs of beacons from NSP’s partner companies.

Cover photo: Patrollers look at the East Wall at Arapahoe Basin, Colorado. Photo by Scott Brockmeier. Correction: An image on page 31 of the fall Ski Patrol Photo left: Patroller traversing a ridge. Photo by Jason Magazine was credited to Allison Gordon. While she Lombard. submitted the photo in the photo contest, the image Photo above: The field sessions of the Flight For Life was shot by Craig Olsheim, a professional patroller Colorado Search and Rescue Conference in Marjorie at Steamboat and also a professional photographer. Bowl. Photo by Candace Horgan. NSP apologizes for the error.

NSP.ORG 5 Editor IT Committee Candace Horgan Chris Pringle, Chair [email protected] Nominations Committee Advertising/Sponsorships Norris Woody, Chair Melanie Hood [email protected] NSAA/Ski Area Relations Committee Jim Woodrum, Chair Design and Production Agnieszka Hansen OEC Refresher Committee [email protected] Bill Devarney, Chair Contributors Planning Committee Myron Allen, Lin Ballard, Linda Barthel, Tom Sherry, Chair Gretchen Besser, David Bramel, Scott Brockmeier, Ed Carlson, Bill Cotton, National Program Directors Bill Gibson, Brian Harrison, Doug Hill, Myron Allen: Mountain Travel and Rescue Melanie Hood, Rick Shandler, Sheila Chris Brodersen: Certified Summers, Jay Thompson, Ed Carlson: Avalanche Cara Waite, Michael Walenta, Dick Woolf, Deb Endly: OEC Doug Ginley: Instructor Development NSP National Chair Rick Shandler: Nordic Ed McNamara Jay Zedak: Transportation NSP Board of Directors National Alumni Adviser Morgan Armstrong, Keith Cassidy, John (Ty) Damon, Rick Knight, Ken Kramer, Marty Huebner Ed McNamara, Chris Pringle, Brian Rull, National Awards Adviser Tom Sherry, Bill Sinykin, David Walker, Bill Boulter Jim Woodrum, Norris Woody NSP Division Directors National Historian Richard Davis, Liz Dodge, Bill Gibson, Rick Hamlin Kevin Johnson, John Larson, Chris Ross, National Legal Adviser Julie Rust, Micaela Saeftel, John Ship- Robert Scarlett man, John Thomas, Byrd White National Medical Adviser Audit Committee David Johe, M.D. Keith Cassidy, Chair National Telecommunications Bylaws/Oversight Committee Adviser Les Megyeri, Chair Dick Woolf Education Committee National Visitor Exchange Janet Glaeser, Chair Program Adviser Finance Committee Bob Black Rick Knight, Chair National Women’s Adviser Fundraising Committee Linda Barthel Rob Silbaugh, Chair National Young Adult Adviser Governance Committee Paul Tourangeau Morgan Armstrong, Chair National Office Staff John McMahon Candace Horgan Executive Director Communications Director Sheila Summers Carol Hudson Education Director Administrative Coordinator Jamie Bruhl Josh Jacobson Finance Director Catalog Sales and Operations Director Jill Bjerke Education Administrative Assistant Jen Miller Member Services Manager Tricia Burns Executive Assistant Cheri Overton Rachel Crane Director of Member Registration/Awards Product Merchandising Coordinator Administrator Michele Ericsson Cara Waite Accounting Marketing and Creative Manager Melanie Hood Rob Wilcox Marketing and Development Director Warehouse Supervisor

The National Ski Patrol is the premier provider of training and education programs for emergency rescuers who serve the outdoor recreation community. Ski Patrol Magazine is an official publication of the National Ski Patrol and is published three times per year. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the National Ski Patrol. Address changes and subscription inquiries should be sent to Ski Patrol Magazine, 133 S. Van Gordon St., Suite 100, Lakewood, CO 80228-1700. Association members can also indicate a change of address online through the member services area at www.nsp.org. For NSP member services, dial 303-988-1111. Please send editorial queries, comments, and letters to [email protected].

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to the Editor

Stress Management Teams

The article on stress management was very informative. Stress for patrollers needs to be addressed. If forming a stress management team at your local resort, it would be helpful to ask for guidance from the local EMS system, or from a certified stress management counselor. Including one or more of these qualified individuals will make the team much stronger.

David Johe, M.D. NSP National Medical Adviser +

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new vision with its strategic plan, which we talk about in this from the Editor issue with Board Chair Ed McNamara and Executive Director John McMahon. This strategic plan will set a path for how NSP By Candace Horgan, Editor should navigate toward success in the year 2020. One of the things that will help with NSP’s success in the future is building on our brand and looking toward outreach opportunities, such as public service announcements. Outreach can also come via collaboration with outside agencies. This year, Flight For Life Colorado held its sixth annual Search and Rescue Conference in November, a conference that attracts SAR team members from all over Colorado. Education Director Sheila Summers, Mountain Travel and Rescue Program Director Myron Allen, and I served on the planning committee for the event, and, as shown in the article in this issue, Allen and I both taught all three days, effectively promoting NSP education programs to outside agencies. This wasn’t the only outreach NSP conducted this fall. Avalanche Program Director Ed Carlson and his predecessor, Mike Laney, both attended the National Avalanche School at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Utah, in October. The school, one of the oldest avalanche education programs in the country, has restructured its curriculum in recent years to be more oriented toward those working avalanche control in ski areas. This was the 24th session for the school. In the winter, the school will host the field sessions at four locations in the Western It’s always nice to receive recognition, whether from your United States; look for a write-up on that in the summer issue of friends, your family, or your peers. That little “job well done” the magazine. can make a huge difference. Here at NSP, annual recognition comes in the form of our National Outstanding Awards, which NSP’s marketing department is also very involved in outreach. are given out in 12 categories to recognize patrollers who set a Whether it’s providing items for safety campaigns by partner- standard we can strive to emulate. ing with companies to create unique items like helmet stickers and buffs, or showcasing our partner companies’ environmen- As always, write-ups on our National Outstanding Awards win- tal efforts, such as shown on page 40 of this issue, or getting ners are the centerpiece of our winter issue, but the Outstanding the latest avalanche rescue beacon stats into your hands, as on Awards aren’t the only way NSP recognizes achievements. page 64, the marketing department is a tireless promoter of all Whether it’s National Appointments, Distinguished Service things NSP. Awards, Leadership Commendation Awards, Merit Stars, Instructor Service Awards, or Angel Pins, NSP has a long tradi- At around the time this issue hits your mailboxes, NSP will tion of recognizing those members that go above and beyond. have launched its fifth annual photo contest, this year named “Enjoy the View!” Once again, we welcome submissions in Two years ago, as part of its 75th anniversary, the NSP created the four still photo categories and in video, and you have the a National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame. The inaugural class had opportunity to win some amazing prizes. If you are unsure how five members, but more have been inducted since then. As the to take good photos, check out the article in this issue titled article in this issue makes clear, nomination to the Hall of Fame “Cover Shot,” written by photographer Scott Brockmeier, whose can come from any source, and can recognize not just patrol- photographs grace the cover of this issue and the last issue. lers, but non-members who have made significant contributions Brockmeier also has a visual breakdown that shows his thoughts to the organization. As a bonus, former NSP National Historian when he got the amazing cover shot for the fall 2015 magazine. Gretchen Rous Besser, Ph.D., has written a short memoir of her experience with being inducted into the National Ski Patrol Hall Hopefully when you are reading this, we are receiving snow by of Fame. the bucketful everywhere in the country and experiencing epic powder. I look forward to seeing you on the slopes, where we While recognizing our history is important, it is equally impor- can continue to best promote the NSP. + tant to look toward the future. NSP has embarked on a bold

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Gretchen Besser Long-time ski patroller Dr. Gretchen R. Besser (National Appointment Number 5756), of Morrisville, Vermont, was the first-ever National Ski Patrol historian. In recognition of her 32 years as historian, she was the initial recipient of the National Ski Patrol Chairman’s Excellence in Service Award (January 2010). From 1980-85, Besser served as international liaison for the NSP. A former professor of French language and literature, she is the author of four books and hundreds of articles. Her book, The National Ski Patrol: Samaritans of the Snow (1983), received a ULLR award from the International Skiing History Association (ISHA) in 1997. She has contributed to Ski Patrol Magazine since 1976, when it was a newsletter called National Notes. In 2013, she became one of the first inductees into the National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame. She still makes first tracks at Stowe Mountain Resort most winter weekday mornings.

Scott Brockmeier Scott Brockmeier is a professional photographer based out of Breckenridge, Colorado, whose major focus is the ski industry and avalanche rescue dogs. His shot of a patroller going for air was the cover image of the fall 2015 Ski Patrol Magazine. More of his work can be seen at www.ScottBrockmeier.com.

Troy Hawks Troy Hawks moved to Colorado after graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and worked 12 seasons as a children’s ski instructor for Keystone Resort. In fall 2015, he was named marketing and sales director of Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Prior to that, he worked nine years as communications manager for the National Ski Areas Association. He is a regular contributor to Ski Patrol Magazine, among other ski industry publications. He is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Association (NASJA). He also works part-time as a fly fishing guide.

Doug Hill Doug Hill has been a patroller for 32 years at Snow Summit in Southern California; in his time at Snow Summit, he spent six years as the patrol representative. He is the current Instructor Development supervisor for the Far West Division and the Instructor Development Program administrator for the Southern California Region. Hill is also an OEC instructor and instructor trainer who contributed to the Outdoor Emergency Care Fourth Edition, and is a former OEC Program supervisor for both the Southern California Region and the Far West Division.

Jay Thompson Jay Thompson is a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and holds a master’s degree in nuclear engineering and engineering health physics from the University of Virginia. Jay is a Senior alpine patroller and has been a member of the Whitetail Ski Patrol in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, since 2005. Jay is also an instructor trainer (IT) in Outdoor Emergency Care, and a nationally registered emergency medical technician (EMT) with the Mercersburg, Montgomery, Peters, and Warren (MMP&W) Townships Volunteer Fire Company in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.

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Patagonia is an ofﬁ cial supplier to the National Ski Patrol and offers NSP members pro pricing on Patagonia gear. To shop, visit the Pro Deals section at nsp.org. commentary division directors, along with Deb Endly and David Johe, M.D., our OEC Program director and NSP national medical adviser. We appreciate MSAA’s willingness to work closely Chatting with the with us on this important endeavor. SPM: It’s been five years since the Forward Thinking fifth edition of the OEC text came Board looks at new out. Do you feel there is a need for collaborative opportunities a new textbook at this time, or do By Candace Horgan you think that prehospital medicine hasn’t changed that much and we In fall 2015, Ski Area Management magazine published an article titled can address what changes there are “The Changing Role of Patrol,” which focused on how patrolling has in other ways? changed and is continuing to evolve with new technologies and new EM: Actually, I think that is one of the things the committee I just mentioned demands. will be considering, as it will have representatives from the OEC Program direc- Ski Patrol Magazine sat down with Board Chair Ed McNamara to discuss tors, the medical advisers, and certainly Sheila Summers, who heads up the what the board has been working on, and how it is looking to move the education department at the office. organization forward by positioning it as an industry leader and opening I believe they will touch on that issue because there have been changes in the up new collaborative opportunities. prehospital medicine field. There are a number of ways to deal with those SPM: NSP is on the radar with publications like Ski Area changes, and it’s up to our subject matter experts to determine which of those Management, where a new article points out patrolling is very dif- ways is best for the membership. The committee may suggest writing an entirely ferent than in Minnie Dole’s day. What does NSP need to do to stay a new textbook, or simply developing an addendum to the current textbook. That leader in the industry? decision of what to recommend has to be up to them. EM: To stay the industry leader, we need to continuously evolve, just as Further, they will have to consider the means of delivery of the next product. we have over our 75-year history. Proof of this evolution can be seen in Will it be a hard-cover text; will it be solely online? None of those deci- recent actions of the national leadership team to develop a new vision sions have been made, and everything is open for review at this time by that and strategic plan that will move the National Ski Patrol into the next committee. century. In addition to being forward thinking, we need to consistently SPM: One of the other interesting changes has been the acceptance of assess and enhance all of our educational programs and ensure they meet National Incident Management System training as a Senior elective. Can the needs not only of the patrollers, but also of our principal partners, the you talk about that, and what other opportunities you see for different educa- ski areas. Lastly, we need to leverage technology to support our programs tional electives like that? and deliver services to our members. The staff and the Information Technology Committee are making great strides to make this goal a reality EM: I have felt strongly about this for years, and if you take a look in the OEC as they assist in the design of our new IT system. textbook, we actually talk about the Incident Command System and its importance. Many years ago, the federal government mandated that all first responders SPM: Along with that, risk management and incident investigation are be educated in the Incident Command System. To this point, NSP has not a big concern at the ski areas. Has NSP thought of developing any sort mandated the training; however, we recommend it in the OEC text and have of course or education program that addresses those topics? highlighted it in some of the articles we have written in the past. EM: Actually, we have been in discussions with the National Ski Areas I think at some point in the future, we will see a significant accident at a ski Association (NSAA) and one of our partner insurance agencies about area requiring patrollers to work closely with the responders in the neighboring these very issues. I have appointed one member of the National Ski Patrol communities. In order to do that effectively, we need to understand how they to serve on a subcommittee that they are setting up to take a look at devel- operate under the current Incident Command System. That’s something for our oping a safety incident investigation program that would be designed to future, and I think we absolutely need to head in that direction. educate patrollers on how to deal with investigative issues on the mountain. I expect that committee will get off the ground and begin their work As to other programs, I think it’s incumbent upon our leadership to provide starting in the next year. suggestions to the program directors. Certainly in the Senior Program and the Certified Program, there are other new educational opportunities that are out SPM: Let’s talk about OEC scope and some of the issues that were there and available that could have a positive impact on those two programs. We raised by the Midwest Ski Areas Association and your response to that. just need people to bring them forward and suggest them for use as electives. EM: John McMahon, Deb Endly, (national OEC Program director), Bob SPM: Let’s talk about other opportunities for cross-pollination. One thing Scarlett (national legal adviser), and I met with the Midwest Ski Areas I’ve thought about is that for National Registry of Emergency Medical Association (MSAA) earlier this year to discuss their concerns in relation Technicians, you need to do 72 hours of CEs (continuing education credits) to our educational programs, primarily OEC. At that meeting, we commit- every two years to maintain EMT or paramedic certification; what about ted to take a close look at all our educational programs, particularly those being able to use those for the three-year CEs as an OEC instructor, or say that deal with medical care. In order to conduct a systematic assessment, somebody is taking avalanche courses with National Avalanche School we determined that a committee should be formed to focus on the issue or AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) or and thoroughly consider MSAA’s concerns. AAA (American Avalanche Association) and using that as CEs for being an Since that meeting, we have begun the process of gathering information, Avalanche instructor? and MSAA has agreed to provide us with a more detailed explanation EM: I think there are a tremendous number of opportunities out there. Recently, of their specific concerns with the current OEC Program. Meanwhile, a Certified member put me in touch with his state EMS training officer, and they John McMahon and I have begun the process of naming a senior-level are currently establishing a bridge program between our OEC Program and the NSP committee that will be made up of office staff, board members, and

14 NSP.ORG EMT program that they use for their state, which is EM: We’ve had a number of agencies talk to patrolling public. I know a lot of us leave it around a nationally approved program. us about both the Mountain Host Program and after we’ve read it for other members of the public to read. I think you will see more of that relationship Outdoor First Care. I think the Mountain Host building happening in the future, and I would Program will continue to expand. It’s an exciting I know that we are also really pushing to get the certainly encourage it. When I spoke to the program, one that was initially picked up by Vail Subaru cars and patrollers out at large ski venues, Certified member, we talked about the ability of Resorts in the Colorado area. In its second year, not only ski areas, but other activities. For exam- their current first responders to use OEC in lieu of Vail Resorts has expanded their use of the program ple, in Central Division, they go to a large indoor their first responder program, which has signifi- into one of their resorts in Utah. ski event, and in Eastern Division in Boston, we cantly less hours of training in it. They are going to We have spoken to other ski area associations have a five-day indoor ski event every fall, and we approve it for use by their first responders. throughout the country this fall and encouraged have a large ski patrol booth there. Again, I think you will see that the linkages with them to look into that program. I know in the New I think in different venues like that, we are really EMS and avalanche and mountaineering and all England area, we have had a number of mountains trying to push brand awareness of who we are and these other programs, we will get closer and closer express interest in it, so I think we are going to see what we do. Along with publicizing the NSP, we together. significant growth in the Mountain Host Program. have public service announcements, both video and audio, that we developed to promote safety SPM: One other thing in the works is a rewrite At the same time, the Outdoor First Care Program during outdoor activities. These public service of the NSP Policies and Procedures. What can also has the potential to expand tremendously. We announcements, some of which were developed you tell the members about the updated Policies know there is interest out there, and I expect that in conjunction with NSAA, are posted on the NSP and Procedures? What is the timeline for its starting next year, we will be able to expand that website. I would hope that we could continue to release, and what issues are being addressed in program also. work to develop programs like that where we can the rewrite? SPM: Lastly, what areas do you see where we get the word out to the public about who we are, can be building the NSP brand in other venues, EM: The NSP Policies and Procedures manual what we do, and encourage growth. is an ongoing process. As people come up with and how can we go about doing that? We also certainly want to encourage younger new suggestions, they can provide them to board EM: I think one opportunity for growth, when people and grow the Young Adult Patroller members or division directors, and we take I look back at the last eight or so years, is really Program, which in some divisions is moving for- action based on the feedback we receive from our pushing brand awareness. Over the last three or ward nicely and in others has not really gotten off membership. four years, I think the office has succeeded in the ground. We have a new Young Adult Patroller elevating our brand awareness and I look forward The last change that was approved had to do Program adviser, Paul Tourangeau, and I antici- to seeing that continue to grow. with the implementation of a new structure for pate him doing great things. I would encourage the Education Committee. This committee will I think one thing that helps is the new maga- as many patrols as possible to participate in that link together the board, the division directors, zine and its structure that appeals beyond the program. + and the office and allow them to work as a group to develop a plan for the review and modification of all of our educational programs and then implementation of those programs. The newly restructured committee will focus on developing the long-term plan for all of our programs. Sheila Summers and the program directors/supervisors/advisers will continue to run things at the operational level, while the committee will look a couple of steps down the road at where we need to be heading in the years ahead. The long-term plan could include anything from modifying our current programs to establishing totally new programs. For example, we could have a new program that comes out in the future that deals specifically with mountain bike patrols or bike patrols in general. SPM: Would you like to address the IT update and the timeline for where things are going with that? EM: Very briefly, I will tell you that after speaking to Chris Pringle, the chair of our national IT Committee, he indicated that the committee feels confident that by next summer we will have the new system up and operating. If all goes as planned, the registration and educational communications issues should largely be resolved. SPM: We are always looking for growth opportunities; what would you say about the growth primalwear.com opportunity with the Mountain Host Program and Outdoor First Care?

NSP.ORG 15 commentary From the

re-envisioning process. While Rob has been very instrumental in helping the snow sports industry, he is better recognized as a key strategist in the of John McMahon private sector for Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft, Coca-Cola, Merck, Strategic Organization American Express, and AT&T, as well as groups like the PGA Tour. NSP strategic plan offers map for future success The process itself included gathering important information from both small By Candace Horgan and large ski areas across the United States. Additionally, information was obtained from our key snow sports associations, including the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), the Professional Ski Instructors of America, (PSIA), and SIA. Finally, the information was obtained and synthesized This fall, the National Ski Patrol released its historic new strategic with our own leadership, including the NSP board of directors and division plan, a document that envisions a successful NSP in the year 2020. directors. The mission, “To help keep people safe on the mountain and during other outdoor activities,” is met by Vision 2020, which states, “Our From the data collection, a strategic hypothesis was developed and a special curriculum-based programs achieved the level of an industry leader, NSP Strategic Plan Committee was appointed that was made up of a select like OEC. We met the changing needs of our principal customers and number of board members and division directors. After reviewing the initial reached a point of financial, staffing and systems stability.” findings, the committee assembled in a lengthy strategy session in Denver to produce the first draft of the strategic plan. The plan also lists five strategic objectives. They are: The plan later went to the NSP board in September for approval and a nar- I. Make all of our curriculum-based programs current, accessible, rative was developed in October to provide commentary. In all, it was a very and easier to learn. disciplined process that is usually used in the private sector, and it was II. Enhance NSP value to our principal customers. completed well ahead of schedule. I don’t believe the NSP has gone into this III. Increase NSP brand awareness and depth of meaning among depth in understanding the snow sports environment today and where we our key constituencies. need to head tomorrow. I V. Establish a new IT platform and support its smooth operation SPM: The plan talks a lot about future success; what do you mean by that, throughout the organization. and what does that mean to the members? V. Continue to protect the independence of the OEC Program. JM: This comes at a very pivotal time for the ski industry. We have a number of key ownership and leadership positions in both ski areas and related Ski Patrol Magazine sat down with NSP Executive Director John associations changing right now. Additionally, you have demographic and McMahon to discuss the new strategic plan and its importance to the market shifts occurring to the industry’s core consumer. organization. While there are certainly challenges from these changes, there are many SPM: So, what is the overall importance of this new strategic plan? opportunities as well. Future success to the organization means the NSP JM: I feel that this is a very historic moment in this organization’s will be better able to adapt to the changing needs of the industry in order history. In reviewing many of our past documents, this is probably the to continue to be relevant and grow. To the member, future success means first time we’ve gone through this extensive of a process to develop a preserving and elevating the organization they love in addition to providing business plan that not only outlines the strategic objectives and vision members more effective tools to do their job, such as a more effective infor- for both the short and long term, but provides us guidance for all areas mation technology environment. at NSP. From this plan, we will be better able to develop stronger goals Two areas of the plan I would specifi- and tactics to meet the common strategic objectives. cally draw a member’s attention This approach alone will have the NSP better focused on core issues to would be first, the focus that will better advance the organization going forward, and staying on the NSP now has on its strategy is essential for any organization to meet its long-term vision. principal customers, the ski areas of America. It’s This updated mission and the strategic objectives go beyond just head- very clear that for the quarters; it provides guidance throughout the organization and a tool NSP to be relevant, we for better prioritizing, especially at higher levels, NSP’s work. need to be in sync with SPM: What can you tell the members about the process and how ski area management it might be different from previous strategic plans the board has and making sure that we created? develop products that meet JM: To begin with, we were very fortunate to be able to recruit Rob their needs. Smith, a highly accomplished strategist, to help guide the NSP through the comprehensive data collection, plan development, and facilita- tion of the final strategic plan. As many ski industry insiders know, Rob helped SnowSports Industries America on many key initiatives, including “Growth of the Snow Sports Industry” and SIA’s recent

16 NSP.ORG commentary

Second is the importance of a better functioning the frustration that we all are encountering with changes in the industry? IT system for members. The NSP can no longer our current environment. JM: The way it works is the strategic plan is a afford to put Band-Aids on a fairly complex sys- SPM: Where does the process go from here? tool to keep the NSP on track. However, it is a tem. Even though our membership is only 30,000, Has the plan been approved already? living document, and can continue to morph as the complexities of how we register and how new industry trends are discovered. Benchmarks we store data and even work with our education JM: The next piece is in process, which is the are being established and will be monitored on programs are fairly complex. team here at the national office putting together an ongoing basis, not just annually. its goals and tactics to fulfill those strategies, and As a result, the system has become over-custom- we expect to be presenting the first draft of that at SPM: Would you encourage the members to ized, with too many opportunities for broken the January board meeting. read the strategic plan and perhaps provide data. To compound the problem, there is a much feedback on it, either to their region and divi- higher need for help from the national office, We will use it as a template for all other areas of sion directors or the office? which has greatly elevated the phone volume. My the NSP to be following to ensure better con- personal feeling is that the IT system should be tinuity throughout the organization and that JM: I would definitely encourage them to read the the last thing a member has to worry about, and everything follows the core strategic objectives. strategic plan. It’s on the website, and can be read by clicking “About,” then “Mission.” Members having better, more available customer service is It’s an integrated approach similar to how many and key industry stakeholders have already vital. for-profit companies operate, and will better serve reached out to me and the feedback has been very By putting the IT system as one of our top five the NSP’s very diverse and complex association positive. In some cases, they have felt that this is objectives, it means we are putting resources into needs and aid in the upcoming budget process. what they’ve been wanting for some time from it right now, and building a new IT environment SPM: So, in an industry as dynamic as the ski the NSP. that will be more in line with a standard iMIS industry, is this something that we envision We’d also encourage them to email us with any database system, rather than over-customizing it. going through on an annual basis to see how ideas about the strategic plan and what can be It also means that the NSP will look at its proto- we are accomplishing the strategic plan and incorporated into it. cols very differently in the future so that it should whether it needs to be changed in response to + be a more simple, dependable system, and reduce

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aNotherBeStDaY NSP.ORG 17 BULLETINS

World Record Lesson planned as part of Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month Entering its eighth year, Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month (LSSM) has a big promotion planned to kick off the 2016 edition of LSSM. On Friday, January 8, 2016, at 10 a.m. local time, ski areas across the U.S. will be offering a beginner lesson to either skiers or snowboarders in an effort to set the Guinness Book of World Records for largest ski or snowboard lesson ever. LSSM is going after four records: largest single-venue ski lesson, largest single-venue snowboard lesson, largest multi-venue ski lesson, and largest multi-venue snowboard lesson. Participating areas and resorts are listed on www.skiandsnowboardmonth.org. If you have friends or family that have never skied or snowboarded before, or who are beginners, encourage them to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime event. This will not be an event where hundreds of beginners are paired with one or two instructors; rather, it is a mutli- venue plan. The Guinness Book of World Records will announce whether records have been set shortly after the event.

Renewed NSP sponsors The National Ski Patrol is proud to announce that several partners have renewed their partnership with the NSP for this year. Flow Sports uses only the best possible materials when making its products, and focuses on delivering the perfect balance between strength, durability, fun, and performance throughout its line of snowboards, bindings, and boots. Find Flow on the NSP Pro Deals Page today.

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8K Peak Technologies set out to sell specific products that work. NSP members can purchase items such as Thermacell heated insoles and the Fischer Transalp AT ski line through the NSP Pro Deals Page.

NSP Safety Team update January is Safety Month, so show us what your patrol is doing. Send pictures and video for us to post on social media to Cara Waite (née Crowley) at [email protected]. Take advantage of the NSP safety items, including NSP lanyards, Subaru neck gators, Smith Optics helmet stickers, and Adventure Medical Kits bandages (you only pay for shipping and handling) in the NSP Online Store. Hurry and order before supplies are gone!

18 NSP.ORG BULLETINS

January 23-24: Snowshoe Mountain Resort, West Virginia February 6-7: Boyne Highlands Resort, Michigan February 13-14: Copper Mountain, Colorado February 20-21: Summit at Snoqualmie, Washington February 27-28: Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, Oregon March 5-6: Boreal Mountain Resort, California March 12-13: Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Utah March 19-20: Copper Mountain, Colorado

WinterFest 2016: Subaru and NSP partner to NSP Social Media educate snow sports enthusiasts The pictures patrollers take on the mountain each day show unbeliev- The National Ski Patrol is excited to partner with NSP sponsor able sights and beautiful views. The National Ski Patrol has taken a Subaru to promote snow sports safety and education at Subaru’s new initiative in social media to help spread the knowledge of the WinterFest events during the 2015/2016 ski season. Subaru’s importance of patrollers through photos and other media. NSP can be WinterFest team will travel to ski resorts across the country bring- found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Flickr. Our number of fol- ing education, giveaways, and free activities for people to enjoy. lowers is growing each day, and with it, our worldwide reach grows as The 2016 WinterFest will have new Subaru owner benefits, so well. We encourage members to follow NSP on all of our social media bring your keys to the booth! The events were a huge success in sites and share what you do each day. A picture speaks a thousand 2014/2015, and helped deliver a message of safety, both on and words, and patrollers see the best scenery every day. off the hill. NSP is excited to partner with Subaru again for the Facebook: www.facebook.com/NationalSkiPatrol 2015/2016 season. Look for WinterFest at the following locations in 2016 (more to be announced): Twitter: www.twitter.com/NatlSkiPatrol January 9-10: Wisp Resort, Maryland Instagram: NatlSkiPatrol January 16-17: Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Utah Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/nspphotos BEING PREPARED EDUCATION AND PRODUCTS FOR MAXIMUM PROTECTION –Hansi Heckmair PHOTO

To learn more about special offers from Ortovox, visit www.nsp.org. For ordering, login-in at Member Services and go to the NSP Online Store or We show you how to stay safe – the NSP Pro Page. in the SAFETY ACADEMY LAB on ortovox.com NSP.ORG 19 division news

Central Division

Public TV covers Central Division

Michael Walenta patrolling the White Pine Stampede cross country race in Mancelona, Michigan. Photo by West Michigan Nordic patroller Kelly Godfrey.

Recently, West Michigan Region Director today were covered, including recruitment, and snowboarding would be like without the Chip Knappen hosted the Central Division training, and education. ski patrol. fall meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In Saenz, who is currently studying to be a para- Thomas discussed the quality of training conjunction with the meeting, WGVU Public medic, said, “I’ve always been intrigued by and how the entire year is planned from the Media (PBS and NPR) interviewed Central emergency medicine.” annual board meeting. Division Director John Thomas and local Pando patroller Alicia Cristina Saenz for News Director Patrick Center ran through a Michael Walenta, the West Michigan Region WGVU’s “Newsmakers” program. wide variety of topics during the program, MTR and Avalanche adviser, explained how including training, how patrollers do certain patrolling is diversifying into non-snow The weekly 30-minute program features things, how important “the cross” psychol- patrolling. people who make the news as they share their ogy is, dominoes of rescue, different injuries, extraordinary lives with viewers. During the When asked why patrollers do what they etiquette, the history of NSP, and what skiing show, various issues affecting ski patrollers do, Thomas was quick to respond with his ever-present smile, saying, “It’s the love of the sport!” In the preproduction of the program, Walenta, who by day is the general manager for WGVU, reached out to Melanie Hood, NSP’s marketing and development director. The two had several conversations regarding what issues should be addressed in the program from the national level. Melanie supplied several assets (some call them props) that were used in the program. One item that was covered is the national effort to get everyone riding the chairlift safely, especially children, via the “Sit Back and Hold On!” campaign. When asked about the different types of injuries for the different types of snow enthusiasts, Saenz did an excellent job explaining the various mechanisms of injury and the different injuries skiers and snowboarders experience. With Downton Abbey being such a main- stay on PBS, there had to be a discussion on etiquette, though perhaps not at the level that Lady Grantham and Mr. Carson exhibit! Thomas did assure viewers that the majority of people do understand the etiquette of the sport. You could tell he has often repeated the phrase, “Respect Gets Respect.” Center also read Your Responsibility Code,

20 NSP.ORG division news

Central Division

Michael Walenta at the starting corral of the White Pine Stampede. Photo by Kelly Godfrey. which was shown full screen. Thomas mentioned that this code has been around for over 40 years and the ski owners association is considering revising it and bringing it up to date. Michael Walenta at the White Pine Stampede. Photo by Kelly Godfrey. Thomas also explained the history of the ski patrol and how things began with Minnie Dole, moved through World War II with the 10th Mountain Division, and what the ski patrol is like today. The importance of helmets and why everyone should wear one was addressed. Thomas brought home the point that there is so much talk about concussion injuries in school sports, and how hitting your head on hardpack snow could yield the same results if a helmet isn’t worn. Other questions addressed included what it is like to be on the ski patrol, how rewarding it is, and whether it is like a family. Thomas explained, “There’s pride in wearing that jacket.” The program wrapped up with information on how one can join the ski patrol. You can view the program in its entirety at http://video.pbs.org/video/2365568697/ and listen to the radio segment at http://www. tinyurl.com/q2nvmoh. WGVU will be happy to allow any patrol and division websites to link to these pieces of content.

Michael Walenta West Michigan Region Avalanche and MTR Adviser General Manager, WGVU Public Media

NSP.ORG 21 division news

Far West division

Variety of education opportunities take center stage

Mt. Shasta patrol refresher. Photo by Bill Gibson.

Instructor continuing education event in Davis, California. Photo by Bill Gibson.

The instructors are ready to teach, the and once again the Dutch oven dinner on happier. This will be a great year, and we refreshers are done, our skis are waxed, Saturday night was one of the high points. will all enjoy the winter in the Far West and it is snowing. The Far West Division’s This event continues every year and is Division. members are ready for a great ski season. open to all patrollers. If you would like After four years of the worst drought that to attend a great event and visit Yosemite Bill Gibson most can recall, the weatherman is calling National Park, mark your calendar for next Far West Division Director for one of the strongest El Niño years there November and make your plans to explore has ever been. Boy, do we hope he is right, the park with other patrollers. and that it dumps all year long. As a final note on an accomplishment from This fall, our regions provided instructor last season, the Far West Division is proud continuing education programs for all the of the five patrollers that completed all the instructors in every NSP program. Each requirements to become Certified patrol- year, several regions combine this event lers. After many years of attending clinics in Davis, California, and with instruc- and tests, the five were awarded their NSP tors from all five regions, they continue to Certified numbers. assure that all the newest information is That is only the beginning; there are over made available, along with a bit of practice 30 patrollers entering the program this teaching time. year. As a side note, they are all Recruiting booth with Peter Lin at the Snowbomb show This year’s format allowed instructors in from the Southern California in San Francisco. Photo by Bill Gibson. several programs to recertify in as many as Region, and with Mark and Patty three disciplines. This was very popular, Giebel continuing to lead this and will likely be the model for all future program, we are sure most, if continuing education events. not all, will become Certified patrollers in the next few For over 30 years, the patrollers of the years. There are midwinter Nordic, Avalanche, and Mountain Travel clinics and a spring final and Rescue programs have met for the planned, so if you want to Far West Division’s annual Tri-Advisory work toward becoming a Conference. This year, we were again in Certified patroller, now may Yosemite National Park, and a special visi- be the time to start. tor was able to join us: Butch MacQueen from New York flew in to represent the The Far West Division is on national Nordic Committee. He shared track to provide education with our members the latest news from the in all the NSP programs. Nordic world, and it was a real pleasure to The snow is falling, and have him attend. after four years of below- average snowfall, the Dodge Ridge patrol refresher. Photo by Bill Gibson. With almost a hundred patrollers getting members could not be together, there were lots of things to share,

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NSP.ORG 23 division news

Professional division

Backcountry Access event at Arapahoe Basin draws patrollers, industry people BCA’s Bruce Edgerly demon- strating beacon interference. Patrol Magazine, vol. 31, issue 2), and issues Photo by Candace Horgan. with signal overlap in multi-burial search scenarios (see “Beacon Overload,” Ski Patrol Magazine, vol. 31, issue 1), and how to com- pensate for them. Edgerly demonstrated how a cell phone held directly against a receiving beacon can affect Inside at the BCA event. Photo by Candace Horgan. reception from a transmitting beacon. The cell the group talked of seeing people with beacons phone did not affect the transmitting beacon. who don’t know how to use them, and the This sparked a group discussion about what challenges with getting people to practice their kinds of phones affect beacons the most, and beacon searching skills. how far away to keep electronic items like During lunch (provided care of the A Basin Practicing a beacon search line. Photo by Candace Horgan. phones and radios from a transmitting beacon (20 centimeters) and a receiving beacon (50 staff), Edgerly gave a product line introduction Preseason practice can often help hone skills. centimeters when conducting a search). to BCA airbags, beacons, and rescue equipment, This was one of the reasons that almost 30 and briefly touched on airbag burial statistics people, including patrollers, retailers, journal- The talk on signal overlap led to a long and a study that showed that if 100 people are ists, and others gathered at Arapahoe Basin in discussion on search strategies in multiple buried, 22 will die without an airbag, while 11 Summit County, Colorado, on Oct. 8, 2015, for burial scenarios, and how marking functions will die with an airbag, plus another two might a preseason VIP “Super Clinic” hosted by staff on beacons often lead to operator error when die due to failed deployment of the bag. The from Backcountry Access. more than three people are buried. The recom- study was going to be presented in more detail mended way to search in such situations is to After quick introductions, Bruce Edgerly of the next day by Pascal Haegeli at the Colorado still focus on signal strength. BCA dove into a morning education session Snow and Avalanche Workshop, so Edgerly that focused on a variety of topics. First, he The morning session closed with a presenta- didn’t spend too much time on it, as many in covered issues with electronic interference tion and discussion on how to teach beacon the group were headed to the CSAW event. with beacons (see “Beacon Interference,” Ski searching skills to others. All the members in The group then watched a video shot at Crystal Mountain in Washington in 2012 of an inbounds burial, and the confusion that developed in the group of skiers (who were not acquainted with each other) as they attempted to locate a buried skier. In the afternoon, the group walked up to the upper parking lot at A Basin to practice beacon searching skills. A variety of drills were set up, including a single beacon search, a group search for multiple beacons, whereby much like a probe line a group of searchers lines up STEPSTEP and walks the debris path, not deviating until receiving a signal of 20 meters or less, and then two different multiple burial searches ITIT UPUP conducted by a single rescuer. One of the multiple burial searches was a THIS SEASON WITH demanding scenario conducted by BCA Sales Director Steven Christie in which six beacons THE APEX SKI BOOT SYSTEM were “buried” (in paper bags set on the ground, along with many dummy bags). This scenario FOR NSP MEMBER showed how focusing on signal strength, rather than using marking, is often the best strategy DISCOUNTS VISIT to work the debris field. Members of the group ApexSkiBoots.com/NSP2015 also got to try the signal suppression and big picture modes on a variety of Tracker 3 beacons provided by BCA. Overall, the event was a great refresher on Performance, comfort, and walkability... avalanche safety and beacon use in preparation for the ski season. DEMAND IT ALL! Ski Boot System Candace Horgan

24 NSP.ORG Rocky Mountain DIVISION Colorado Snow and Avalanche Workshop (CSAW) draws huge audience

The crowd at CSAW. Photo by Bill Cotton. Colorado Avalanche Information Center The Black Diamond booth at CSAW. Photo by Bill Checking out avalanche rescue gear. Photo by Bill Cotton. Director Ethan Greene. Photo by Bill Cotton. Cotton.

The 14th annual Colorado Snow and the weak layer, the fracture was halted. “On the Effectiveness of Avalanche Balloon Avalanche Workshop (CSAW) in Packs in Canadian Avalanche Incidents,” In other experiments, cutting the slab from Breckenridge, Colorado, was held on Oct. 9, published in August 2012 and available the top down showed that the proportion of 2015, and attracted hundreds of ski patrollers, online at http://www.avalancheresearch.ca/ the slab necessary for propagation decreased researchers, and practitioners. wp-content/uploads/2012/02/2012_Haegeli_ as the slab density increased. More results CndAvBalloonPart1.pdf. The session started with a spirited introduc- can be found in Birkeland’s paper published tion to the “Know Before You Go” program by in the Proceedings of the International Snow An avalauncher accident during mitigation Craig Gordon. Aimed at educating school-age Science Workshop, Banff, 2014, available work on Loveland Pass, Colorado, in late youth about avalanches, videos and even online at http://www.issw.net/2014.php and March 2014 was the impetus for several pre- “prizes” are available to aid instructors in titled “What Do Longer Tests Tell Us About sentations about designing blast shields and reaching this group. Instructors are being Fracture and Stability?” defining the effective range of blasts. recruited to expand this effort across the U.S. Dave Hamre calculated fracture propaga- John Stimberis presented on the challeng- A talk by Scott Savage, “How Memory tion speeds by analyzing videos of triggered ing rescue of a worker caught and buried in Works and Sometimes Fails Us in Avalanche avalanches. He found speeds ranging from a bulldozer on Chinook Pass in Washington. Terrain,” reminded us how fallible memories 19 mph to 187 mph, with an average of 79 The two rescuers worked their way down the are. He cited a control incident in which the mph. Later in the day, Hamre reflected on his extensive avalanche path using ski cutting supervisor “remembered” firing 12 -15 shots 40 years of avalanche work, recalling some techniques and throwing snowballs to release at the slope the day before; however, a review impressive moments, including a propagation several destructive size 2 avalanches until of the records showed that this was not the that traveled over 3 miles and across a ridge. they reached the worker. case. Savage advised that practitioners should Pascal Haegeli, Ph.D., gave a presentation The many vendors supporting the event gave be taking notes, pictures, and creating associa- on “Avalanche Survival vs. Length of Time participants a first-hand look at the latest in tions to keep accurate records. Buried,” using a comparison of Swiss data avalanche-related gear and rescue equipment. “Avalanches: Work and Play” was the topic with a recent analysis using Canadian data. Patrollers from all over the Rocky Mountain from Simon Trautman. He stressed find- He found that the graph made using Canadian Division and as far away as Central Division ing a balance and setting priorities, as there data had the same basic shape, but a faster used this time together to coordinate and are serious consequences and lessons to be drop in survival, likely due to more cases of plan courses, continuing education, and learned in avalanche work, even if there are trauma and the earlier onset of asphyxia in begin the groundwork for an interdivisional also many elements of fun. the maritime snowpack. Level 2 Avalanche course hosted in the Rocky Karl Birkeland showed several videos shot Haegeli also presented his analysis of Mountain Division. during his research for a presentation on “The avalanche survival statistics and airbag Similar SAWs sponsored by regional ava- Role of Slabs and Weak Layers in Fracture use. His work indicates that with proper lanche centers are scheduled across the U.S. Arrest.” The video clips taken during this use and maintenance, airbags could signifi- For dates, visit the website of your local research showed some impressive results. cantly reduce mortality rates. For a detailed avalanche center, and if you miss this year’s Using a propagation saw test, his group tried look at these results, you can read his offering, plan to attend these annual events removing sections of the weak layer and article, “An Up-to-Date Perspective on the next fall. interrupting the weak layer, neither of which Effectiveness of Avalanche Airbags,” pub- arrested the fracture. However, when they lished in The Avalanche Review, September Lin Ballard prevented the collapse of a small section of 2014, vol. 33, no. 1, or read the full paper, Bryan Mountain Nordic Ski Patrol

NSP.ORG 25 division news

ROCKY MOUNTAIN DIVISION

National Day to be held at Powderhorn Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Mesa, Colorado, will be hosting this year’s National Day on March 5, 2016. Make sure you mark this on your calendar or smartphone. It’s going to be a great time for patrollers, families of patrollers, friends of families of patrollers, people who’ve heard of patrollers, etc. Picture yourself driving in beautiful Western Colorado, 45 minutes east of Grand Junction, to the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-topped mountain. Upon arrival at Powderhorn, you can expect to find the small town, short lift lines, dry powder, bluebird skies, and the EPIC glade skiing that Powderhorn is famous for.

Brand new this year to Powderhorn’s arsenal The new lift at Powderhorn. Photo c/o Powderhorn Mountain Resort. is the Flat Top Flyer, a high-speed quad lift the top of the quad that won’t disappoint. In gorgeous Grand Mesa in Western Colorado. that cuts the 1,650 vertical foot ride up the between those, grab a smiling local and ask Join Powderhorn’s crazy dedicated branch mountain to around 6 minutes. The area has them to show you how to get to the “good of the National Ski Patrol for a whole lot of 63 runs sitting on 1,600 acres, only 600 of stuff.” meetin’, greetin’, eatin’, and competin’. Please visit www.powderhornnationalskipatrol. which are groomed, and most of the rest is a Patrollers in a jacket will ski FREE, and fam- org to RSVP and for more information and “choose your own skiable adventure.” ily members get the reduced rate of $40, while updates on the event, or www.powderhorn. National Day is a day to celebrate the hard $25 per person will get you in to the lunch com for information about the mountain. work patrollers do, make some connections, barbecue at the top of the mountain and beer Hope to see you there!! + some friends, some great stories, and fill and appetizers at the end of the day. your belly. There will be an “on-the-hill” So, the first weekend in March, bring a car- Brian Harrison poker run, toboggan races, and a barbecue at load to Powderhorn Mountain Resort on the Powderhorn Mountain Ski Patrol

CHAM REINVENTED

DYNASTAR CHAM 2.0 97

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Cover

CHAM REINVENTED

ShotHow to shoot like a pro (and get published!) By Scott Brockmeier

DYNASTAR The making of an image that you, your friends, and your family will They get to see places that many folks do treasure. not even know exist. They see these scenes There are tons of articles on the Web and in CHAM 2.0 97 at different times of the day that make the libraries that can give you all the techni- Ski patrollers possess an advantage that views magical. cal aspects of how to shoot a photograph. many people who attempt to capture images ¨ü NATIONAL SKI PATROL VERSATILITY PRO PURCHASE: Boring you with those details will com- do not have: they work day in and day out Think about it: how often does one get to ¨ü POWER To access our easy-to-use Dynastar Pro pletely miss the point of capturing an image in some of the prettiest places on the planet. see the early morning light with the crystals ¨ Program go to www.nsp.org, click NSP ü LIGHTWEIGHT MEMBER SERVICES, then NSP PRO PAGE. Born in Chamonix Mont Blanc NSP.ORG 27

Step back while you patrol and listen when your gut is telling you things like, “That is so beautiful,” or, “That is so unique.”

on the snow glistening in the foreground “It is 90 percent the ability to see and 10 Light with an amazing view and a deep cobalt percent the camera.” So for now, forget all Patrollers get to see some of the most amaz- blue sky in the background. the things that people in photography talk ing light, especially early morning before about, such as f-stop, high dynamic range, Let’s cover three strategies to practice that the patrol meeting. The best images are ISO, and the angle and refraction of light, can enhance the “wow” factor of your captured in either early morning light or and instead focus more on the ability to see. images, and, perhaps, get you a photo that is just before sunset. With the limited daylight magazine “cover-worthy.” Step back while you patrol and listen when during the winter and patrol schedules, we your gut is telling you things like, “That get to experience both types in scenes that is so beautiful,” or, “That is so unique.” that many people never get to experience. See Each of us has a different perspective on At both times of day, the colors are inten- the world that is unique and valuable. This When people discover that I’m a profes- sified due to the angle of the sun on the is what you are trying to capture. It is the sional photographer, one of the first things planet. Try your best to position yourself emotion of what you are seeing that attracts I am always asked is what kind of camera I with the sun rising or setting to your back your attention. Deep down in each of us, it shoot with. This question misses the most and be on the lookout for your own shadow is there, whether we want to recognize it or important aspect of photography. that might be displayed across the subject not. It is a matter of allowing ourselves to and shoot away. We all carry phones with Many of the world’s famous photographers, tap into that awe and wonder and capture cameras nowadays. That will work just including my mentor, John Fielder, state, that in a photograph.

Patrollers ride a chairlift in Montezuma Bowl at Arapahoe Basin. Photo by Scott Brockmeier as part of the NSP Promotion Photo Shoot. Enjoy the View! NSP’s 2016 photo contest starts now By Cara Waite

t’s that time of year again, when the snow starts falling, the Ilifts start hauling, and patrollers are back on the mountain. With every new season comes NSP’s highly anticipated photo contest, brought to you by GoPro. NSP’s talented membership that participates in the contest can win prizes that can enhance their skills, both creatively and on the mountain, such as a brand-new GoPro camera and new outerwear from Patagonia. This year, in an effort to enhance submissions and the contest itself, NSP has made a few changes. Take a minute to find out how these new enhancements can help you as you take part in NSP’s 2016 Enjoy the View! photo contest. Prizes: Every year, NSP selects a first, second, and third-place winner in each category of the annual photo contest. Our first- place winners have been awarded state-of-the-art GoPro cameras Patroller and Arapahoe Basin C-RAD dog Rio. Photo by Scott Brockmeier as part of the NSP Promotion Photo Shoot. to continue their photography skills on the mountain, while our second-place winners have been outfitted with a Patagonia jacket to keep them warm on and off the slopes. This year, NSP is proud to partner with HESTRA, offering a pair of gloves to our third-place winners. Much like our members are proud to fine. My bride has an iPhone 5 and with her individual perspective on take part in this unique and challenging photo contest, our part- the world, which is much different than mine, she is able to capture ners can’t wait to be involved as well. some amazing images. At times, I accuse her of trying to put me out of business! Categories: In 2014, NSP introduced an Instagram category to the annual photo contest in an effort to bridge the generation gap and find new ways to connect with its members. The Compose Instagram category was an outstanding success, bringing in over 400 photos in its first year. In 2015, the Instagram category There are libraries of books chock-full of ideas on how to best compose reached approximately 600 photo submissions on its own, prov- an image. There are two things to keep in mind when composing a ing the demand for a social media based contest. In an effort to photograph. First is the rule of thirds: simply put, an image should be continue evolving, NSP will subcategorize the Instagram sub- imagined as divided into nine equal parts, set by two equally spaced missions this year, giving members three more chances to win horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. Important big. Categories for the Enjoy the View! photo contest include compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their the traditional categories of Après Patrolling, Patrol Life, The intersections. Ski and Snowboard Experience, and video, along with the fol- The second thing is something I referred to earlier: perspective. It lowing Instagram categories: #SkiPatrolDogs16, #NSPYAP16, refers to how you are positioned to the subject or scene you want to #NSPPowderDays16, and #NSPPatrolHumor16. capture. Instead of shooting standing on skis or a snowboard, try to Submission: The National Ski Patrol is excited to announce an view the shot from a different perspective or angle. Kneeling or lying enhanced photo submission process for the 2016 contest. We down may allow you to capture more of the glistening snow in the heard your comments and have come up with a new solution for foreground, bringing a vastness to the image. Other ideas are to get submitting high-resolution photos. For the still photo and video on top of a snowcat or perhaps stand on the shoulders of a rookie to traditional categories of this contest, NSP will accept photo sub- get more of a top-down angle. What you are after is to make the view missions via WeTransfer. Instagram submissions will remain the unique and interesting. You get to be the judge of that! same. WeTransfer is an online file transfer that allows for quick Following the above landed me an image on the cover of the 2015 fall and easy photo submissions. Go to www.WeTransfer.com, click issue of Ski Patrol Magazine from the NSP Promotion Photo Shoot at on “Add files,” enter the recipient’s email ([email protected]), add Arapahoe Basin in Summit County, Colorado. It was a combined effort your own email, and add a message to the recipient containing of patrollers from our membership, the partners who supplied the gear, your member ID and the category you are submitting the photo and a good sense of humor from our NSP staff. for, then hit the transfer button. WeTransfer submissions will The point is to have fun with it and leverage the wonderful places we take the place of previous Flickr submissions. refer to as an office and amazing views that only you have the privilege On behalf of the staff here at NSP, as well as our partners, to witness, and, of course, practice, practice, practice. In the age of GoPro, Patagonia, and Hestra, we look forward to seeing your digital photography, images we don’t like can simply be deleted! + photos for the 2016 Enjoy the View! photo contest, and we wish you the best of luck!

NSP.ORG 29 Photo by Brendan McCue photo by Andrew Longstreth Photo by Morgan leech Photo by Scott Brockmeier ENJOY THE VIEW! NSP 2016 PHOTO CONTEST

Photo by tim parnell Photo by Brian Irwin Photo by Richard Boston

30 NSP.ORG Photo by Kelly Lister Photo by trent hightower Photo by Brendan McCue photo by Andrew Longstreth Photo by Morgan leech Photo by Scott Brockmeier ENJOY THE VIEW! NSP 2016 PHOTO CONTEST

Photo by tim parnell Photo by Brian Irwin Photo by Richard Boston

Photo by Kelly Lister Photo by trent hightower NSP.ORG 31 32 NSP.ORG Rescue practice. rescue Avalanche WinterTom Wood (r)ofPigeonMountainIndustries. Brian Taylor (l)ofColoradoMountain Collegeand Sunday session. Ted Brenner ofPMI(middle)andparticipantsinthe the hikeintoMarjorieBowl. A conference attendee enjoying Flight For Life Colorado Paramedic Billy Hanley instructs airway management. Flight ForLifeColoradoParamedicBillyHanleyinstructsairwaymanagement. The FlightForLifeColoradoLifeguard 2helicopterreadies toland. The mock scenario on Sunday.

2015 Search and rescue Conference teaches winter rescue, treatment Story and photos By Candace Horgan

Much like ski patrol, when the pager goes off and it’s time for a search and rescue in the backcountry, volunteers gather and give of their time, no matter the conditions or the hazards.

NSP MTR Program Director Myron Allen (r) instructs on building here is no substitute for real- and backcountry rescue techniques. an improvised toboggan. istic practice, especially for The three-day conference offered 15.5 search and rescue response. hours of continuing education credit Training and practice on for EMTs and paramedics. scenarios outside can prepare The conference fee was only $75, and responders for when things go included lunch all three days, break- south and they are sent on a rescue in fast on Saturday and Sunday, and a Thorrific conditions. dinner reception on Saturday. Steeply One of the best opportunities for discounted lodging was offered to con- Colorado search and rescue respond- ference participants at the Holiday Inn ers to get medical training and rescue in Frisco, Colorado. practice took place Nov. 13-15, 2015, Conference sponsors included in Summit County, Colorado. The the National Ski Patrol, Colorado sixth annual Flight For Life Colorado Mountain College’s Wilderness Search and Rescue Conference brought Emergency Medical Services Program, together over 40 responders from over and Pigeon Mountain Industries (PMI), 15 different search and rescue agencies a company that manufactures climbing for three days of training on medical

NSP.ORG 33 Evacuating a patient in Sunday’s mock scenario.

“I thought it was great to see people from so many agencies working so well together.” PMI staff teaches high angle snow anchors in Marjorie Bowl.

Attendee checks out an improvised snow trench in Marjorie Bowl.

and rescue equipment. The conference drew SAR responders with a wide variety of medical certifications, from basic first aid and search and rescue response to OEC-trained SAR responders and higher certification levels, such as EMTs, paramedics, and even some registered nurses. This year, the NSP was heavily involved in the entire conference. NSP Education Director Sheila Summers, NSP Mountain Travel and Rescue Program Director Myron Allen, and NSP Practicing traction splinting on Saturday. Communications Director Candace Horgan all served on the Search and Rescue Conference Planning Committee, along with Flight For Myron Allen volunteers to be in a hypothermia wrap. Life Colorado Program Director Kathleen Mayer, Flight For Life Colorado Outreach Coordinator D.J. Head, Flight For Life Colorado Business Operations Supervisor Norma Jean Mayes, Flight For Life Colorado Paramedics Billy Hanley and Chad Miller, Flight For Life Colorado Physician Advisor Dr. Brian Shields, Brian Taylor of Colorado Mountain College, and Tom Wood and Loui McCurley of PMI. Shelter improvisation in Marjorie Bowl. In addition to the members of the Search and Rescue Conference Planning Committee who

34 NSP.ORG Preparing a high angle lower on Sunday.

Evacuating a patient in Sunday’s mock scenario. taught at the event, the conference faculty included Dr. Regan Brockmeyer, an emergency medicine physician at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco, Colorado, rescue environment. It’s an honor to be able to John Snook, a Ph.D-prepared meteorologist provide this education to people in the SAR who works with the Colorado Avalanche community who give so generously of their Information Center and the Arapahoe Basin time, skill, and energy.” Ski Patrol, Linda Staubli, a clinical nurse educator with the Trauma Service at St. The conference consisted of two outdoor Anthony Hospital, and Dr. Jeremy DeWall, the “labs,” one on Friday and one on Sunday, medical director for Flight For Life Colorado’s plus a full day of medical instruction on Colorado Springs base. Saturday. Friday’s outdoor sessions, which were held in Marjorie Bowl and at Pass Lake Initial planning meetings for the conference on Loveland Pass near Arapahoe Basin Ski were delayed over a month due to the tragic Area, required attendees to choose one of crash of the Lifeguard 2 helicopter at Summit three labs: winter improvisation, high angle Medical Center on July 3, 2015. The crash snow anchors, or avalanche rescue. claimed the life of pilot Patrick Mahany and left Flight Nurses Matt Bowe and Dave Saturday’s morning sessions addressed the Repsher critically injured. Bowe returned new backboarding protocols that are being to work for Flight For Life Colorado shortly used throughout Colorado, altitude illness after the Search and Rescue Conference, and treatment, Colorado mountain weather, while Repsher, who has worked as a patrol- and tPA treatment for frostbite. The afternoon ler at Copper Mountain, still faces a long hands-on sessions included airway manage- recovery in the University of Colorado ment, treatment and immobilization for femur Hospital Burn ICU after suffering burns to 90 injuries, strategic shoveling, and beacon percent of his body. search strategies. A funding site has been established online at Sunday’s outdoor session was held at Pass https://www.gofundme.com/flightforlifeco to Lake, and was a mock avalanche rescue provide support to the families of those in the scenario that brought together all the various crash. Donations are welcome. components of the conference. Planning for the conference included discus- The conference also offered participants a sions on what rescue topics to address and chance to get their “Lift Ticket” punched. whether there should be an overall theme. The Lift Ticket is a Flight For Life Colorado Having covered some summer topics the pre- program that enables search and rescue vious year, it was decided to focus on winter/ responders to be flown by helicopter into snow rescue at this year’s conference. remote areas for rescue missions. They must undergo annual accreditation involving a Over the course of several conference calls ground safety video and training on how to and meetings that began in mid-August, the approach and enter the helicopter and use the planning committee focused the conference communications devices. in on a variety of winter rescue topics and themes. Two days before the conference began, a storm dumped 15 inches of snow on “Flight For Life demonstrates its commit- Arapahoe Basin and Loveland Pass, which ment to the search and rescue community provided an added challenge for practice. On every year with this conference, which is one Thursday, Hanley, Horgan, and Martin Barnett of the best things we do,” said Mayer. “We of PMI hiked into Marjorie Bowl to do some work hard to keep the cost low and provide site preparation and break trail in advance to engaging speakers who are experts in their ease access to the high alpine bowl. fields, and who can relate their content to the

NSP.ORG 35 Two “patients” in Sunday’s scenario.

Registration opened at 10 a.m. anchors (pickets, snow Friday, and by 11, those who flukes, and a bollard), were ready drove the 20 min- the snow flukes would utes to park at Arapahoe Basin fail first. Surprisingly, and start the 45-minute hike the bollard failed into Marjorie Bowl. The ava- first. The snow flukes lanche rescue session, taught by Attendees try the improvised toboggan. amazingly held over Hanley and Taylor, was moved group went down the rope and pulled on it 1,240 pounds, and higher up to Pass Lake, which offered quick to test the force required to make the anchors even with 10 attendees pulling on the access right off U.S. 6 and easy parking. fail. The pickets held up, even with 800 anchor, they never suffered a catastrophic failure. Based on these findings, it was clear Allen and Horgan taught the winter improv pounds of force, while the bollard, which if anchors have enough time to set up after session, which had the highest number of everyone thought would be the strongest proper installation, they can be more than people registered, with 19 signed up, though anchor, failed at 250 pounds. strong enough for low to mid-angle snow only 12 came out the first day. Another 10 “It was a real honor to work alongside the evacuations.” participated in the avalanche rescue session, fine folks of Flight For Life, the Colorado and nine in the high angle snow workshop. Mountain College, and the National Ski Allen taught three winter improv skills. In the latter, the participants got a chance to Patrol,” said Wood. “At PMI’s field session First, he and Horgan reviewed improvised try out several anchor systems that Barnett on Friday, we challenged attendees to try snow shelters, using a fortified snow trench had set up the day before, including a series and fail three snow anchors we had set up Horgan had dug the day before. Allen then of four snow pickets and two snow flukes. A the day before. Most felt that of the three showed how to create a hypothermia wrap rope was attached to a dynamometer, and a out of a tarp, two Therm-a-Rests, and three sleeping bags, and concluded his imrov session by building a makeshift toboggan out of a pair of skis and some rope. The participants greatly enjoyed riding down on the toboggan and testing how to control it using ropes and carabineers. “I thought it was great to see people from so many agencies working so well together,” said Allen. “It was really a pretty interesting idea to start off with a field exercise before we had any kinds of indoor presentations. It got everyone pretty well organized and oriented toward the whole event.” Some people gathered for an informal, no- host reception Friday night at the Holiday Inn to recap the day. Saturday’s session began early with an hour for a Continental breakfast at 7:30 a.m. DeWall started the medical presentations with spinal splinting recommendations. The protocols being followed by the counties for which DeWall serves as medical director incorporate some of the NEXUS protocols (see “Clearing the Spine,” Ski Patrol Magazine, vol. 31, issue 2). Cervical collars are applied only under certain criteria, which are: • Posterior midline cervical tenderness; ™ • Clinical evidence of intoxication; • Altered level of responsiveness;

36 NSP.ORG The group debriefs after Sunday’s mock scenario on Loveland Pass.

• Focal neurological deficits/complaints; and patient discomfort, among other reasons. Plus, our data shows that the use of protocols • Painful distracting injuries that prevent like ours has no detrimental effects on patients a patient from concentrating on spinal with spinal injuries.” assessment; and Shields discussed altitude illness, both in high • Age less than five years old or greater mountains (above 18,000 feet) and with local than 65. examples from Summit County of high-altitude DeWall also explained that in his coun- pulmonary edema (HAPE) and high-altitude ties, long spine boards are frequently being cerebral edema. The presentation made note replaced with vacuum splints, which pro- that all patients improved significantly with vide more cushioning. Sometimes, vacuum the application of high-flow oxygen, with splints are placed on a long spine board several cases of HAPE where patients could for added security during extended rescues walk out of the hospital after using oxygen for in the backcountry, and long spine boards an extended period. can also be used to move patients without After a quick break, Snook returned with a requiring the patient be kept on them after detailed presentation on weather patterns movement is complete. Patients are only and weather systems and how the jet stream placed on a vacuum splint or long spine responds to temperature fluctuations and cre- board if: ates weather patterns in the Rockies. He also • There is blunt trauma AND altered level looked at the El Niño and La Niña phenomena, of responsiveness (GCS <15); or and why forecasters are unsure what the sup- • Blunt or penetrating trauma AND spinal posed “Godzilla El Niño” might do this winter. neurologic complaint (numbness/motor After an hour lunch break, Staubli presented weakness); or on the administration of tPA (tissue plasmino- • Palpable deformity of the spine; or gen activator) for frostbite injuries. Tissue damage usually occurs due to tissue freezing • Significant mechanism of injury AND and then reperfusion. The dosage is important, any of: as slower administration via drips provides »» Clinical intoxication; or the best results, and it works best on frostbite patients who have weak or no pulses in the »» Inability to communicate; or affected tissue and show no improvement with »» Distracting injury such that the rapid rewarming. patient cannot concentrate on spinal The afternoon saw four hands-on stations, assessment. with groups of 10 rotating through each sta- DeWall explained that the following of these tion. Wood taught on avalanche beacon use, protocols has significantly reduced the use of Allen taught on strategic shoveling, Hanley the long spine board. Review of actual cases and Miller taught airway management, and shows that misses (cases where a patient had Horgan and DeWall taught on femur injuries a spine injury and was not immobilized) hap- in a station where Summers was a patient pen, but are rare, and his presentation ended with an open femur fracture where the bone with several case examples. had retreated back under the skin. The groups were challenged to stop the bleeding and then “The Teller County and El Paso County apply a Kendrick Traction Device and move Emergency Medical Services have been using Summers onto a vacuum splint. advanced spinal splinting techniques developed by myself along with our other regional The day closed with the 45-minute oppor- medical directors,” said DeWall. “Over the past tunity to get a “Lift Ticket” punched before year, we have had huge success in decreasing attendees went to the dinner reception at the the overall amount of spinal immobilization Backcountry Brewery in Frisco. of patients, including cervical collars, using Sunday’s session kicked off with a warm the NEXUS criteria. This decrease in spinal breakfast of eggs, potatoes, biscuits, and immobilization decreases the risk of airway sausage and bacon so that everyone could be compromise, pressure ulcers, patient agitation,

NSP.ORG 37 Airway management practice.

Attendees in Marjorie Bowl. Evacuating “walking wounded” in Sunday’s mock scenario. ready for an extended mock scenario at Pass one was a complete burial who had a femur on how to best evac that patient, with DeWall Lake. The session was led by Allen, Barnett, fracture and was going into shock, one was and Wood explaining the new protocols DeWall, Hanley, Horgan, Taylor, and Wood, a complete burial who had gone into cardiac that had been devised by doctors at the and involved an avalanche scenario where arrest and was revived with the application of International Commission for Alpine Rescue four people had been buried. Participants an AED and handed off after evacuation to a Conference the month before. These protocols signed up for one of three response teams: Flight For Life Colorado paramedic, and one call for five minutes of CPR followed by five avalanche hasty team, medical team, and tech was a complete burial who was buried deep minutes of transportation, then repeated, until rescue team. and DOA after extrication. the patient can be handed off to higher medical care. At the site, the hasty team went in first, The teams worked very well together, and conducting a beacon search to find the buried while there were some issues with triage, Initial feedback from the conference attendees victims. As an added challenge, the report- the entire scenario took only 58 minutes. A was very positive, with most sessions receiving ing party, when left alone, wandered off and debrief with pizza followed back at Colorado scores of four or five (on a scale of five). turned his beacon back on, then started to Mountain College, and gave the team members “I really enjoyed the interaction with all the develop symptoms of HAPE. Of the four bur- an opportunity to discuss what went well and other people,” said Juan Herraez, a search ied victims, one was a partial burial who had a what could be improved. and rescue responder with Pueblo County, humerus fracture and stage one hypothermia, The cardiac arrest patient led to a discussion Colorado. “The instructors were great. I enjoyed the outdoor scenarios, especially the rescue today, and the weather was great.” The planning committee will meet again in January to discuss the conference evalua- PERFOMANCE tions and plan next year’s conference. Initial thoughts are to have an alternating summer and winter theme for the conference. There is UNDER also discussion about possibly involving a helicopter landing at the site for the mock scenario PRESSURE on Sunday, and even a “hot load” of a patient. “The sixth Annual Flight For Life Search and SPRING 2016 Rescue Conference was once again a huge A shot of success,” said DeWall. “This conference is cer- refreshment tainly my favorite to attend and be involved in from the palm because of the great technical hands-on search and rescue training combined with leading of your hand wilderness medical care topics. It is always a pleasure to work with industry leaders along with search and rescue members from throughout the state during this conference. I always learn an abundance of knowledge that is immediately applicable to our emergency medical services agencies back home.” This conference continues to grow and improve, and all participants find it filled with invaluable techniques and skills that they can bring back to their home rescue squads. Information will be posted in the spring on the www.GEIGERRIG.com 2016 Search and Rescue Conference at http:// www.flightforlifecolorado.org/flc/trainings- and-outreach/sar-conference/. +

38 NSP.ORG A Subaru doesn’t take snow days.

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Subaru is a proud sponsor of the National Ski Patrol. Learn more at subaru.com/nsp

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NSP.ORG 39 40 NSP.ORG NSP.ORG 41 2014/2015

National Outstanding Awards Winners

Patrols and patrollers who lead by example By Candace Horgan

hough drought hit resorts hard in 2014/2015, down from the previous year, but standard all of us can strive to attain. California, Oregon, and Washington still a respectable number. last season, with resorts like Mt. Each division nominates two judges to vote on TBaker in Washington closing very As always, members of the National Ski the awards. The judges view anonymous nomi- early, the East and Midwest expe- Patrol (NSP) were working diligently on the nations, and each one is scored by the different rienced incredible skiing, while the Rockies hill to improve slope safety and help and judges based on the criteria for the award. Each mainly had an average snow year, which treat injured skiers and riders. Once again, judge sends a summary of the points they assign still produces exceptional skiing. An esti- the NSP wants to recognize those patrols and to the nominees in each category, and the results mated 53.5 million skiers hit the slopes in patrollers that achieved excellence and set a are then tallied from the point scores.

42 NSP.ORG Snow Summit National Ski Patrol

Outstanding Large Alpine Patrol history and organization. Snow Summit National Ski Patrol The patrol is active with training not just for its members, but for others Division: Far West in the region. For the past several years, the patrol has put on an OEC Year Activated: 1952 instructor refresher for almost 100 OEC instructors. The patrol has Total Lifts: 13 offered five Instructor Development courses for patrollers in the region After finishing as the runner-up in this category last year (2013/2014), over the last two years, and has offered six days of MTR courses. the Snow Summit National Ski Patrol has been named the winner for Off the hill, 15 members of the patrol are American Red Cross or Outstanding Large Alpine Patrol for 2014/2015. American Heart Association CPR instructors. During the season, the The leadership numbers of the patrol not just to their fellow members, patrol hosts Boy Scout troops almost every weekend and assists the but to others in their region, are impressive. On a patrol with 202 Scouts with achieving their Snow Sports merit badge. The patrol also members, 58 are Senior, 28 have National Appointments, and seven are assists with mountain bike competitions held at the area during the Certified. summer months that attract competitors from all over the world. Members of the patrol have served as national Instructor Development Runner-Up: Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol, of the Eastern Division, Committee members, assistant division director, division board received a Silver Unit Citation as the runner-up for Outstanding Large member, division Instructor Development Program supervisor, region Alpine Patrol. section chief, region Outdoor Emergency Transportation Program Side Note: The patrol has a partnership with the local ambulance supervisor, region Certified Program supervisor, region Outdoor service whereby an ambulance and crew are stationed at the base of Emergency Care Program supervisor, region Senior Program supervisor, the mountain during holidays, weekends, and events. This decreases region Mountain Travel and Rescue Program supervisor, and more. response time by 15 minutes, and has improved patient care. In addi- In addition to the runner-up status in 2013/2014, a member of this tion, two members of the patrol are flight paramedics with the local patrol was named Outstanding Alpine Patroller that same year. In the helicopter emergency medical service. previous four years, members of this patrol have also been named Outstanding Administrative Patroller and Outstanding Patroller, and have also claimed many division and region awards, including Outstanding Small Alpine Patrol Far West Division Outstanding OEC Instructor, Far West Division Bear Valley Ski Patrol Outstanding Paid Patroller, Far West Division Outstanding Large Division: Far West Alpine Patrol, Far West Division Outstanding Administrative Patroller, Year Activated: 1967 Southern California Region Outstanding Male Alpine Patroller, Total Lifts: 8 Southern California Region Outstanding Female Alpine Patroller, and Located 50 miles from the nearest emergency care facility, the Bear Southern California Region Outstanding Paid Patroller. Valley Ski Patrol is proactive about ensuring access to higher-level On the hill, each member of the patrol is required to participate in a care when needed. The patrol has access for transport via both heli- minimum of 20 hours of skiing or snowboarding continuing educa- copter and ambulance. Additionally, the director of the patrol at this tion, toboggan handling, OEC, search and rescue, risk management, resort (staffed by both volunteers and paid members) solicited the and skier awareness training, which after satisfying candidate demands mountain’s local fire department for EMTs who could work in the seems easy. Candidate patrollers for this patrol complete 24 hours of first aid room. This led to additional cross-training between patrol- preseason training and orientation, then work as a team training for lers and the EMT program. 12 weekends to become patrollers. Candidates undergo 75-80 hours Testing is rigorous, with both volunteer and paid candidates having of toboggan training, 24 hours of skiing or snowboarding proficiency to pass five professional-based rescue scenarios that are judged by training, 16 hours of risk management training, and two hours of NSP the professional patrol, then up to five additional on-hill rescues

NSP.ORG 43 Bear Valley Ski Patrol of guests who sustain substantial injuries Lode Region Outstanding Instructor (non- and snowboarding safety. The patrol also that require immobilization on a long spine OEC), Mother Lode Region Outstanding promotes safety on the hill during Safety board and oxygen administration. Young Patroller, and Mother Lode Region Week by teaching the public about Your Outstanding Patrol. Responsibility Code and staffing a booth Members of the volunteer patrol include that coordinates the effort and answers a trauma surgeon, a doctor, and a nurse The members of this patrol undergo inten- general questions from the public about practitioner, and members of the patrol have sive training in many programs. The patrol snow safety. served the region as medical adviser, trea- runs a 90-hour OEC class for its candidates, surer, and on the awards review board. The and then the OET program runs for 14 days The patrol has worked at the Endeavor Team professional patrollers joined the volunteer with a practical final. Challenge, an event in which 150 athletes patrol, rather than the NSP’s Professional compete in two-person teams in a 30-hour With all the training these patrollers Division, and train with the volunteers at challenge over 40 miles of terrain. The patrol undergo, it is no surprise that they often the annual OEC refresher. has also provided coverage at a local Tough assist outside their mountain. They have Mudder and at a Firecracker 10K. The patrol has won many awards in recent worked on a school program for Safety years, including Mother Lode Region Week that targets elementary school chil- Further, members of this patrol work on Outstanding Alpine Patroller, Mother dren that teaches them aspects of skiing a local search and rescue team, with the

44 NSP.ORG in every season.

NSP.ORG 45 local fire department, and on the local patrol’s candidate class. Community Emergency Response Team His patrol, recognizing his extensive admin- (CERT) that educates people about disaster istrative work on behalf of both the patrol preparedness. and region, does not require him to work Runner-Up: Sterling Forest Ski Patrol, of patrol shifts, but he still works as an active the Eastern Division, received a Silver Unit patroller on his hill, working the normal Citation as the runner-up for Outstanding number of shifts and even volunteering to Small Alpine Patrol. serve above the required number of shifts. Side Note: Over 60 percent of the patrol has He has served on the Southern Division advanced medical training, including three board of directors since 2012, and as the doctors, six registered nurses, one para- region director of the Virginia Region since medic, one Wilderness EMT, and 13 EMTs. 2012, and was previously the assistant region Two members of the patrol also serve on the director. Shortly after winning Outstanding division’s Medical Committee, an advisory Administrative Patroller, he was named group that monitors developments in prehos- Southern Division assistant division director. pital care and new medical equipment and Outside of patrolling, Byron is an EMT and evaluates their potential applicability to ski EMT instructor, and is former president of patrol needs. his volunteer fire department. He is also an attorney on the appellate staff of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division. He brings Outstanding Administrative Patroller Tom Byron Tom Byron his litigation experience to bear as a member of the Southern Division Legal Committee, on Patrol: Massanutten updates and schedules the updates with which he has served since 2007. Division: Southern meeting the convenience of the instructors as a goal. Previously, he was awarded the Southern An OEC instructor since 2001 and OEC Division Outstanding Administrative instructor trainer since 2009, Tom Byron He is the lead IT for his patrol, and men- Patroller award. is also a region IT, and frequently travels tors OEC instructor candidates. He also around the Southern Division to work on serves as the OEC instructor of record for the Runner-up: Sharon Crockett, of the Nubs quality management for training standards patrol’s annual refresher, teaches elements Nob Ski Patrol in the Central Division, at other resorts. He also teaches instructor of the refresher, and also teaches OEC to the received a Silver Merit Star as the Photo: Adam Clark

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©2016 Implus LLC. Yaktrax® is a registered trademark of Implus LLC. 11.15 NSP.ORG 47 runner-up for Outstanding Administrative Patroller. Side Note: Crockett, a region Instructor Development adviser, helps coordinate two “Know the Code” programs at her area. In one, a volunteer patroller will meet every school bus that comes to the area and review Your Responsibility Code with the students on the bus. On the weekends, she helps with the card program, in which all the patrollers on duty receive a trading card that they can then hand out to a young skier that they observe following the code; the cards can be redeemed for a cup of hot chocolate.

Outstanding Alpine Patroller Jason Tamulen Jason Tamulen patrolling skills professionally as a risk Patrol: Wachusett Mountain manager in the film industry to help protect Division: Eastern cast and crew while working in extreme A member of the NSP Safety Team, Jason conditions, Moore returned to patrolling and Tamulen also serves as a trainer/evaluator for in one season completed all nine Certified the OEC Module of the Senior Program and modules and got his instructor recertifica- has taught at local and region OEC refresh- tions in OEC, OET, and CPR. ers, as well as served as lead instructor at region instructor refreshers and a region OEC Enhancement Seminar. Outstanding Patroller Gerald Hyson He started his patrol career as a junior, and Patrol: Wachusett Mountain after a 14-year break for work and starting Division: Eastern a family, he returned, and within one year had become an OEC and OET instructor and A member of the NSP for 29 years, what accomplished all requirements for Senior. has set Gerald Hyson apart is his ability to train the next generation. After completing Within five years of returning to patrolling, Avalanche and MTR courses, Hyson became he had become an OEC instructor trainer, an OEC instructor and trainer/evaluator, an and helps run the candidate OEC class for OET instructor, and achieved Senior. his patrol as the instructor of record. Shortly after joining the patrol, he volun- As part of his work with the Safety Team, teered to lead the Young Adult Program Tamulen attended Powderfall at Canyons at his hill and quickly made it into a very Resort in Utah in 2015 and gave a presenta- popular program, so much so that there was tion on social media marketing and Safety a waiting list of kids who wanted to par- Team activities. He also, along with other ticipate. Hyson created structured but fun members of the Safety Team, worked at the programs that engaged the juniors, and often registration table and volunteered on the hill at the Five Card Draw Poker Challenge. On the hill, he worked with mountain management to develop a “Know the Code” video that is available on the mountain’s website. It is also shown to any skier that is stopped for violating the code. Outside of the NSP, Tamulen works as a police officer and is a certified field-training officer and instructor for rape aggression defense. He is an EMT Basic and has also volunteered for the city’s marathon, where he has served as a team zone captain over- seeing a team of 10 medical volunteers. Runner-Up: David Moore, of the Bear Mountain Ski Patrol in the Far West Division, received a Silver Merit Star as the runner-up for Outstanding Alpine Patroller. Side Note: After a 12-year sabbatical from patrolling during which he used his Gerald Hyson

48 NSP.ORG these juniors placed in the top 10 and even is deeply involved in the Certified Program, top three at division student seminars. Many and often travels to events in his region as a of these young adults went on to become Certified Program trainer in all disciplines adult patrollers. and head judge for the medical and toboggan portions of the Certified exam. He later brought these skills to bear as a region and division YAP adviser, spending Outside of the patrol, he works with the U.S. long hours planning YAP seminars and trav- Adaptive Recreation Center as a ski shadow eling around both the region and division and fundraises for the program by riding the to create the best experiences for students over 300-mile Peak2Peak Mountain Bike attending these seminars. Classic bicycle race, raising over $5,000 annually. He also volunteers with Habitat for During the season, in addition to his YAP the Humanity and Impacting Hearts. duties, this patroller has spent two nights a week working in the aid room and often vol- Caldwell was also chosen to teach an over- unteers to cover extra shifts. He is always the the-side rescue session at an FBI training go-to person for new candidates working the event at the resort. aid room, and has trained many candidates. He received a National Appointment in After retiring from his job, he became an 2005. He was named Outstanding Paid EMT and volunteers with a local ambulance Patroller in both his region and division service, and also works as a CPR instructor, in 2014, and was also Southern California skills he has brought back to the patrol by Region Outstanding Certified Patroller that helping them to recertify in CPR. He also vol- Tom Caldwell year. unteers at the Winter Special Olympics. his PowerPoint program to reflect the new Runner-Up: Paul Hansen, of the Hyson received a National Appointment in features in the park. Massanutten Ski Patrol in the Professional 1994, a Meritorious Service Award in 2003, Division, Southern Region, received a Silver He also teaches snowmobile safety and pull- and a Distinguished Service Award in 2010. Merit Star as the runner-up for Outstanding outs to members of the paid staff each year, He also received Yellow Merit Stars in 1994, Paid Patroller. and teaches rope safety and over-the-side 2001, and 2008. rescue to members of the paid and volunteer Side Note: A patroller for over 20 years, Runner-Up: Douglas Reid Roper, of the staff annually. Hansen is an OEC instructor and instruc- Appalachian Ski Patrol in the Southern tor trainer, an MTR instructor trainer, and a Caldwell, a Certified patroller since 2000, Division, received a Silver Merit Star as the runner-up for Outstanding Patroller. Side Note: This patroller is an emergency education professional and developed programs that help the patrol collaborate with other emergency agencies. He has also helped incorporate the Incident Command System into the patrol’s operations and integrated the patrol with surrounding response Freedom RS 130: This is Freeride agencies.

Outstanding Paid Patroller Tom Caldwell Patrol: Snow Summit Division: Professional Division, Far West Region SKIER'S Tom Caldwell, the runner-up in this cate- CHOICE gory in 2014, is this year’s Outstanding Paid Patroller. On his hill, he runs the annual on- hill lift evacuation training for his patrol, and at the request of resort management, he wrote the standardized curriculum. He chooses and trains 20 instructors, and coordinates the activities for the full-day training session. He serves as a lead accident investigator at his resort, and helped to develop many of the resort’s risk management procedures Burly 130 Flex and techniques. He developed a standard- Rigid Carbon Construction ized program on risk management for Custom Intuition® Liner features in the terrain park, and instructs Interchangeable Vibram® Soles patrol staff on it annually, always updating

NSP.ORG 49 lift evacuation instructor trainer. He spends two patrollers received a Meritorious announcement videos from the patrol almost every weekend teaching an OEC class Service Award. Members of this patrol cabin and on the trails that emphasize in the fall, and on the hill teaches OET and have served as the national Alumni outdoor safety. The patrol has also done Intro to Patrolling. He also teaches lift evacu- adviser, editor of the NSP Alumni Manual, outreach with a local newspaper journalist ation to the summer staff. division Nordic adviser, division Alumni to spotlight events in the area and did an adviser, and region Nordic adviser and in-town presentation on winter clothing MTR adviser. and winter safety. Outstanding Nordic Patrol Willamette Backcountry Ski Patrol The patrol runs frequent trainings, includ- Outside of the patrol, members have ing training on specialized skills such given outdoor recreation talks at local Division: Pacific Northwest as map and compass, GPS, snow shel- schools and to Scout troops, and received Year Activated: 1986 ters, and MTR Level 1 and Level 2, and an invitation to host a Girl Scout group Area Covered: 30 miles of trails also conducts division-level Nordic Ski at the patrol cabin for a snowshoe hike. A small patrol, with only 14 patrollers to Enhancement Seminars. The patrol also hosted a local ski shop’s cover many miles of terrain on U.S. Forest “Moonlight Ski and Snowshoe” at its site; Because of their experience driving in poor Service land, this patrol still provides 47 people came and were divided into skill road conditions in the winter to get to their service for over 1,000 visitors. The patrol levels for a full moon hike. area, several of the patrollers were called cabin lacks running water and electricity, in 2014 to help transport doctors, nurses, Runner-Up: Allegany State Park Nordic so the patrol uses 5-gallon water jugs to and staff to the local hospital or from the Ski Patrol, of the Eastern Division, give water to visitors, and gets heat from a hospital to home during extreme winter received a Silver Unit Citation as the wood stove to heat water for complimen- conditions. runner-up for Outstanding Nordic Patrol. tary tea and hot chocolate. The patrol also provides coverage in the Side Note: This patrol works year round, As part of their agreement with the Forest summer to an ultra marathon race that patrolling cross country ski trails in the Service, the patrol provides it with sta- includes five summits. The patrol carried winter and bike and foot races in the sum- tistics on the number of day visitors and food and water, as well as first aid supplies mer. Several members of the patrol have overnight snow campers. including oxygen, approximately three served at the region and division level, The patrol has previously been recognized miles to their station on the race at mile including division Instructor Development as Pacific Northwest Division Outstanding 49.8, 12 miles from the finish line. supervisor, region Instructor Development Nordic Patrol (2014). That same year, four supervisor, Senior trainer coordinator, and One member of the patrol is a TV meteo- members of the patrol received national region director. rologist who has created public service 20-year service recognition, and in 2013,

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50 NSP.ORG Runner-Up: Yuzo Kanomata, of the Mt. Blaszkowski was then asked to take a Pinos Nordic Ski Patrol in the Far West leadership role in improving the ski skills Division, received a Silver Merit Star as of his patrol, which he did through the the runner-up for Outstanding Nordic introduction of organized lesson plans, Patroller. level-appropriate ski training based on individual needs, movement analysis Side Note: Kanomata independently researched various over-the-side kits by talking to search and rescue teams and vendors, then changed the protocols, procedures, and training for the patrol so that it now has a state-of-the-art system for raising and lowering toboggans in steep, technical terrain.

Outstanding Instructor Marty Blaszkowski Patrol: Pine Knob Division: Central After joining his local patrol, Marty Scott Waller Blaszkowski got on the fast track to Outstanding Nordic Patroller achieving Senior, completing his Senior Scott Waller requirements in under three seasons, all Patrol: Cascade Backcountry while helping improve the ski training Division: Pacific Northwest of his fellow candidates and trainers, as Having started his patrol career as an he had joined the patrol after becoming alpine patroller with a secondary Nordic a Professional Ski Instructors of America Level III instructor. patrol membership, Scott Waller later Marty Blaszkowski transferred his primary membership to a Nordic patrol, on which he currently serves as assistant patrol director. A former volunteer firefighter and EMT, Waller attended the National Avalanche School in 2009 and is both an Avalanche and MTR instructor, serving as the MTR Level 2 instructor of record for his patrol PHOTO: OSKAR ENANDER the last two years. PHOTO: OSKAR ENANDER In addition to his patrolling activities, he serves on a local search and rescue team comprised of patrollers. In collaboration with that team, he helped build and install avalanche warning signs at three trailheads within the team’s coverage area. There are two types of signs: one has text and pictures that alert travelers to terrain hazards and summarizes the tools and requisite knowledge travelers should have before entering that terrain, while the other contains a transceiver checker and data log to track the number of travelers versus the TEAM ATHLETE: ERIC HJORLEIFSON number of people wearing transceivers. WRANGELL 3-FINGER MITT The latter is powered by solar batteries. The SAR team then sought and was granted permission from the Forest Service to install the signs on Forest Service lands; more signs are planned at other Forest Service trailheads and the backcountry access points at a local alpine ski area. THE EMPYREAN COLLECTION BY GORDINI: A SERIES OF PREMIUM HAND WEAR MADE FROM ONLY THE FINEST MATERIALS AND LEATHERS. UNMATCHED QUALITY, UNPRECEDENTED COMFORT, UNPARALLELED STYLE. As part of his outreach efforts, Waller has given presentations on the signage efforts GORDINI.COM to national search and rescue programs.

NSP.ORG 51 training for trainers, and lesson progres- tests, and multiple on-hill clinics for region Outstanding OEC Instructor sion plans and frame-by-frame video trainers on skiing skills. Wayne Wong analysis with candidates. He also created He has served as a region adviser for video Patrol: Mammoth Basin Nordic weekly 2-3 hour “train the trainers” ski analysis, as a member of a section on-hill Division: Far West lessons to improve the competence of the evaluation team, and as the assistant patrol entire patrol ski training staff. A patroller for 40 years, Wayne Wong has director for on-hill training. In 2014, he was been an OEC instructor since the program’s Last season, the patrol candidates and Senior named Eastern Michigan Region Outstanding creation. He has served as an OEC instructor of candidates had a 100 percent pass rate Patroller. record for the past 20 years, and also annually thanks in part to his willingness to spend Outside of NSP, he leads a local adult ski conducts region OEC pre-refresher clinics as extra time teaching skills to candidates. race team; many team members are either part of his work as an OEC instructor trainer. Some of his training techniques have since patrollers or ski instructors. He also provides been imported to other patrols in the region. He is always striving to improve OEC, and ski skills training for trainers/guides of adap- has introduced both the NuMask and the Blaszkowski also developed a comprehen- tive skiing groups at a local area. Slishman Traction Splint through trainings in sive video training system (see “You’re Runner-Up: James Pruett, of the Mt. his region. He teaches OEC at the division’s on Camera,” Ski Patrol Magazine, vol. 32, Waterman Ski Patrol in the Far West annual Tri-Advisory Conference in Yosemite issue 3) that includes procedures, lesson Division, received a Silver Merit Star as the National Park. plans, equipment, and storage and security runner-up for Outstanding Instructor. protocols. He has further shared this system Wong has taken his OEC instructing skills at multiple Ski Trainers Workshops across Side Note: In addition to teaching OEC, outside NSP as well. He has facilitated OEC the region. MTR Level 1 and Level 2, Avalanche Level 1 training for multiple agencies, including the and Level 2, and OET, this patroller teaches National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Among his instruction accomplishments avalanche beacon clinics to local chapters Management, and the Forest Service. He works are a region Senior hill test, a region Skiing of the Forest Service, and discusses train- for a major motion picture studio, and has Enhancement Seminar, a region Ski Trainers ing methods with the local Forest Service instructed 300 people at the studio in OEC as Workshop, a region “Bumps and Steeps” at patrol refreshers. His Avalanche classes part of training to be a Community Emergency Toboggan Enhancement Seminar, a 12-week are open to local search and rescue teams Response Team. He also serves on a search and on-hill clinic for patrol trainers, serving as for review and basic avalanche rescue skills rescue team. an evaluator for section alpine patroller hill refreshers. Further, he promotes OEC at the local annual Move Quickly.

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Cascade Rescue Company Get your pro deal on helmets, goggles cascade-rescue.com and sunglasses at NSP.org FOR EVERYTHING RESCUE 844-414-RESQ NSP.ORG 53 Ski Dazzle Ski Show and instructs OEC topics Gagon stepped up and became a certified at the annual national SAR City conference in CPR instructor, and annually offers full CPR Barstow, California. certification classes for both the patrol and patrol candidates. He also teaches CPR in the Wong is a Senior in both alpine patrolling and community to schools and corporations. Nordic patrolling, and has served as a Senior Emergency Management evaluator. As part of his SEM evaluating, he trains Senior candi- Outstanding Patrol Representative dates for the SEM test. Jim Murphy Wong is a patrol representative for a Nordic Patrol: Bear Mountain patrol and imported the Nordic Masters Division: Far West Program to his region. He has also served as a After participating in one of the first OEC region section chief, a region awards banquet hybrid courses, Jim Murphy became an OEC chair, a region board representative, and as a instructor to help improve the program. He Nordic OET instructor and instructor trainer. served as an instructor of record for two years He received a National Appointment in 1997. for a hybrid course, then became an OEC Wong is also an EMT and an American Heart instructor trainer and a Senior OEC trainer/ Association CPR instructor. evaluator. Runner-Up: Paul Gagon, of the Wintergreen After being named assistant patrol director Ski Patrol in the Southern Division, received after serving only two years on the patrol, a Silver Merit Star as the runner-up for Murphy became the assistant candidate Outstanding OEC Instructor. adviser. He then finished his Senior, and after Side Note: When his patrol was looking that became patrol rep. Wayne Wong for more ways to offer CPR recertification, As leader of the patrol, Murphy has focused on patrol development through recruitment and personal development of current patrollers. He utilized funds from a local community college fund to support the program and expand the quality and quantity of patrol- This Can Save A Life… lers serving in the region. Essential Emergency information One of his recruitment tools has been “Ski AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY when it’s needed. with a Patroller Day,” which has enrolled 104 participants, 41 of whom went on to become Medical Data Carrier (MDC) is a unique, bilingual, medical candidates. Over the last three seasons, 62 Information system that provides critical lifesaving data about the patroller candidates have trained, and 47 now wearer, as well as provides crucial family contact information, serve on the patrol. in the event of an emergency. The highly visible, secure and aerodynamic carrier attaches to the individual’s Under Murphy, this patrol leads the region helmet, gear & identification. Applications and division in recruitment rate, and has are endless! an 85 percent retention rate. Another of his recruitment tools has been to transition mountain hosts into the OET Program on the hill, then get them into OEC, which has moved 18 candidates into the program. For patroller development, Murphy has encouraged his patrol to pursue higher train- Medical Data Carrier Includes ing. Seven have become Certified or Senior, and another eight are currently in those train-  High Visibility Reflective Carrier with Non Exothermic ing programs. To encourage the training, he Proud Partner Adhesive Safe on All Helmets has secured college program funds to support 2 Sided Data Form three scholarships for Senior and Certified  training. Murphy also encourages his patrol-  Free MDC App with Find a Hospital and SOS Function lers to become instructors; 11 have become OEC or OET instructors. To learn more or purchase your MDC visit… To get more of the patrol involved nationally, www.MedicalDataCarrier.com Murphy promoted Powderfall to his patrol, and 13 of his patrollers attended the event at Canyons Resort, Utah, in April 2015.

54 NSP.ORG 800.890.3092 | www.BoundTree.com Division YAP Seminar, and also placed first in OEC at the event. She regularly attends region and division young adult seminars. She has also participated in Toboggan Enhancement Seminars. A student ambassador for incoming freshmen at her high school and the captain of her swim team for two years, Lent is not only one of the top swimmers in her state, she is also on

Jim Murphy her school’s championship- winning softball team. She Murphy earned a Blue Merit Star in 2015 for was selected to the National Honor Society his assistance in a life-saving resuscitation in 2013, then elected vice president, and is while mountain biking at a neighboring resort, also a member of the Latin Honor Society. and was runner-up for NSP Outstanding Alpine Patroller in 2012/2013. A licensed nursing assistant, she passed her state boards in June 2014 and began work- Outside of NSP, Murphy and the patrol pro- ing up to 25 hours in a nursing facility near mote NSP to Boy Scouts in their Snow Sports her home. She was accepted as an honor merit badge program, and he has presented a student in the pre-med program and plans winter safety seminar at local REI stores. to go to medical school. Runner-Up: Shelley Urben, of the Santiam Runner-Up: Lexi Voss, of the Mt. Pass Ski Patrol in the Pacific Northwest Spokane Ski Patrol in the Pacific Northwest Division, received a Silver Merit Star Division, received a Silver Merit Star as the as the runner-up for Outstanding Patrol runner-up for Outstanding Young Patroller. Representative. Side Note: Voss has taken on a leadership Side Note: Urben, who has served as region role in her patrol, coordinating the youth awards adviser and as an evaluator at region program and assisting with OEC instruc- Senior tests, is the editor of the Pacific tion, toboggan training, and instructing Northwest Division newsletter and enjoys at the patrol’s annual OEC refresher, all meeting patrollers around the division. On while maintaining a cumulative 3.89 GPA Your Preferred her patrol, she helped develop a new patrol and making the dean’s honor roll in her website and trained members of her patrol first year of college as a 16/17 year old. on the ins and outs of the site. She also leads Her patrol experience has led her to plan Partner in EMS monthly executive meetings and hosts the a career in medicine. + patrol’s annual awards banquet.

Outstanding Young Patroller Abigail Lent First Aid + Trauma Care Patrol: Pats Peak Division: Eastern Having started her patrol career during her freshman year of high school, Abi Lent Splinting + Immobilization has served on the patrol for four years, and teaches skiing and toboggan techniques to both young adults and adults on her patrol, and is one of the patrollers who can sign off on the annual toboggan refresher. She has ranked near the top at two divi- AEDs + Defibrillation sion young adult seminars, placing second in the toboggan competition two years in a OFFICIAL row, and third in skiing one year. Last year, MEDICAL Abi Lent the 2014/2015 season, she won the Eastern SPONSOR

NSP.ORG 55 NSP Hall of Fame a way to honor standout patrollers By Candace Horgan

n January 2013, the National Ski Patrol held its 75th Anniversary Celebration in Denver. As part of the three-day celebration, at Saturday’s banquet dinner, the firstI class in the National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame was inducted. The class included NSP founder Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole, former National Ski Association head Roger Langley, former NSP National Director Harry Pollard, Warren Bowman, M.D., and Gretchen R. Besser, Ph.D.

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OPEDIX® KNEE-TEC™ Bill Boulter presents an NSP Hall of Fame plaque to Mint Dole, 2.0 son of NSP founder Charles Minot “Minnie” Dole, TIGHTS at the NSP 75th Anniversary Celebration in Denver. Photo by Candace Horgan.

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Langley was recognized in part for his suggestion to Dole to form a national patrol based on the idea of the “super patrol” Dole had organized for THE LIFE CYCLE OF MOVEMENT By redirecting the National Downhill at Stowe, Vermont, in self was external forces and increasing sensory input, 1938. Pollard was the fifth director of NSP there and gave a TORQUE REFORM TECHNOLOGY and brought the NSP into American Society speech (see sidebar) about being Opedix Technology triggers a sequence of for Testing and Materials Standards; he also inducted. Bowman could not make it to the neuromechanical events that activate your kinetic induction, and instead was called on a cell promoted the development of Nordic patrols. chain. It’s a training cycle that compounds over Bowman authored the first emergency care phone by NSP Medical Adviser David Johe, manual specific to the nonurban rescuer and M.D., to accept. Johe held the phone up to a time as your body adapts to changes in oversaw four versions of Outdoor Emergency microphone at the podium so that Bowman mechanical and sensory input. It’s a cycle with Care. Besser was the first-ever National Ski could give thanks for being inducted to those a lifetime of beneﬁ ts. Patrol historian and the former international gathered at the 75th. liaison for NSP; in addition to her award- The idea for the Hall of Fame came about early winning book about the NSP, The National Ski FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OPEDIX.COM in 2012, in conversations between former NSP TO ORDER PRODUCT, GO TO NSP.ORG Patrol: Samaritans of the Snow, she has writ- Executive Director Tim White and National ten hundreds of articles related to patrolling Awards Coordinator Bill Boulter, who wanted for Ski Patrol Magazine and its predecessor, some way to recognize people at the 75th. National Notes. “I think the goal of it was to recognize Minnie Dole’s son, Mint Dole, was on hand to people in similar ways that the U.S. Ski and accept the award for his father, and Besser her Snowboard Hall of Fame and the Pro Football ©2015 Opedix, LLC. OPEDIX and the Opedix mark are registered trademarks of Opedix, LLC, Scottsdale, AZ TRT is protected by US patent #8,296,864 and other patents pending MADE IN THE USA Don Page receives his NSP Hall of Fame plaque. Photo by Peter Neefus.

Hall of Fame do and just kind of keep his- Hall of Fame nomination, as stated in tory at the forefront for people,” says Boulter. Section 12.8.10.4 of the NSP Policies and “When a Hall of Fame person gets nominated, Procedures, are: people say, ‘Oh yeah, I remember so-and-so.’ • Nominations are submitted on the We wanted to open it up at the 75th as some- Hall of Fame award form. thing that we are doing for the past to move forward.” • The positive effect of each nominee will be the leading factor in all judging. Since the original class, two others have been This recognition is open to everyone inducted: Donald Page was inducted in 2014, who has positively affected the NSP. and Charles Herbert was inducted in 2015. Boulter also currently has one nomination for • Approximation of dates may be used; the 2016 class. however, the sponsors must make every effort to accurately list the dates and Page, who this year celebrated his 60th year achievements. with NSP, served on both his division and region bylaws committee, and was appointed • Each nomination must contain a Letter by Pollard in 1979 to serve as NSP liaison to of Recommendation stating why the the Whiteface Mountain Ski Patrol in prepara- nominee merits election into the NSP Hall tion for World Cup events in 1978 and 1979, of Fame. The letter must be 250 words and for the 1980 Winter Olympics. He has a or less and can contain additional dates, National Appointment and was awarded two anecdotes, etc., that the sponsor feels are Merit Stars. pertinent to the nomination. Support for the nomination is allowed from individu- Herbert has served the NSP for 59 years, and als who are not members of the NSP. has been recognized with four Merit Stars, a National Appointment, a National Chairman’s While those inducted have all been NSP Award, and a Distinguished Service Award. He members, membership is not necessary for helped rewrite the NSP Quality Management being honored in the National Ski Patrol Hall System Manual, and developed the Eastern of Fame. Sierra Region Web page, acting as regional “It could certainly be a non-NSP member who webmaster. has influenced in a positive way the National The criteria for the Hall of Fame are listed in Ski Patrol,” says Boulter. “For instance, if the NSP Policies and Procedures in Section an area owner has been affiliated with the 12.8.10. The criteria state: National Ski Patrol for 50 years and everybody on the patrol thinks this guy or gal is the most • The National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame is fantastic person who always helped with presented to individuals whose associa- promoting NSP and fought to keep them, an tion with the NSP has had a positive effect individual like that would certainly be eligible on the organization. NSP patrollers and to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.” non-members are eligible to receive this award and may be deceased at the time of The nominations process itself is not compli- nomination. cated, and involves a formal submission to Boulter outlining the reasons and qualifica- • One to 25 nominees can be inducted in tions for the nomination. a year. “It’s very simple,” explains Boulter. “It • Inductee will be announced by the requires a short letter, and just a quick his- National Board at a meeting of their tory of the individual and a description of choosing. what they’ve done for the National Ski Patrol The requirements for each National Ski Patrol at the local, division, and national levels,

58 NSP.ORG

if they’ve had anything to do with the national level. It’s kind of a ski patrol as a whole, what they’ve done to warrant being in the Hall of Fame and what they’ve done for the National Ski Patrol.” After Boulter receives nominations, he sends them on to a selection committee whose criteria are also outlined in the NSP Policies and Procedures. Policies and Procedures. We vote on each “We take the head of each disci- individual nomination and they are either pline of the National Ski Patrol, inducted into the Hall of Fame or thanked the national historian, the for their nomination and asked to resubmit at a future time when there is more information The Hall of Fame plaque at the NSP office. Photo by Candace national Outdoor Emergency Horgan. available. Care Program director, the been a question about it. There hasn’t been national Outdoor Emergency “We haven’t yet not inducted any of the much of a conversation since they have been Transportation Program nominations that have come forth, but we so well qualified.” director, all of the heads of haven’t had very many yet. I’m anticipating Those who are inducted get their names the programs. They get sent that we will have enough in a year where engraved on a plaque that hangs in the NSP the information and then we’ll be more selective in our process, but Museum at the national office. They also we have a phone meet- the people we’ve had so far have been so receive a personal plaque when they are ing. It’s all listed in the overwhelmingly eligible that there hasn’t inducted. “They also receive a plaque for their home, quite smaller than the one in the office,” laughs Boulter. “We have just developed a National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame pin, which I just ordered recently. We spent several months developing that; each of the nominees receives a pin with the year that they were inducted.” Boulter and the selection committee, which in addition to the program directors includes a member-at-large from each division, meet by phone once a year to vote on inductees. They are hoping to grow the awards group, and feel the Hall of Fame is an important way to recognize people who have been important to the NSP over the years. “It hasn’t really been promoted much,” says Boulter. “It’s been promoted through the divisions a little bit. I’m afraid as large as we are, sometimes people don’t get all the information they ought to be getting. The deadline for the nominations is the end of November, which I would like to change to the end of October so I have time to do everything in time for the January meeting.” If you have any questions about nominat- ing someone for the National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame, or want to submit a nomination, please contact Bill Boulter at wboulter@ twcny.rr.com. +

60 NSP.ORG How It Felt… Having served as NSP historian from 1978 to The evening’s program, featuring patroller/ 2010, it was only natural that I would plan to astronaut James F. Reilly II, Ph.D., was fasci- attend the 75th Anniversary Celebration in nating. Tributes and appreciative comments Denver in February 2013. After all, I had been abounded. My ears pricked up when I heard present at the 40th, helped plan the 50th, and mention of a National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame (I been invited as banquet speaker at the 70th. had missed reading the program). After more Moreover, I had spent the previous summer than three decades of attending national meet- feverishly updating my book on NSP history, ings and writing up every new development in NEW! The National Ski Patrol: Samaritans of the NSP history, it was strange to learn after the fact Snow — initially published in 1983 — to cover of a brand-new initiative of this scope. the intervening 30 years. The Eastern Division I listened closely to hear who might be named. had kicked things off in October 2012 with an When founder Minnie Dole was specified as all-out celebration in Stowe, Vermont, where a inductee no. 1, I nodded with satisfaction. handsome stone bench, embedded with the Roger Langley, president of the National Ski NSP logo, graces the entrance to the Vermont Association, who had asked Minnie to orga- Ski and Snowboard Museum. nize a Ski Safety Committee that ultimately The 75th anniversary festivities in Denver, morphed into the NSP, was a perfect no. 2. tucked around the winter board meeting, fea- National Director Harry Pollard, whom I first tured a timeline and historical display booth at met at International Ski Patrol meetings in the SnowSports Industries America Snow Show Europe in 1975 and 1976, was a natural as no. held at the Colorado Convention Center, a day 3. Dr. Warren Bowman, whom I had known and of skiing with the Winter Park Ski Patrol, and admired for decades as medical director and for me, a chance to reconnect with a raft of old originator of the OEC Program, was a much- friends and make some new, younger ones as deserved no. 4, and the first living inductee. well. The capstone was to be the Saturday night Recalling the stellar contributions of these hon- banquet. orees to the development of the NSP, I was only Prior to dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, I sat half-listening when the next name was called. at a table alongside Mint Dole, son of our What? Had I heard it right? Could it be? Eyes distinguished founder, as we signed copies of were turning toward me. I looked around. our respective books. By the time I arrived in People were smiling and urging me to stand. the banquet hall, I was too late to be seated at Was it true? Half-stunned, I stumbled to the the table of dear friend Ken Bradford, former dais. Never in my life have I been so astounded, assistant national director, who had first sup- dumbfounded, and deliriously happy as when ported my appointment in 1978 as national I ascended the podium to receive the plaque NEW! historian. Instead, I was ushered to a table close of the National Ski Patrol Hall of Fame from to the dais, next to former National Chairman the hands of National Awards Coordinator Bill John Clair, a very old acquaintance, and close Boulter, whom I hugged with joy. to Administrative Assistant Frankie Barr, who had helped me unstintingly over the years. Not only was I amazed and elated at having received this significant honor, but I was dazed to find myself in the heady company of Dole, Langley, Pollard, and Bowman, my heroes. The 45 years of volunteer hours I had given to the patrol, seeking nothing beyond the satisfaction of serving, had been crowned by the honor of a lifetime. Nearly two and a half years later, I’m still agog and aglow.

Dr. Gretchen Rous Besser NSP National Historian, 1978-2010

Dr. Gretcher R. Besser accepts her NSP Hall of Fame plaque from Bill Boulter at the NSP 75th Anniversary Celebration in Denver. Photo by Candace Horgan.

NSP.ORG 61 Nine-Month Becoming the education director: a retrospective By Sheila Summers, NSP Education Director

Now that the OEC acronym is part of my lexicon, I am using all sorts of new lingo as I get out and meet people. At the OEC Refresher Committee meeting in late October, I worked with the team on aligning Cycle C objectives with each of the course elements (didactic, workbook, and hands-on stations). I quickly adapted to the use of NPA, OPA, and BVM in these conversations. In addition, we revised the language of the visitor form to clarify how the two sections should be used.

Sheila Summers with MTR Program Director Myron Earlier in the summer, I observed an OEC Allen at the Flight For Life Colorado Search and Rescue course session where new bike patrollers Conference. Photo by Candace Horgan. at Winter Park were studying lower leg o, I am not a patroller. Yes, I have anatomy and practicing splinting tech- Nskied most of my life. niques. What a privilege it was to watch By the time you read this, I will have these rookies practice and learn from an Making great skis & snowboards served as NSP education director for experienced, long-term OEC instructor! in the U.S.A. is our #HighAltitudeHappiness approximately nine months. During that This fall, I was invited to observe an What’s yours? Tag it. period, I have learned a lot, been humbled OEC course session facilitated by NSP by the incredible commitment and dedica- Communications Director Candace tion of patrollers, and assisted in moving Horgan, who is qualified as an OEC the organization forward. instructor trainer. The course that she An experience that stands out for me still and NSP Marketing and Development is when the staff interviewed me, where I Director Melanie Hood facilitate includes a was seriously challenged by one individual robust mix of junior candidates and more with questions regarding what I could pos- chronologically advanced candidates, all of sibly know about the long list of programs whom participated actively in the engaging described in Chapter 4 of the NSP Policies lecture and well-planned hands-on prac- and Procedures, since I am not a patroller. tice stations. Once again, I was impressed I guess I passed that test! I understand and with the number of volunteer instructors respect this perspective, and am grateful who gave so generously of their time that for the warm welcome I have received from evening to assist with the training of new everyone — staff, patrollers, leadership, patrollers. I learned about ABCD, anaphy- and industry partners. laxis, traction splinting, backboarding, and the importance of secondary assessments From Powderfall, which occurred less that night. than 10 days after I started, to the Colorado Pro Patrol Directors Fall Meeting, I have My most recent OEC experience was at the engaged with patrollers in a wide range of Keystone Pro Patrol Refresher B hands- venues. on station day. I was impressed with the logistics of organizing multiple stations At the Rocky Mountain Division meeting, for over 100 patrollers and scheduling it was great to meet many people with several important presentations offered by whom I had exchanged emails and phone medical professionals and adaptive skiing calls. There is nothing quite like that experts. I learned about the different kinds face-to-face interaction to really value and of shock and observed a very clever activ- appreciate another’s perspective. ity designed to help patrollers remove a I also attended the Alaska Division meet- helmet with minimal impact to the cervical ing this fall, observing both an Instructor spine (hint: it involved a plastic cup and Development and OEC trainer/evaluator water). course. In addition to amazing photos of Down the road, I hope to share examples glaciers and wildlife, I came home with a of refresher documents and other tools lovely engraved traditional Ulu knife. These used by patrols across the country so they kinds of unexpected symbols of apprecia- can be borrowed or adapted by others. tion are incredibly gratifying to me.

62 NSP.ORG Nine-Month Report

Other events and activities in which I have Finally, I do receive many emails and phone been involved include the ubiquitous NSP calls from individual patrollers who want to conference call meetings, meeting patrol- confirm their course information, gain access lers who visit the office, and planning for to the online Refresher B course, or simply the Flight for Life Colorado Search and need to find the downloadable Refresher B Rescue Conference held in mid-November workbook. These connections reinforce for (see page 32). me the importance of the other activity that is presently consuming a great deal of my time The vast geographic distribution of patrols — serving as staff liaison to the database/ and patrollers makes conference call meet- website implementation project. ings necessary, and my current count is over 40 of these meetings. In most cases, I In that role, I participate in weekly IT anticipate getting to meet people on the call Committee calls, talk almost daily to the “live” at some point in the future to really NSP project manager, and talk at least connect with them and discuss important weekly to the vendor project manager issues. This is one of the benefits of greeting responsible for overall guidance and direc- patrollers who visit the office — they always tion of the project. The membership has have great things to say about their experi- been incredibly patient waiting for this proj- ences and make important contributions to ect to come to fruition, and I am honored to the work of the staff. play a central role in making it happen. In addition to these terrific interactions Looking forward, I am excited about meet- with patrollers, I have enjoyed getting to ing more people and skiing in places other know people in related fields. The plan- than Colorado! I am scheduled to attend ning committee for the Flight for Life the National Ski Areas Association Eastern Colorado Search and Rescue Conference is Winter Conference and Tradeshow at an example of that, since it is comprised of Killington, Vermont, in February, and plan medical professionals, equipment vendors, to meet more patrollers when I am there. and higher education colleagues. Expanding I will also participate in the OEC Program my scope of knowledge and awareness in division supervisors meeting in Denver in this way is extremely valuable as I continue April, where I know there are already many to gain experience with the range of activi- topics for consideration. ties supported by the National Ski Patrol. Finally, planning for the Mountain Travel and Of course, all of these events have occurred Rescue Program division supervisors meeting in the midst of my “daily” work. This is already underway, so there is another great includes extensive interaction with the opportunity for me to collaborate with patrol- national program directors (NPDs), mem- lers on important education issues. bers of the national board of directors, and In sum, I think you can see that I am very patroller members. It is truly my pleasure to busy and very much enjoying the personal develop a working relationship with each of interactions and relationships I am develop- the national program directors and division ing with patrollers across the country! + program supervisors. Each NPD approaches program and curriculum development a bit Sheila Summers acting as a patient with a femur fracture at the Flight For Life Colorado Search and Rescue Conference. Photo differently, and, naturally, each group of divi- by Candace Horgan. sion program supervisors has its own culture and personality. That’s what makes it fun! At this point, most of my interactions with these groups have been via conference call, so I hope to spend some face time with them soon. Speaking of face time, I had a wonderful opportunity to participate in the board’s strategic planning meeting in early August in Denver. I strongly believe in the value of strategic planning, and I think the mission, vision, and strategic objectives that arose from that meeting will serve us well over the next five years.

NSP.ORG 63 伀爀琀漀瘀漀砀匀㄀⬀ 伀爀琀漀瘀漀砀㌀⬀ 䈀䌀䄀吀爀愀挀欀攀爀㈀䈀䌀䄀吀爀愀挀欀攀爀㌀ ␀㐀㠀㤀爀攀琀愀椀氀 ␀㌀㘀㤀爀攀琀愀椀氀 ␀ ㈀㤀㤀 ⸀㤀㔀爀攀琀愀椀氀 ␀㌀㌀㔀爀攀琀愀椀氀

圀攀椀最栀琀眀椀琀栀䈀愀琀琀攀爀椀攀猀㈀㌀最㈀㄀最㈀㔀㔀最㈀㄀㔀最䐀椀猀瀀氀愀礀匀挀爀攀攀渀㌀⸀㔀挀洀砀㐀⸀㌀挀洀㐀挀洀砀㐀挀洀㈀⸀㔀挀洀砀㄀⸀㜀挀洀㐀挀洀砀㈀⸀㠀挀洀刀攀挀漀洀洀攀渀搀攀搀匀攀愀爀挀栀匀琀爀椀瀀㐀洀㔀洀㔀洀㔀洀䈀愀琀琀攀爀礀䰀椀昀攀椀渀匀攀渀搀䴀漀搀攀㈀㔀栀漀甀爀猀㈀㔀栀漀甀爀猀㸀㈀栀漀甀爀猀㸀㈀栀漀甀爀猀䐀椀最椀琀愀氀漀爀䄀渀愀氀漀最搀椀最椀琀愀氀搀椀最椀琀愀氀搀椀最椀琀愀氀搀椀最椀琀愀氀䴀甀氀琀椀瀀氀攀䈀甀爀椀愀氀䤀渀搀椀挀愀琀漀爀礀攀猀礀攀猀礀攀猀礀攀猀䌀愀渀 ᰠ䴀愀爀欀ᴠ 愀吀爀愀渀猀洀椀琀琀攀爀礀攀猀礀攀猀渀漀礀攀猀刀愀渀最攀㐀㔀㔀㔀㔀㔀㔀倀漀椀渀琀猀琀漀嘀椀挀琀椀洀礀攀猀礀攀猀礀攀猀礀攀猀䠀䄀伀圀嘀䐀夀伀䔀匀吀夀伀䔀唀刀䌀䜀䠀䔀䄀刀匀䴀倀䔀䄀䔀匀唀䌀刀䔀匀唀倀㼀䐀椀猀瀀氀愀礀猀䐀椀猀琀愀渀挀攀礀攀猀礀攀猀礀攀猀礀攀猀倀椀攀瀀猀䐀匀倀倀爀漀倀椀攀瀀猀䐀匀倀匀瀀漀爀琀䄀刀嘀䄀一䔀伀䄀刀嘀䄀䔀瘀伀㐀匀愀昀攀琀礀䤀渀昀漀爀洀愀琀椀漀渀戀礀䔀搀䌀愀爀氀猀漀渀 ␀㐀㄀㤀⸀㤀㔀爀攀琀愀椀氀 ␀㌀㄀㤀⸀㤀㔀爀攀琀愀椀氀 ␀㌀㔀㤀爀攀琀愀椀氀 ␀㈀㠀㤀爀攀琀愀椀氀圀椀琀栀愀渀漀琀栀攀爀眀椀渀琀攀爀猀攀愀猀漀渀甀瀀漀渀甀猀Ⰰ 眀攀洀甀猀琀戀攀愀氀攀爀琀琀漀琀栀攀栀愀稀愀爀搀猀漀昀琀爀愀瘀攀氀椀渀最椀渀愀瘀愀氀愀渀挀栀攀琀攀爀爀愀椀渀⸀ 吀栀攀欀攀礀琀漀琀爀愀瘀攀氀椀渀最猀愀昀攀氀礀椀渀愀瘀愀氀愀渀挀栀攀琀攀爀爀愀椀渀椀猀琀爀愀椀渀椀渀最愀渀搀攀焀甀椀瀀洀攀渀琀⸀ 圀椀琀栀漀甀琀瀀爀漀瀀攀爀琀爀愀椀渀椀渀最Ⰰ 礀漀甀瀀甀琀礀漀甀爀猀攀氀昀愀琀洀甀挀栀最爀攀愀琀攀爀爀椀猀欀漀昀圀攀椀最栀琀眀椀琀栀䈀愀琀琀攀爀椀攀猀㈀最㈀最㈀㌀最㈀㈀最戀攀椀渀最挀愀甀最栀琀椀渀愀渀愀瘀愀氀愀渀挀栀攀⸀ 圀椀琀栀漀甀琀琀栀攀瀀爀漀瀀攀爀攀焀甀椀瀀洀攀渀琀Ⰰ 礀漀甀爀挀栀愀渀挀攀猀漀昀猀甀爀瘀椀瘀椀渀最愀渀愀瘀愀ⴀ 䐀椀猀瀀氀愀礀匀挀爀攀攀渀㌀⸀㠀挀洀砀㌀⸀㠀挀洀㌀⸀㠀挀洀砀㌀⸀㠀挀洀㌀挀洀砀㌀⸀㔀挀洀㌀挀洀砀㌀⸀㔀挀洀氀愀渀挀栀攀椀渀挀椀搀攀渀琀愀爀攀最爀攀愀琀氀礀爀攀搀甀挀攀搀⸀ 刀攀挀漀洀洀攀渀搀攀搀匀攀愀爀挀栀匀琀爀椀瀀㘀洀㔀洀㈀ ⴀ㌀洀㈀ ⴀ㌀洀吀爀愀椀渀椀渀最 ጠ 䤀昀礀漀甀瀀氀愀渀琀漀戀攀琀爀愀瘀攀氀椀渀最椀渀愀瘀愀氀愀渀挀栀攀琀攀爀爀愀椀渀Ⰰ 礀漀甀愀渀搀愀氀氀洀攀洀戀攀爀猀漀昀礀漀甀爀瀀愀爀琀礀猀栀漀甀氀搀䈀愀琀琀攀爀礀䰀椀昀攀椀渀匀攀渀搀䴀漀搀攀㐀栀漀甀爀猀㈀栀漀甀爀猀㈀㔀䠀伀唀刀匀㈀㔀䠀伀唀刀匀栀愀瘀攀愀洀椀渀椀洀甀洀漀昀愀渀一匀倀䰀攀瘀攀氀㄀䄀瘀愀氀愀渀挀栀攀䐀椀最椀琀愀氀漀爀䄀渀愀氀漀最搀椀最椀琀愀氀搀椀最椀琀愀氀搀椀最椀琀愀氀搀椀最椀琀愀氀挀漀甀爀猀攀漀爀愀渀攀焀甀椀瘀愀氀攀渀琀⸀ 䴀甀氀琀椀瀀氀攀䈀甀爀椀愀氀䤀渀搀椀挀愀琀漀爀礀攀猀礀攀猀夀䔀匀夀䔀匀䔀焀甀椀瀀洀攀渀琀 ጠ 䴀椀渀椀洀甀洀攀焀甀椀瀀洀攀渀琀昀漀爀愀氀氀瀀愀爀琀礀洀攀洀戀攀爀猀椀猀愀渀愀瘀愀氀愀渀挀栀攀戀攀愀挀漀渀Ⰰ 瀀爀漀戀攀Ⰰ 愀渀搀䌀愀渀 ᰠ䴀愀爀欀ᴠ 愀吀爀愀渀猀洀椀琀琀攀爀礀攀猀礀攀猀夀䔀匀夀䔀匀猀栀漀瘀攀氀⸀ 䤀渀愀搀搀椀琀椀漀渀琀漀琀栀攀猀攀Ⰰ 攀椀琀栀攀爀愀渀䄀瘀愀䰀甀渀最漀爀刀愀渀最攀㘀洀㔀洀㘀洀㐀洀愀瘀愀氀愀渀挀栀攀愀椀爀戀愀最愀爀攀爀攀挀漀洀洀攀渀搀攀搀⸀ 倀漀椀渀琀猀琀漀嘀椀挀琀椀洀礀攀猀礀攀猀夀䔀匀夀䔀匀䐀椀猀瀀氀愀礀猀䐀椀猀琀愀渀挀攀礀攀猀礀攀猀夀䔀匀夀䔀匀 64 NSP.ORG 伀爀琀漀瘀漀砀匀㄀⬀ 伀爀琀漀瘀漀砀㌀⬀ 䈀䌀䄀吀爀愀挀欀攀爀㈀䈀䌀䄀吀爀愀挀欀攀爀㌀ ␀㐀㠀㤀爀攀琀愀椀氀 ␀㌀㘀㤀爀攀琀愀椀氀 ␀ ㈀㤀㤀 ⸀㤀㔀爀攀琀愀椀氀 ␀㌀㌀㔀爀攀琀愀椀氀

Science National Avalanche School 2015 implements new focus BySnow Ed Carlson, NSP National Avalanche Program Director

What is the National Avalanche School (NAS), and what is its value to NSP and its patrollers? This is a question I hear often from patrollers and NSP leaders who are unfamiliar with this event. My short answer is, “It’s a level 2 Avalanche course on serious steroids.”

Before elaborating on this, allow me to provide some history of the school and NSP’s involvement.

History help with the school. The National Avalanche School is the oldest In the first few years of the NAS, it was all training program for avalanche professionals classroom instruction with no field sessions. in the U.S. When it started, it was not called At this time, it was free to ski area personnel. the National Avalanche School, but it was still Later, it was recognized that field sessions are a viewed as a national school by those attend- critical component of avalanche education, so ing. The student base was mainly U.S. Forest they were added to the school. Service snow rangers and ski patrollers. In the late ‘70s, the winter sports industry In the ‘50s and ‘60s, it was hosted by the Alta was growing, and through this growth creat- Avalanche Study Center, which reported to the ing more demand for well-trained avalanche Wasatch National Forest. In these early years, professionals. In 1982, the National Avalanche the classroom sessions were designed mainly Foundation (NAF) was formed to promote around case histories and discussions on how avalanche education and oversee the NAS. The avalanche work could be accomplished more NAF is run by a board of directors made up of efficiently and safely. Field sessions were held industry professionals, Forest Service person- at the same time as the classroom sessions and nel, and NSP representatives. included much of what we still teach today. During the ‘80s and into the late ‘90s, NSP Also included in the early schools was free time provided the All new Hard Case CPR Kits available now! for skiing. How could it get any better? logistical sup- Prior to 1971, all avalanche mitigation was port for the conducted by Forest Service snow rangers. In school. Then 1971, the Forest Service made the decision to in the late turn this work over to the resorts and their ski ‘90s, logistical patrols. Even though the Forest Service was support was no longer doing hands-on avalanche control, it handed over remained the knowledge base for this work. to the National Ski Areas At this time, what is now known as the Association National Avalanche School was formed to pass (NSAA). In this knowledge on to future snow rangers and 2012, the NAF patrollers involved with avalanche safety, risk created the mitigation, rescue, and education. Due to time position of and budget constraints, it became difficult NAS program for the Forest Service to organize and run the director to school. Because NSP already had a formal National Avalanche School Program Direc- oversee the avalanche education program, it was enlisted to tor Janet Kellam. Photo by Mike Laney.

66 NSP.ORG Avalanche

Students are expected to complete the pre- Field sessions are where all of the avalanche work before attending the classroom session. education starts to come together. It is by If not, they will find themselves at a distinct attending these sessions that students get disadvantage in grasping concepts presented real hands-on experience guided by the true during the school. experts in the industry. Even though students have spent a significant amount of time in The classroom session is a very intense four the classroom and workgroups listening to days of lectures and small workgroup ses- lectures, discussing concepts, completing exer- NSP contingent at the National Avlanche School. sions. All classroom lectures are conducted by Photo by Mike Laney. cises, and studying case histories, nothing can experts on the individual topics being offered. substitute for the hands-on experience they get curriculum and instructors. This position is The small workgroups give students the oppor- in the field sessions. currently held by Janet Kellam, former director tunity to discuss concepts presented during of the Sawtooth National Forest Avalanche lectures and interact with peers and experts Center in Sun Valley, Idaho. about avalanche concepts. The workgroups Instructors During the ‘80s and ‘90s, the school was also include exercises related to lecture topics The NAS instructor cadre is made up of some opened to more participants to boost enroll- and include practical problem solving. of the foremost avalanche experts in the U.S. ment, and the scope of training was expanded The NAS field sessions are conducted in Most instructors have worked in several differ- to include Department of Transportation (DOT) smaller groups and are spread out through ent disciplines of avalanche safety, including operations, search and rescue operations, the Western United States to make atten- mitigation, forecasting, risk management, and avalanche safety for the general public. dance easier. For 2016, field sessions are rescue, research, and education. They all have Starting in 2015, the program was altered to scheduled at Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Crystal many years of practical experience and real-life put more emphasis on ski area operations. Mountain, Washington; Arapahoe Basin, knowledge to pass on to students. Colorado; and Alta, Utah. The current program The NAS is one of the premier avalanche education programs in North America. It is held every other year opposite the International Snow Science Workshop (ISSW). During the month of October, a four-day classroom session is held that includes a combination of lectures and small group workshops. Midwinter, four- day field sessions are held on various dates and at various locations. The new narrower-focused curriculum has been developed from industry best prac- tices and expands on that of the standard Level 2 course offered by such organizations as the American Avalanche Institute, the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education, and NSP using American Avalanche Association guidelines. Although DOT employees, members of search and rescue groups, and others still attend the course, the new curriculum is more heavily focused on ski area operations and covers topics such as operational risk management, the use of explosives, avalanche protection fundamentals, operational record-keeping, and operational avalanche rescue. Coursework starts soon after you register. FOR GREAT DEALS Before attending the classroom portion of the ON NORDICA PRODUCT school, students receive a flash drive contain- VISIT NSP.ORG ing course pre-work and lecture outlines.

NSP.ORG 67 Avalanche

Workshop at the National Avalanche School. Photo by Mike Laney. The following are just a few of the true experts phenomenon through patrol operations and who taught at the 2015 NAS classroom session: avalanche education. For NSP and its members, the NAS offers an excellent opportunity to develop and main- • Bruce Tremper, retired director of the U.S. tain relationships with peers and experts in Forest Service Utah Avalanche Center; avalanche operations, forecasting, research, • Ethan Greene, director of the Colorado and education. Participation in the school Avalanche Information Center; also provides great visibility for NSP within • Paul Baugher, ski patrol director for the greater avalanche community. However, Crystal Mountain Resort and risk manager of greater value to NSP and our patrollers for Boyne West Resorts; is the advanced knowledge gained by our instructors who attend the school. NSP is an • Knox Williams, retired director of the educational organization. The more knowl- Colorado Avalanche Information Center; edgeable and skilled our instructor corps • Doug Chabot, director of the Gallatin becomes, the more recognized we become as National Forest Avalanche Center; leaders in avalanche education. • Karl Birkeland, director of the U.S. Forest For NSP Avalanche Program instructors, the Service National Avalanche Center; and NAS is probably the most valuable outside training event you can attend. All instruc- • Craig “Sterbie” Sterbenz, recently retired tors, in all NSP disciplines, recognize that snow safety director for Telluride Ski the more courses you attend and the more Resort. you teach, the more you learn about subject matter and teaching skills. NSP instructors Attendees who attend the NAS not only receive more advanced avalanche training, they also have Although under the new narrower focus, the opportunity to observe instructors who most attendees are patrollers from resorts are the very best at teaching this subject with active avalanche programs, many others matter. with varied backgrounds in the avalanche industry also attended. In the 2015 classroom Over many years of teaching, I’ve come to session, there were employees and volunteers realize that learning to teach is more about from 31 resorts, three avalanche centers, state observing good instructors and how they departments of transportation, search and interact and engage with students than it is rescue groups, county sheriff’s offices, and the about taking a course in how to teach. It’s Forest Service. There were students from 11 just like learning about avalanches; you need states and five NSP divisions. classroom time to learn the basics, but obser- vation and practical experience is where you gain your real knowledge and skills. The The value to NSP more knowledge and skills you obtain, the more valuable you become to the organiza- So, what is the value to NSP and our patrol- tion and your students. lers in NAS attendance? First, let me say that this is not an event for all patrollers. For more information on the school, visit The NAS program is designed for patrol- www.avalancheschool.org. + lers and others who deal with avalanche

68 NSP.ORG NATIONAL SKI PATROL Fundraising WHERE HEROES TAKE FLIGHT

Using Outdoor Emergency Care skills learned through National Ski Patrol's award-winning training program, NSP members have provided aid to more than 160,000 individuals and continue to save nearly 40 lives each year. These numbers are especially impressive because over 70 percent of National Ski Patrol members are volunteers.

You can help the National Ski Patrol continue its mission of providing "Service and Safety" to ski areas and the public by making a tax-deductible donation. Any amount you give goes directly to NSP's Education Endowment Fund, which specifically provides for the development, maintenance, delivery, modification, and outreach of NSP education programs.

NSP.ORG 69 instructor development

ID Keep the Good Ones!

How to prevent instructor burnout By Douglas Hill, Far West Division Instructor Development Program Supervisor

he title above does not refer to fishing and and division level, and even going further to that show leadership potential to step up and Tthrowing back the small ones. Let’s talk be recognized at the national level for their become instructors to avoid overworking the instructors! Of the almost 29,000 patrollers accomplishments. One of my most rewarding instructors we now have. in the National Ski Patrol, a few thousand moments as an instructor was when one of my Looking back on my own patrol career, I of those are NSP instructors in one or more former students thanked me for teaching him was flattered when approached by leader- of the educational disciplines offered by the skills he used to save a life the day before. ship to take on a new task or goal. You may NSP: Outdoor Emergency Care, Avalanche, One way we can encourage instructors to con- be surprised that you will get more positive Mountain Travel and Rescue, Outdoor tinue teaching is to make certain that they get responses than you thought. You could solicit Emergency Transportation, Senior, Certified, recognized for what they do. We should do a for instructors in patrol or region newsletters Nordic, and Instructor Development. little more than just offer a thank you after the or websites. If you want to be more selective, Our instructors are NSP’s most important asset, class is over. NSP has many awards, pins, and you could send a personal email, or even make and the backbone of NSP as an educational certificates that acknowledge the accomplish- a phone call to the individual patrollers you organization. We have great instructors in all ments of patrollers and instructors, but they would like to recruit as instructors. of the NSP disciplines. So, the question now is don’t happen automatically. Someone has to Further, as existing instructors, we should be how we can keep all of these great instructors write the award nomination or order the pin or diligent to watch for potential instructors as teaching NSP courses without getting “burned certificate and make sure it is presented in an we teach our own classes. Approach those stu- out.” admirable fashion at some event to honor and dents who are excelling in the class or who are thank that instructor. Instructing is certainly a bigger commitment showing a passion for the topic and encour- of time and energy than just a normal patrol Another way patrols can encourage their age them to take an Instructor Development schedule, and money is definitely not a factor instructors is to offer some duty credit for days course to learn more about becoming an NSP in most cases, as my paycheck for teaching in spent training and teaching. NSP requires all instructor. the NSP is the same as when I started teaching patrollers to commit to a minimum of 10 patrol Don’t feel like you have to do it all yourself. 32 years ago. days each season of actual on-duty patrolling, We need to keep all of you great instructors but the local patrol may have the flexibility When I ask my students in my Instructor teaching, and you need to help us continue to to offer some credit of their choice for days Development classes what their motivation is grow a solid cadre of new instructors to make over the 10-day minimum in which the patrol to become an instructor, I receive many varied our jobs easier. instructor is involved in teaching or training at responses, such as: NSP patrol, region, or division events. If you are not currently an NSP instructor and • “My patrol representative encouraged me have thought about teaching in one or more Although there is usually no financial to get involved, as we need more instruc- of the NSP disciplines, take the challenge and compensation for teaching in the NSP, many tors in our patrol for Avalanche or OEC begin your NSP teaching career by enrolling courses do incur expenses by way of equip- training.” in an Instructor Development course in your ment and supplies, such as oxygen, first aid region. You can change patrollers’ lives, and I • “I want to teach in order to keep my own supplies, splints, copying of forms and tests, think you may change your life as well. skills sharp.” and classroom fees. We should make sure that For more information on the Instructor • “I have learned so many valuable skills in all of these expenses that are not recovered in Development Program, or if you would like an patrolling that I want to give something student fees are budgeted for and approved at Instructor Development course offered to your back to the patrol.” the patrol, region, or division level so that our instructors do not personally incur any finan- patrol, contact the Instructor Development One of the motivations I offer them that I have cial burden in putting on their classes. Program administrator in your region, or the learned and they probably don’t realize yet Instructor Development Program supervi- One final method in the quest to keep instruc- is watching the students you have taught in sor for your division. If you have questions tors instructing without getting burned out, your classes out on the slopes doing avalanche or comments regarding this article, or ideas and perhaps the most important, is to get them control, transporting injured skiers and riders, for future articles related to the Instructor help with their teaching. I believe it is up to reuniting families, saving lives, and then, Development Program, contact me at fwd-id@ the patrol leadership to encourage patrollers later on, winning awards at the patrol, region, farwest.org. +

70 NSP.ORG MTR Travel Tips Five tools for backcountry route finding By Myron B. Allen, NSP National Mountain Travel and Rescue Program Director

ountain rescues normally proceed accord- they reach an elevation of 8,800 feet, they are Collecting features. Ming to the acronym LAST: locate, access, using the trail as a handrail and the 8,800-foot A collecting feature (or checkpoint) is a point stabilize, and transport. The first two steps contour line as a catchline. In winter condi- feature along a route that you can use to gauge frequently involve the use of map, compass, tions, plowed roads serve as useful catchlines, and confirm your progress. Good examples and route-finding skills in off-trail settings. By since they are hard to miss. A common route- include junctions or specified elevations along practicing five simple techniques in the field, finding tactic is to aim for a catchline, then, a trail, marked campgrounds or cabins, and ski patrollers can become highly proficient at when you reach it, to use it as a handrail. lakes, confluences, or named waterfalls along backcountry route finding, thereby enhanc- a creek. Astute backcountry travelers use col- Aiming off ing their capabilities as rescuers and, at the lecting features to verify that they are following Backcountry navigation is an imprecise art. same time, opening new doorways for outdoor the compass bearing or handrail that they think When you follow a compass bearing toward a adventure. they’re on and to estimate their rates of travel in specific point feature on a catchline, you risk real time. Linear versus point features hitting the catchline somewhere else, owing to Two simple terms help organize our thinking terrain difficulties and accumulated errors in Attack points about route finding. A linear feature is a terrain your direction of travel. You may end up so far An attack point is a point feature that is easy feature that we can idealize as one-dimensional. off target, or the visibility may be so poor, that to find and that serves as a convenient starting Examples include roads, trails, creeks, power you’re then faced with a puzzle: which way point for subsequent, more demanding naviga- lines, some ridgelines, and — if you have a should you turn along the catchline to reach tion. For example, to reach a specified off-trail well-calibrated altimeter — contour lines. A your target? point, the most efficient approach may be to point feature is a terrain feature that occupies follow an easily traversed handrail, such as a The idea behind aiming off is to make a deliber- a point on the map. Examples include distinct trail, to a point from which cross-country travel ate error in your direction of travel, aiming summits, small buildings, and benchmarks. is straightforward. This attack point may be at a either left or right of your destination. This way, Among the most useful point features are places certain elevation, at a creek crossing, at a saddle when you arrive at the catchline, you’ll know where two linear features intersect, such as trail between two summits, or at a point feature that which way to turn. junctions, creek crossings, stream confluences, and — again, if you have an altimeter — places where trails cross contour lines. Linear and point features figure prominently in the following five route-finding techniques: • Handrails; • Catchlines; • Aiming off; • Collecting features; and • Attack points. Handrails A handrail is a linear feature that is easy to follow and that leads in a useful direction. Roads HAPPY HOUR FOR YOUR FEET and trails are obvious examples, enabling a party to travel quite efficiently. In off-trail work, following a creek, lake shore, contour line, or well-defined ridgeline can also keep a party headed in a useful direction. Beware, though: some of these features can make for difficult travel, owing to steep slopes, thick timber, difficult or unstable rock, steep shorelines, and other obstacles. It helps to have a feel for the local terrain before you launch into the untracked wilderness. Catchlines A catchline is a linear feature that indicates when you’ve gone far enough along a handrail or a compass bearing. For example, if a rescue party walks along a steadily climbing trail until

NSP.ORG 71 MTR

affords a good view of your target. Three examples Three examples illustrate how to combine these techniques. The first, shown in Figure 1, MORE THAN WAX involves navigating from Golden Lake (Point A) to Grassy Lake (Point D) in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Mountains. Following the compass bearing of 236 degrees appears to be the simplest route, at least on paper, but it requires rough travel on a thickly timbered hillside.

Figure 2: Off-trail route from Ice Lakes (Point A) to the summit of Mount Maude (Point E). The final example, shown in Figure 3, involves cross-country travel between the New Fork Trail (Point A) and Lake 11192 (Point C) in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. The route finding here is tricky, because the handrail for the first leg of the journey is a subtle drainage in open, rocky terrain. Here, the concept of col- Figure 1: Off-trail route from Golden Lake (Point A) to Grassy Lake lecting features proves its worth. By keeping (Point D). track of eight tiny lakes along the way, one can A reliable and probably faster alternative is carefully work out a route to Point B, which to aim off, traveling due south from Golden is the larger lake at about 11,360 feet above Lake, using Trail Creek as a catchline. When sea level. From this lake, it is easy to gain the you reach the creek at Point B, turn right, now saddle to the south and then to drop down the using the creek as a handrail. When the terrain valley to Lake 11192. levels out at Point C, you’ve arrived at an effective attack point. Head northwest, keeping the timbered knoll immediately to your left, and reach Grassy Lake in about 300 meters. The second example, shown in Figure 2, involves climbing Mount Maude (Point E) Did you know that Swix is more than just from a campsite (Point A) near one of the Ice the world’s best ski wax? Lakes in Washington’s Cascade Mountains. We first use the gentle bench southwest of Swix offers a complete range of a ski camp as a handrail, traveling southwest until we see the outlet of Lake 7188. Gain the 200 poles, apine/nordic gloves and travel feet to Point C, then climb west-southwest to bags. All available to NSP members at the saddle (Point D) between Mount Maude significant discounts in the member and the 8,017-foot summit to its south. The ridge connecting Mount Maude to Point 8017 services area of the NSP website. acts as a catchline. The saddle itself serves as an attack point; it is easy to locate and attain, Figure 3: Off-trail route from New Fork Trail (Point A) to Lake 11192 And while you’re there, don’t forget we and from there we can reach the summit (Point C). make wax! of Mount Maude by using the mountain’s southern ridge crest as a handrail. This route Conclusions from camp has several collecting features to Most of us use handrails, catchlines, and verify our progress, including the outlet of collecting features intuitively, in our Lake 7188, the east-facing snowfield below everyday navigation tasks, even in urban the saddle, and the saddle itself. settings. By thinking systematically about these concepts, we turn them into tools in CERA F | FC04X If we have to return to camp in a thick our navigational toolbox, and by practicing HIGH PERFORMANCE GLIDEWAX Cascade fog, we can descend to the saddle them in the field, one can savor the joys 100% FLUOROCARBON along Mount Maude’s south ridge, then -10°C/-20°C 14°F/-4°F of off-trail travel while becoming a highly 165°C 160°C (330°F) (320°F) travel northeast, using the western shore proficient route finder and a valued asset in of Lake 7188 as a catchline. The lake shore search and rescue operations. + then serves as a handrail to the outlet creek, where we descend 200 feet and turn

northeast toward camp along the bench con- Note: All topographic maps in this article are based on the USGS necting Points A and B. 7.5-minute series and were downloaded from www.hillmap.com. Official supplier

-3°C/4°C 72 NSP.ORG 27°F/40°F 165°C 170°C (330°F) (338°F) NORDIC Nordic Rewrite New manual, modules help Nordic Program

By Rick Shandler, NSP National Nordic Program Director

Patroller traverses a slope. Photo by Jason Lombard.

ne of the major projects that the Nordic/ mentioned above, gives both an overview OBackcountry Program has undertaken is a of the program and specifics on the various complete update of the Nordic/Backcountry components that make up this unique certi- Manual. The last version of the Nordic train- fication. It includes a reference bibliography ing manual was published in 1998, and since that contains over 50 books! For current that time, many aspects of both ski technol- or aspiring Nordic Seniors, this program is ogy and non-lift service access to skiable worth investigating. A number of you may be terrain have changed considerably. surprised to find that you already have met several of the requirements. Check it out! Our goal is to review and potentially update every aspect of the manual. One strategy Within the new manual, it is our intention to that we are employing is to publish several include not only those larger topics neces- modules in “beta” versions to take advantage sary for Nordic and backcountry patrolling, of the group sourcing concept. By having but also those more detailed skills necessary a large number of people test drive these to complete the larger tasks. For example, modules and provide feedback, we are able building a toboggan or a shelter is consid- to make the final product more refined and ered a skill set, while the knots that are used accepted. are individual skills. Dovetailing into the skill sets and individual skills structure is a One of these modules is the “Guide to refresher program with a cycle layout similar Nordic/Backcountry Senior.” This is meant to the OEC Program. This ensures that core to be an overview of skills needed to com- skills are reviewed annually and everything plete this certification, detailed information is refreshed no less than every three years. on specific skills, sign-off sheets for Nordic Senior clinics, as well as a score sheet for the These documents are being pushed out exam itself. The goals here are to help to bet- through your division Nordic supervisor ter prepare the Senior candidate and to create and your region Nordic adviser/coordina- a more consistent exam across all divisions. tor. Please contact them for your copies of these beta modules. We look forward to your Another module being released is the “Guide to Nordic Master.” This, like its sibling feedback from your test drive. + dalbellosports.com facebook.com/dalbelloskiboots NSP.ORG 73 OEC The Fifth Vital Sign Understanding pulse oximetry and how to use it

By Jay Thompson

Assessing a patient’s level of responsiveness. Photo by Candace Horgan.

t is a sunny, warm day at your resort. You pain and has had recent surgery on his knee. You find the patient’s hand has adequate Iare skiing down your favorite trail when There are no other remarkable findings in the circulation and warmth. Using a pulse oxim- you notice a middle-aged male skier sitting on SAMPLE history or physical exam. His pulse eter, you find an oxygen saturation reading of the side of the slopes. When you stop to offer is 100 beats per minute, and respirations are 86 percent. You check the other hand and get assistance, the guest says he feels a little tired 20 per minute. You call ahead to have oxygen the same reading. Putting it all together, you and out of breath. ready in the aid room. are concerned about the shortness of breath and pulse oximeter reading, so you place the You start your inquiry and ask if he had taken Following a rapid toboggan ride down to the patient on supplemental oxygen, activate 911, a fall or otherwise experienced any injury or aid room, you reassess the patient. His pulse and rapidly transport the patient to a hospital. illness. The guest says no, he just stopped to remains 100 a minute and respirations increase Just before leaving in the ambulance, the man’s rest. He does say his left calf hurts. You begin to 24 a minute. He appears short of breath, and pulse oximeter reading improves to 93 percent your assessment, noting that the patient has calf now complains of mild chest pain. on supplemental oxygen. As the rescuer, what do you think just hap- pened? The above scenario shows how using pulse oximetry can help in the assessment and care of patients who appear to have any breathing problem. In this situation, there is a reasonable chance this patient is experiencing a pulmonary embo- lism (PE). The man probably has painful blood clots in his leg vein, and one of these has moved through the veins into the chest, causing partial blockage inside a blood vessel in a lung. This decreases the amount of oxygen absorbed by the red blood cells, making the patient breathe faster. The clot would be a complication of the recent knee surgery. A definitive PE diagnosis is usually not made until ruling out other possible causes, including a heart attack, and after conducting definitive tests in a hospital. Wordsmith in Blue For an OEC technician, the treatment in the with Blue Water lens field or aid room for a suspected PE is the same as for any respiratory emergency: provide supplemental oxygen and transport rapidly by ALS to a hospital. A pulse oximeter reading POLARIZED PHOTOCHROMATIC should not be the sole basis for taking any LENSES FEATURING THE action, but when combined with other assess- REVO LIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM™ ment information, it can help you decide how BLOCKS 100% UV & HEV LIGHT to provide the best possible care and management of your patient. Echo in Military Green with Blue Water lens Why use pulse oximetry? The simple answer is pulse oximetry is easy

74 NSP.ORG OEC HERE’S A TIP

Applying oxygen to a critical patient. Photo by Candace Horgan. to use, requires relatively little training, is infrared light. noninvasive, gives information within its Based on these principles, pulse oximetry limitations, and is cost-effective. Vital signs works by using light emitted from two LEDs are an important part of assessing your that are calibrated in the red and infrared patient, and the “trending” of that informa- light spectrums. The light is shined through tion over time tells us a lot about whether an arterial capillary bed, usually in the finger, the patient is stable or deteriorating. Carbon and is detected by a photosensor on the other Flipcore Similarly, use of noninvasive pulse oximetry side of the device. The unit compares the as a means to obtain quick and important amounts of red and infrared light absorbed to information regarding oxygen saturation calculate the percentage of oxygen present in in the blood (recorded as SpO2) is desir- the arterial blood. Pulsating blood is needed able and adds to our baseline assessment because it can allow the device to distinguish information. arterial blood from venous blood, hence the name pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a standard of care used by hospitals and advanced care providers, and only now is coming into wide use by prehos- What do pulse oximetry pital providers and the general public. Thus, readings really mean? pulse oximetry has become so commonplace, many in the profession have dubbed it the Simply stated, a pulse oximeter reading is a fifth vital sign. measure of the average oxygen saturation in the hemoglobin of arterial blood of the monitored finger. In other words, it measures how Understanding the science of well the peripheral blood is oxygenated. The pulse oximetry normal SpO2 range for oxygen saturation is equal to or greater than 95 percent. Pulse oximetry relies on the principle that there is a specific wavelength of light that Readings below 95 percent saturation could be is absorbed by hemoglobin inside the red one sign of inadequate oxygenation. Oxygen blood cells that carry oxygen. Various hemo- therapy should be considered only after assess- globin molecules absorb light differently. ing the patient, getting a history, and doing Oxygenated hemoglobin is more transpar- an exam. For patients at some of the higher ent to red light, but absorbs more infrared elevation resorts, it is entirely possible for a light. Conversely, deoxygenated hemoglobin healthy individual to have an SpO2 reading absorbs more red light, but is transparent to below 95 percent, and sometimes even below 90 percent. Also, people with chronic lung disease, usually from smoking, live with a lower A tip you can depend on. Carbon oxygen saturation percentage. reinforced tip and tail sections ensure the utmost stability when conditions Ventilation and oxygenation: demand it. Whether getting the toboggan what is the difference? down through 6” of mank or sweeping ice bumps at dusk - depend on your It is important that OEC technicians under- equipment like skiers depend on you. stand the difference between ventilation and Learn more at oxygenation, two very important critical care www.blizzardsportsusa.com concepts. Ventilation, a combination of inspiration and expiration, is typically assessed by looking for Graphic of a pulse oximter’s technology. appropriate chest rise, assessing lung sounds

NSP.ORG 75 OEC

experiencing shortness of breath because there • Cold temperatures can cause vasocon- are not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin striction and result in an inaccurate in the blood. measurement; make sure the hand is warm before using the device. Use in the When breathing is rapid with a normal pulse field on a cold day can be unreliable. oximeter reading, the OEC technician should have a high index of suspicion that something • The photoemitter (light-producing end) is not quite right. OEC technicians should be should always be on the fingernail, and assessing the patient and looking for signs of the photodetector should always be on inadequate ventilation by evaluating the rate the pad side of the finger. and quality of breathing, and be ready to assist • Do not read a pulse oximeter when a with ventilations and supplemental oxygen, blood pressure cuff is inflated on the Readout on a pulse oximeter. regardless of the pulse oximeter reading. same arm. Remember, there are numerous reasons why with or without a stethoscope, and evaluating • Excessive patient movement may cause this mismatch can occur, and you should not quality of breathing. These qualitative signs of inaccurate readings. Some pulse oxim- waste time trying to identify these reasons. ventilation need to be assessed and evaluated eter designs are more susceptible than This is why OEC technicians should never use in all patients. others. pulse oximeter readings as the sole means of Oxygenation, or, more specifically, the oxygen assessing a patient! • Exposing the sensor to bright light may saturation of hemoglobin contained within give inaccurate readings. Cover the red blood cells of arterial blood as detected by pulse oximetry, typically is a good indication Pulse oximeter guidelines of perfusion of the body’s tissues. Pulse oximetry is not a method that can readily detect • The ring or middle finger of the non- inadequate ventilation or breathing (dyspnea). dominant hand is preferred, although Pulse oximetry does not provide direct mea- measurements can be made on any surement of hypoperfusion within the body’s finger. The reason for this is that when a tissues and critical organs (a state of hypoxia), finger is bent, it causes an interruption where it really counts. in blood flow. The index finger is the most often bent digit on the hand. Also, To illustrate this point, a patient with an if the nondominant hand is used, the abnormally low red blood cell count may patient can use the dominant hand to do have a normal oxygen saturation reading by things without worrying about the pulse pulse oximeter of the available hemoglobin oximeter coming off. A pulse oximeter in use. contained within red blood cells, but is likely

Toboggan training. Photo by Adam Hansel.

WE WERE BORN WILD

Ofﬁcial Supplier

76 NSP.ORG OEC

minimizes reading errors and false alarms, and have greater reliability and sensitivity. The additional cost may cover expenses incurred for FDA approval. If you have purchased a new finger pulse oximeter at a modest cost, do not expect it to have the When accuracy and reliability of a professional or clinical-grade device. Be wary of overseas manufacturers (i.e., “it’s too cold” China, Hong Kong) that make dubious claims and do not conform to U.S. require- A different type of pulse oximeter. ments. These devices have saturated the isn’t an option. online market, and it may be hard to distin- sensor with your hand during measure- guish them from those that conform to U.S. ment to see if this affects the reading. requirements. • Nail polish and dark skin pigmentation may give inaccurate results. Summary Pulse oximetry is easy to use, requires rela- Things to consider when tively little training, is noninvasive, can be purchasing a pulse oximeter used on virtually anyone, gives important The last several years have seen an explo- information, and is cost-effective. Normal sion in the use of pulse oximetry by the SpO2 ranges are greater than or equal to general public for recreational, sport, and 95 percent, and in conjunction with other home monitoring purposes. However, as clinical findings, oxygen therapy should be OEC technicians involved in providing considered below this value. In a previously prehospital patient care, precautions should healthy patient, an SpO2 reading of less be exercised before rushing to buy just any than 95 percent may indicate a respiratory over-the-counter (OTC) inexpensive device. emergency. There are pulse oximeters available specifi- There are numerous reasons why OEC techni- cally for sports and aviation use, and the cians might experience SpO2 readings that Food and Drug Administration has identi- are inconsistent with the patient’s own signs fied these separately from those devices and symptoms; the examples listed in the used in the healthcare profession. preceding discussion are only a partial list. The FDA also does not require that pulse OEC technicians need to understand the -Breathe Freely oximeters for sport and recreational use difference between adequate ventilation and have FDA approval. Keep in mind that oxygenation, two very important critical -Protect Airways there is no difference in appearance care concepts. OEC technicians should be between FDA-approved devices and those assessing the patient and looking for signs that are marketed for home or sport use. of inadequate ventilation by evaluating the -Manage Moisture Thus, there could be wide variability in the rate and quality of breathing, looking for quality, reliability, and accuracy of pulse hypoxia (a late sign), and be ready to assist oximeters that otherwise appear identical. with ventilations and supplemental oxygen, -Reduce Fogging The price range of a pulse oximeter can regardless of the pulse oximeter reading. vary considerably ($25-$5,000) depending Finally, OEC technicians should never use on grade and features (OTC/professional/ pulse oximeter readings as the sole means PRICED FOR PRO’S clinical). Higher-cost pulse oximeters may of assessing a patient. Always treat the have signal processing technology that patient first! + ON THE NSP WEBSITE

Pulse Oximeter Reminders The pulse oximeter is a valuable tool to have in your patrol room. It should be used in conjunction with the chief complaint, SAMPLE history, vital signs, and physical exam to better assess patients with respiratory or cardiac problems. It is simple to use. STAY The device can give additional information about the patient’s oxygen perfusion distally in a limb. If you are concerned about blood supply to the foot, place the pulse oximeter on a toe, making sure the patient is warm. You should get a reading similar to one on the patient’s finger. If the blood supply to the foot is compromised, you will get a low reading. Remember, however, to look at the whole patient and do not rely solely on a pulse oximeter reading. OUT ®

David Johe, M.D. NSP National Medical Adviser LONGERcoldavenger.com NSP.ORG 77 OEt Instructor Tracking

Navigating instructor activity log made easier

By David Bramel, NSP Central Division Toboggan Supervisor

Toboggan practice. Photo by Scott Brockmeier. t’s possible that you’ve recently received a The instructor activity log tracks whether or However, some people have had difficulty using Ireminder, whether by phone, text, email, not you are participating as an instructor or IT. the instructor activity log. Instructors have or even social media such as Facebook, about Both an instructor and instructor trainer are jobs previously learned how to use the activity log in instructor activity logs. However you received in the NSP. By completing an activity log and a teacher/classroom setting during an instructor your reminder, it shouldn’t have surprised you, submitting it as required, your supervisor can certification clinic, or perhaps through a frantic not if you are an instructor or an instructor accurately review whether you are instructing. phone call to a supervisor in their region or trainer. division. Keeping track of the courses or clinics you teach These reminders generally are sent by your is a great way to keep a record of your extra Jim Vickroy is the Ohio Region Toboggan division supervisor requesting you to submit effort and participation beyond patrolling. This administrator who was originally inspired to your instructor activity log; they come annually written record of your instruction participation get into patrolling after contracting high-altitude for those who are instructor trainers, and every offers an effortless way to review, and poten- pulmonary edema during a climbing trip to three years for instructors. tially reward, those efforts with merit awards. Colorado. He works as a computer technical consultant, and one of his responsibilities in this position is writing step-by-step instructions to guide his customers through a process or procedure. Jim’s patrolling passion inspired him when confronted with a process he believed could be better. Like many administrators of all disciplines throughout the National Ski Patrol, Jim is responsible for keeping accurate instructor records for his region, including their instructing activity. The Official Fortunately for all NSP instructors, Jim resourcefully used his professional skills and created an “Instructor Activity Log Tutorial.” Hot/Cold Pack This tutorial is available online at http://www. ohionsp.org/instructor-activity-log-tutorial. If of the you are an instructor and need a refresher on maintaining your instructor log, this will save National Ski Patrol you from that embarrassing late night call to your region administrator. If you are an instructor trainer, this is a great resource to share at your certification clinics. While Jim’s tutorial is a great resource, bear in mind that the new national database and website overhaul should be completed next spring and there will be new resources and strategies for all of us to use. Pay close attention for announcements about this! In the meantime, we want to thank Jim, and also thank all of our fellow patrollers who are inspired to follow their passion. Have a great season, and I’ll see you on the hill! +

78 NSP.ORG safetyID STAYWARM Stay Safe!

NSP Safety Team promotes snow sports safety By The NSP Safety Team

any times, we, the members of the NSP • Have a scavenger hunt to explore your MSafety Team, are asked what the Safety area, and redeem it for prizes; Team is and what it does. This NSP team • Set up a booth to hand out NSP safety is made up of patrollers who promote and materials; support snow sports safety and the safe guest experience. • Use avalanche or patrol dogs for a demo; Over the past three years, this team has • Offer a ski or snowboard tune for a dis- created safety messaging around campaigns counted price at the ski area rental shop; such as “Know the Code,” “Chairlift Safety • Have a pancake breakfast; for Kids,” “Lead by Example,” “Helmet Safety,” and “Snow Smarts Avalanche • Offer safety informational rides in a Awareness,” to name a few. snow cat; The team has also worked on safety issues • Involve local retail or ski shops to sup- through the “Snow Smarts Safety IQ Quiz” port helmet use by offering a discount on the NSP website, several public service on a helmet purchase; safety announcements, and through the NSP • Contact local ski clubs or schools to Safety Packages in the NSP Online Store. have a poster contest for prizes; This team is involved with other nonprofit • Put safety articles in the local newspa- organizations as well, such as the High Fives per; and Foundation, for which both Shauna Bocksch and Sal Mascareñas have served on the • Allow customers to attend a trail sweep. board. Other members are involved with the American Institute for Avalanche Research You can also use the Safety Team materials and Education’s The Avalanche Project found on the NSP website on the “Safety” (formerly Project Zero; see “Net Zero,” Ski tab. Here are some suggestions for how to use Patrol Magazine, vol. 32, issue 3) and, most these materials: recently, Wounded Warriors. • Use the NSP coloring page for younger The Safety Team also promotes aware- children, found on the NSP “Safety” ness and provides safety materials for area Web page; management and patrols to use during Safety Month, which is held each year in January. • Play the NSP public service safety announcements in your patrol room or The NSP Safety Team works hard to ben- in the ski school department; efit ski areas and NSP members with safety resources and safety materials. If you are at • Have guests take the “Snow Smarts an area that would be interested in safety Safety IQ Quiz;” and month materials or safety activities, please • Use any of the safety tips to create con- reach out to your division’s NSP Safety Team tests or quizzes that guests can take for member. You can also find updates inThe prizes. Sweep e-newsletter on how to obtain materi- Coffee Charcoal™ fabric with heat trap technology als and information. If you need additional ideas or want to speak with any of the NSP Safety Team members, allows you to bulk down while keeping warm and dry. Often, the team is asked for ideas on how to please go to the NSP website and email a @virusintl #virusintl promote Safety Month. Here are some great team member in your division. The team is tips from areas around the U.S. that may help always excited to help! Encourage your area/ in promoting safety events at your area: mountain to get involved with a safety pro- • Develop a “Know the Code” contest; motion during January Safety Month. +

NSP.ORG 79 Telecommunications Radio Technology Changes FCC’s new requirements could make radios pricier and less useful By Dick Woolf, NSP National Telecommunications Adviser

The background In 1995, the Federal Communications Commission, taking note of the moderniza- tion of radio technology (programmable versus crystalized radios) and the precision of frequency control that advances in science delivered, began to implement changes in its regulations designed to improve how the radio spectrum (a finite resource) is used. The FCC’s goal was to create more radio channels by dramatically reducing the amount of space each existing channel Radio call. Photo by Scott Brockmeier. occupied in the spectrum. Ultimately, the FCC wanted to have four channels where requirements has been mixed. While public one existed. safety users have almost 100 percent compli- As an interim step, the FCC proposed ance, the same cannot be said for business that each channel space be halved, creat- users. There are no good statistics on busi- The FCC regulations now in effect mean that ing two channels where one existed. This ness channel user narrowbanding, because radio manufacturers seeking approval to was called narrowbanding. At the time, it these users tend to hold on to their radios for market equipment in the United States must was felt that as radio users purchased new a long period of time. meet the ultra-narrow bandwidth rules. This equipment, such efficiency improvements only applies to new radio equipment for The FCC hasn’t moved from its original would be automatically created, since radio which FCC approval is sought; equipment idea to quadruple channel efficiency (four manufacturers would be required to build approved on December 31, 2014, or earlier channels where two now exist). Following narrowband capability into all new radio may continue to be manufactured, sold, and its earlier plan, in 2011 the FCC proposed models. used, provided that it is narrowband (12.5 requiring radio manufacturers to build kHz) compliant. While new radios did have narrowband radios that included not only the current capability, radio users weren’t moving to narrowband capability (known as 12.5 kHz narrowband because of compatibility prob- bandwidth), but also a new ultra-narrow The confusing picture lems with their existing (wideband) units. capability (6.25 kHz bandwidth). The FCC solicited comments regarding their proposal. The use of 6.25 kHz ultra-narrow bandwidth creates a number of issues: The current situation The majority of commenters favored tem- porarily or permanently delaying the new 1. 6.25 kHz signals are inherently digital, The FCC felt that stronger measures were requirements. These comments, however, did meaning your voice is converted necessary to force migration to narrowband not deter the FCC from proceeding down the into data packets which are sent and technology, and set a deadline of January 1, path to 6.25 kHz ultra-narrow bandwidth. received. Analog voice cannot be 2013. Radios that were incapable of operat- The FCC originally wanted manufacturers transmitted and received at 6.25 kHz ing in narrowband mode could no longer be to include 6.25 kHz capability by January bandwidth; the radio needs to convert used, even if they were in perfect working 2013. As a result of comments received, they your voice to data packets and transmit order. delayed implementation of the ultra-narrow that data, and the receiving radio Compliance with the narrowbanding specifications until January 1, 2015. converts the data packets back into voice. The device that performs this

80 NSP.ORG conversion is called a vocoder. In a digital system, since the receiving vocoder needs to reassemble the digital 2. Analog radios are inherently interoper- packets and convert them back to voice, if able; as long as your radio is programmed the received signal is weak, some packets to the right channel and tone squelch may be missing. If too many packets of data code, you can communicate with any are missed, the vocoder cannot do its job. other make and model of radio. A very The result may be garbled audio, intermit- inexpensive radio can talk to an expen- tent audio (some missing words), or no sive radio (made by another company) audio at all. without problems. Have you ever been speaking on a cell- 3. There are multiple digital standards phone and find out that your call dropped that prevent interoperability between and you’re no longer connected to the other different makes and models of radios. person? The signal didn’t get weak or noisy, Manufacturers do this to lock you in to a it just disappeared. This is what can happen particular brand of equipment. The radio in a digital radio system, even if a repeater is industry isn’t interested in having a uni- used. The signal remains connected until a versal standard — they want to force you certain point, and then it’s gone; there is no to keep buying their own product. gradual increase in noise or static. It’s a huge 4. The digital radio world is divided concern in the public safety world. primarily into public safety and business users. In the public safety sphere, a digital standard called “P25 Phase II” The future of ski patrol radio has emerged. A public safety standard is Ski patrols have traditionally purchased inex- necessary for interoperability in emer- pensive or moderately-priced radios; $3,000 gency situations. However, there remain public safety radios are not in the game plan. compatibility issues even within the P25 The companies that build radios for sale in the standard, so many public safety systems U.S. (and therefore must obtain FCC certifica- rely on analog transmission for interop- tion prior to sale) now must meet the January erability. Most public safety P25 radios 2015 requirements for new radios. are analog-capable. P25 radios are much more expensive than analog radios, In discussions with Powerwerx, NSP’s radio and are only made by a relatively few equipment sponsor, we have been told that companies. For business users, there are they will continue to sell analog radios many digital transmission protocols, the approved prior to December 31, 2014. They do majority of which are incompatible with not plan to offer P25 public safety radios at this each other, as detailed in point 3. Many time. They will offer two flavors of “business digital radios for business use do not digital” radios in the future, but these digital have analog capability. Digital radios for radios will be more costly and not offer dual- business users are available at multiple band (VHF-UHF) capability. price levels. It is important to point out that Powerwerx 5. The FCC has stated that it does not is one of a very few suppliers to offer FCC- intend to mandate a single or universal approved dual-band radios, a feature ski standard for business digital; it will let patrols appreciate. the marketplace sort that out. The FCC It is believed that companies will continue to does, however, intend that P25 Phase II offer pre-2015 approved analog radios for quite will be the current standard for radios some time. There is a huge embedded base of used for public safety. analog radio systems in the U.S., and for many Digital radio systems operate somewhat dif- users, no need to change. ferently than analog systems. The audio may With respect to interoperability with other sound clearer, without the static or noise public safety entities, patrols should continue sometimes heard on analog systems. The big their dialog with those agencies and 911 difference lies with what happens with weak centers to ensure that interoperable com- signals. In an analog system, as the signal munications are available in the event of an becomes weaker, the signal gets noisier, but emergency at, or in the vicinity of, your area. the person receiving the message can still understand it, or they can tell the person Questions/comments on this topic may be sending the message to repeat, or to change directed to [email protected]. + their location.

NSP.ORG 81 women’s Tahoe Women’s

“My overall experience at this Summit was excellent; I had the opportunity to make many connections with patrollers and coaches, and

had the opportunity to try a On the snow at the 2015 Summit. Photo by Julie Matises. variety of clinics with differ- Summit ent coaches.” hose are just a few of the comments colleagues in cross-industry fields. from the women who participated in “Not only was the coaching staff an inspi- the 2015 Women’s Summit at Squaw T ration to help women visualize a pathway “The professional knowl- Valley, California. This event is the to pursuing their goals, our speakers brainchild of Professional Ski Instructors edge I gained, not only from offered a wealth of knowledge and encour- of America National Alpine Team mem- agement of women to think optimistically the structured clinics, but ber Heidi Ettlinger, who is very active about their potential,” explains Ettlinger. informal discussion on the with enhancing the alpine experience for women. She has developed a variety of This year, Heidi states, “It’s back, and bet- chairlift and evening events, women’s adventure programs that promote ter than ever!!” was invaluable.” the growth of female instructors and the Like last year’s event, the three-day participation and retention of women in Summit will be filled with morning and the sport of skiing. afternoon clinics that allow participants to The 2015 Summit provided opportuni- collaborate and work with experts in the “I liked that I got to work on, ties for industry professionals to train field. The event will open the first night with a keynote speaker, and other evening not just think on, improv- with elite coaches, share ideas, influence the future, and network with women events will include stimulating panel ing the skiing experience for other women.”

82 NSP.ORG women’s Tahoe Women’s

Ski instruction at the 2015 Summit. Photo by Linda Barthel. Powerhouse of women in the Riding the chair at the 2015 Summit. Photo by Linda Barthel. snow sports industry from PSIA, USSA, and NSP unite at Summit By Linda Barthel, NSP National Women’s Program ADVISEr

Summit Indoors at the 2015 Summit. Photo by Linda Barthel. discussions. The Deets The date of the 2016 event is March 6-9, 2016, and the home base will be “Why do it?” the Squaw Valley Lodge. Along with • Ski, learn, explore, share, challenge, experiment, and laugh! the National Ski Patrol, other organizations involved with and endorsing this • Network with women colleagues and professionals in cross-discipline fields within event are the Professional Ski Instructors the ski industry. of America-American Association of • Join in for your own development and enjoyment and be the spark that ignites a Snowboard Instructors and the United series of nationally acclaimed events for women in the ski industry. States Ski and Snowboard Association. “How do I register?” Members of the NSP will get credit for a Ski Enhancement Seminar, and those • Email [email protected], or contact Program Coordinator Heidi Ettlinger at with PSIA-AASI membership will qualify (530) 318-8661, to receive the latest on registration and program information. for a continuing education credit. • Watch the NSP website and NSP National Women’s Program Facebook page (https:// Ladies of the National Ski Patrol, this www.facebook.com/NSP-National-Womens-Program-219839518095664/?fref=ts). is an incredible opportunity to branch out and network with women across the Be a part of a landmark event bringing together country and across other professional ski professional women from all across the ski industry! organizations! +

NSP.ORG 83 book review

Powder Hunt By Troy Hawks

Patrick Thorne, Powder, The Greatest Ski 7. I Gully: Lake Louise, Alberta India hardly qualifies as a “big ski nation,” Runs on the Planet. (Quercus Books, 2014.) but by the sounds of it, skiing the Southeast 8. La Crête: Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec 224 pages. shoulder of Gulmarg could potentially come 9. Couloir Extreme: Whistler Blackcomb, with some unexpected thrills. In his review, When I saw the cover of Patrick Thorne’s British Columbia Thorne writes: Powder, The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet, my gut sank and filled with butter- 10. North Bowl: Revelstoke, British It was established as a mountain sta- flies at the same time. It was back in July, Columbia tion by British colonials in the 19th it was 80 degrees out, and the book served 11. Mount Saint Elias, Yukon/Alaska century, and then used to stage skiing as a stark reminder of how many days I had competitions from 1927 up to the gone without skiing powder. Second World War. In the modern era, attempts to develop the resort to its At the same time, the cover image ignited Clearly, France, Italy, Switzerland, and world-class potential were thwarted all of the excitement and anxiety of a Austria own the lion’s share of the real through much of the 20th century 24-inch powder day. At first sight, it seemed estate in terms of awesome ski runs, but thanks to its location in Kashmir, on like all I had to do was flip open the cover readers are sure to come up with a few note- land disputed by India and Pakistan to drop into a snow globe of amazing worthy runs left off of Thorne’s list, such (it’s 95 percent Muslim), leading to powder runs. Each chapter, every run, is as Big Couloir at Big Sky, Montana, and militarization of the area and the introduced with an astounding two-page Paradise at Mad River Glen, Vermont. occasional attack by terrorists/separat- spread, followed up with a map and more Nevertheless, Thorne’s list includes lesser- ists (depending on your point of view). spectacular photography. known ski destinations in Greenland, Gulmarg tops out at 13,031 feet, with Nevertheless, the planet is a big place, and Poland, Turkey, India, and Nepal. vertical drops of nearly 5,000 feet. Thorne it’s always a tricky business to categorize “I tried to be international with the choice says the possible lines are endless and the unquantifiable into a list of better and of runs, but honestly, 50 is way too small feature everything from big powder bowls best. How could one possibly narrow the of a selection to have to make when you to chutes, cornice jumps, and the thrill of globe down to 50 top ski runs? consider there are 6,000 ski areas on Earth cruising through ancient pine forests. He in around 80 countries, and maybe 100,000 In fact, readers might be surprised that only writes: 11 runs in North America made the list, six runs between them,” says Thorne. And these are just the ski attractions. in the U.S. and five in Canada. These are: In coming up with the list, Thorne says he Add to that an exotic mix of local put a cap on the number of runs listed for shrines, villages, and the incredible any one country, and then he divvied up the Kashmiri cuisine and you know for 1. McConkey’s: Squaw Valley, California remainder among other locations around the sure you’re not in a standard ski resort world. 2. Gunbarrel: Heavenly, California replicated the world over. “Obviously the French will say, ‘How come 3. Walsh’s: Aspen, Colorado In the end, it’s clear that what Thorne has so few in France? We have the world’s 50 4. Grizzly Downhill: Snowbasin, Utah produced is a life agenda for skiers and rid- best runs in the Chamonix Valley alone,’ ers who love to travel the globe and explore 5. Goat: Stowe, Vermont and skiers in every other big ski nation will new powder-filled places. So here it is: get think the same for their own countries,” 6. Corbet’s Couloir: Jackson Hole, after it! says Thorne. + Wyoming

84 NSP.ORG in memoriam

the award for completion being the USSA trips to the Bugaboos to heli-ski in the deep Bill Barnes “Green Diamond” Ski Mountaineer patch. powder. During the summer months, he was an avid hiker and backpacker. There are few Last April, the Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol During the 1963-64 season of ski mountain- places and trails in the High Sierra that have lost one of its most valued members when eering, Dan became interested in joining not felt the imprint of his boots. Bill Barnes passed away. Bill left us many the NSP and was welcomed into the Snow gifts during his time as a patroller, a father, Valley Ski Patrol in Southern California. After retiring from work and patrol, Dan a husband, and an active member of his With his eagerness to learn, work, and and his wife, Pat, bought a second home in community. participate, a jovial can-do attitude, and Driggs, Idaho, where they spent the winters He gave us the gift of love, expecting nothing an infectious good humor, he immediately and he regularly skied Grand Targhee. He in return. became an integral part of the patrol. was 83 when he finally quit skiing. He gave us the gift of service, expecting no When the Snow Valley Ski Patrol dissolved Dan turned 89 just two weeks before his return. in 1975, Dan transferred to the Snow Summit passing. He leaves behind his wife of 61 Ski Patrol in Big Bear and later to the Ski years, Pat; a son, Dan, Jr.; a daughter, Marci He gave freely of the gift of friendship, which Sunrise Ski Patrol in Wrightwood, California. Belling; and four grandchildren. I believe was returned in kind. At the time he retired from patrolling, he had He will be missed by all that knew him. He gave us the gift of his smile, which patrolled for over 25 years. seemed always there. Dan always had an interest in ski mountain- Ron Chandler eering and became an NSP Mountaineering He gave us the gift of showing us how to Alumni, California have fun. instructor when that program was initi- ated. In 1968, Dan was one of the authors He gave us the gift of showing us how to of the original Southern California Region work, and how to fix and build. Ski Mountaineering Manual, forerunner Sue Ellen Gillis He gave us that gift of himself in ways large to the NSP ski mountaineering manuals and small that are far too numerous to count. that followed. As late as 1982, his contri- Sue Ellen Gillis died of metastatic colon butions were recognized in the NSP Ski Bill leaves behind his wife, Donna, also a ski cancer on June 24, 2015. She was born in Mountaineering Manual published by the patroller, his partner in all things, and the Ithaca, New York, on February 25, 1946, to national office. love of his life, as well as his two sons, Mike Spike and Rosa Crass. She attended Ithaca and Rob. In addition to patrolling, Dan made annual High School, graduating in 1964. She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder Learning to ski with his wife and sons opened the door to 24 great years with the Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol. Their patrol family became very important to them, and the decision to retire during the winter of 2013- 14 was difficult. Bill held dear the training, service, work, and camaraderie of the patrol. He will live on in our memories, our hearts, and in the reminders of him that we see daily on the mountain. In other words, he is with us in spirit. We wish him fresh powder snow, bright sunshine, good hunting, smooth water to ski on, work to do, and friends and family to be with.

Arthur J. Greer Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol, Oregon

Dan Belling

Dan Belling’s introduction to patrolling was through the ski mountaineering program Perfectly engineered taught by instructors from the Southern California Region of the NSP’s Far West Division. This was before the NSP had a for avid ski and formal ski mountaineering program, so the classes were given under the auspices of the United States Ski Association, with snowboard lovers.

NSP.ORG 85 in memoriam

in 1968. Later, chair. In 1995, she was patroller of the year from fellow patrollers in the Central New she went on to at Greek Peak. From 2000 to 2003, she was York Region of Eastern Division. earn a master’s an assistant patrol leader. In 2003, she was Bill joined the National Ski Patrol in in educational appointed patrol leader. 1978 at Mystic Mountain Ski Patrol in administration Among Sue’s awards were a Yellow Pennsylvania and Camillus Ski Patrol in from SUNY Merit Star in 1995, the Windsor Smith New York, then joined the Song Mountain Cortland. Outstanding Patroller Award in 1998, a Ski Patrol in New York in 1985 and retired She taught sec- National Certificate of Appreciation in 2003, in 2007. During those years, he became Sue Ellen Gillis ondary English a Distinguished Service Award in 2004, a an OEC (then called WEC) instructor, and in Falmouth, Massachusetts, and Lansing, 45-year pin in 2012, a second Windsor Smith rose through the ranks to become a region New York. She also taught at the Downtown Outstanding Patroller award in 2013, and instructor trainer and a Senior trainer/ Ithaca Children’s Center, the Cornell the Eastern Division Patroller Achievement evaluator, and then Central New York College of Human Ecology, and the Child Award in 2013. Region OEC coordinator. In fact, it was Bill Development Council in Ithaca. She went who ushered in the Winter Emergency Care Sue was an active outdoor person who on to work for Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga Program into the CNY Region. enjoyed camping in both summer and winter Board of Cooperative Education Services in and canoeing in the Adirondacks. Other When he retired from patrolling, he was Ithaca, coordinating staff development, and hobbies were rock climbing, backpacking, the Eastern Division OEC supervisor. A was later the adult education supervisor birdwatching, and being with family. long-time instructor of first aid skills, Bill until her retirement. She worked with the even answered the call a year into retire- GED program and the Tompkins County Jail She was always happy to volunteer a clump ment to serve one more season teaching Education Program, as well as the Refugee of daylilies wherever she thought they were OEC. Prior to Bill’s roles in the OEC Assistance Program in Binghamton, New needed. Due to Sue’s vigilance, there are Program, he was an active American Red York. clumps of lilies thriving all over New York Cross instructor for many years. State and beyond. She was happy sitting in On May 18, 1968, she married Al Gillis her Adirondack chair, vodka tonic in hand, Bill was honored for his dedication and in Colorado while he was on three weeks watching a summer sunset, or reading Olive leadership in 1995 with a Leadership leave from the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker a bedtime story when she came to visit. Commendation Award, one of the first Eastwind. They were married for 47 years. Leadership Commendation Awards pre- They have one daughter, Mariah Gillis, who She especially loved Cape Cod, and would sented by the NSP. lives in Baltimore with her husband, Marc visit friends there every year. In the weeks Raley, and daughter, Olive, who is eight before her death, Sue made a final trip to the Because of his teaching leadership, some years old. Cape to visit Pamet River, one of her favorite of his patrol students nicknamed him places in the world. She had requested that “Admiral Halsey,” after the legendary U.S. A quote from a fellow patroller summa- her family be there with her. Some of her Navy commander from World War II (who rizes how everyone at Greek Peak felt about ashes were spread there. was said to be a distant relative). News of Sue. “She was a godsend, always steady, Bill’s death brought back many memories thoughtful, alive with ideas on how to While we are all saddened by her passing, from students and fellow patrollers alike. handle situations, especially children. She we know that she was loved by many people. is the one who realized that there were People were always seeking her advice and “His heart was always in the right place. children we could not keep warm enough, help, which she offered with grace and RIP ‘Admiral;’ nobody can or will forget so Sue made rice bags. She also bought the humor. We are all better people for having you!” known Sue. Heaven will be a better place microwave oven to heat the bags to put in “In my early days, he helped many of us under her guidance. the children’s armpits, and put the fuzzy at Camillus Ski Association and supported side against the child’s face, of course. She Greek Peak will sorely miss this wonderful it for years when they needed guidance volunteered for the practical exams and was woman. on patrolling, training, or just help in the the perfect IP, portraying injuries very well, skiing industry. He will always be remem- hoping it would stabilize the candidates bered by people he interacted with. We lost Tom Lipa and keep them on target. She was a prize a true professional.” beyond belief. Sue was a walking public Greek Peak Ski Patrol, New York service announcement for the Greek Peak Ski “He was tough, fair, and pushed us to be Patrol.” the best we could be.” Sue first skied in 1958. She joined the ski “Each week after training, one of us wanted patrol at Lake Eldora in Colorado (aka William Halsey to quit!!! So glad we followed his advice. … One of those aha moments came in the Eldora) in 1966, and became a Senior patrol- If anything, Bill Halsey was a patroller ler at Arapahoe Basin in Colorado in 1967. training when and teacher whose lessons and techniques he duct-taped She joined the Greek Peak Ski Patrol offi- are still remembered and treasured by the cially in 1969. From 1979 to 2004, she was my wrists patrollers whose lives he touched. After a together an instructor for the candidates and at the 29-year career in the ski patrol, he retired annual refreshers. and took my to Crossville, Tennessee, where he passed patrol pack She became a New York EMT in the years away on Aug. 22, 2015. He was 75. off, then told preceding Outdoor Emergency Care, and Those lessons and friendships he shared us to go treat in 1998, was the Bylaws Committee chair. brought back fond memories and plaudits the three In 1999, she served as the grant writing William Halsey

86 NSP.ORG in memoriam injured patients. He was a legend!” teaching how to A legend indeed! Bill Halsey was the run tobog- model of what a ski patrol instructor gans. As a should be, whose love of the NSP and curriculum teaching came together to influence a gen- developer, eration of patrollers. he was frustrated Jeff Paston by the lack Central New York Region Historian of a system for teaching, and had observed Scott Wesley that some Scott Wesley people ran toboggans well and some didn’t, so he asked Scott H. Wesley, a long-time patroller at why. What followed was 30 years of experi- Alpental in Washington, died Oct. 23, 2015, mentation, first at Alpental, and later, all in Hailey, Idaho. around the country. Scott was born Dec. 7, 1939, in Montesano, Using basic principles of ski racing, moun- Washington, and was the only child of taineering, and physics, he innovated Thelma and Delos Wesley, who preceded tobogganing with great success, leading to him in death. He attended public school in the mainstreaming of toboggan techniques Eatonville, Washington, learned to ski at and teachings still in use today. Paradise on Mount Rainier, and graduated While his honesty and questioning of “what from the University of Puget Sound with a we’ve always done” irked some, he was bachelor’s in business and in education. always willing to listen, never held a grudge, While in college, he joined the U.S. Air and was the best friend in the world. In Force Reserves, and following gradua- meeting Scott, you usually stood in danger tion was activated to Lackland Air Force of becoming a member of his flying circus, Base, Texas. Following his discharge, Scott barnstorming ski areas, and becoming an went on to teach for 21 years at McCarver advocate of tobogganing the easy way. Elementary in Tacoma, Washington. In order to show the power of sled control During college, he met his wife, Shirley, surfaces other than the chain and the uphill who survives him, and they were married skeg, Scott once ran a sled down a steep on June 19, 1964, in Tacoma. They lived in expert run at Alpental in his ski boots, in Gig Harbor, Washington, for 34 years before front of regional instructors, to make his retiring to Hailey in 2000. Their only son, point clear. Eric, was born in 1970, and currently lives The best people to know are the ones that in Puyallup, Washington, with his wife, make others around them better. Scott Kasinda, and their daughter, Scottlyn, born made us all better than we knew we could less than two weeks after Scott’s passing. be. We are honored that he was with us, Scott was a lifetime member of the National and saddened now that he is gone. We will Ski Patrol, earning National Appointment remember chasing him hooting and yodel- Number 5070. During his tenure in the ing down a field of powder, since he always NSP, he served as a volunteer ski patroller seemed to somehow get first tracks. at White Pass, Crystal Mountain, Alpental After a brief illness, Scott died of mela- (founding member), and Rotarun (ski patrol noma. He asked that no service be held, and director) for a combined total of 53 years. requested that tax-deductible donations and During those years, he also served as the memorials be sent to: Northwest Region’s standards adviser and Rotarun Ski Area was the founding director of the Toboggan Box 2083 Demo Team, earning numerous Northwest Hailey, Idaho 83333 Region and Pacific Northwest Division service awards and citations of recognition. Arrangements are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey. Friends may visit His other interests and hobbies included www.woodriverchapel.com to share a mes- world travel, fly fishing, and geology and fos- sage and/or photos. sil hunting. Scott will be remembered by most as a beloved teacher, mentor, and friend. The Toboggan Demo Team Scott was an innovator in running and

NSP.ORG 87 Magazine index

2000-Present Retirement Pg. 34 Winter 07 Level II course, Whiteface Mountain Pg. 48 Winter 04 Awards Scott Marland Pg. 28 Winter 12 Low angle rescue Pg. 22 Winter 09 2000 Outstanding Awards Pg. 24-29 Fall 00 75th Anniversary Staff changes Pg. 28 Winter 15 Map and compass Pg. 52 Spring 00 2001 Outstanding Awards Pg. 40-44 Fall 01 A Celebration to Remember Pg. 48 Fall 12 Strategic plan Pg. 50 Winter 00 Mapping and GPS Pg. 50 Fall 03 2007 Outstanding Awards Pg. 36 Fall 07 “Adventures in Skiing” excerpt Pg. 50 Winter 13 Survey results Pg. 16 Summer 08 Midwestern slide Pg. 25 Winter 06 2008 Outstanding Awards Pg. 21 Fall 09 Anniversary toboggan Pg. 48 Winter 13 Mount Hood rescue Pg. 38 Winter 07 2009 Outstanding Awards Pg. 47 Winter 11 Beyond Diamonds Pg. 62 Summer 12 Alumni Moving forward (director) Pg. 91 Fall 15 2010 Outstanding Awards Pg. 52 Winter 12 Early patrolling Pg. 62 Winter 13 College bound Pg. 53 Winter 14 MTR and SAR: pt. 1 Pg. 51 Fall 10 2011 Outstanding Awards Pg. 33 Winter 13 Happy 75 years Pg. 44 Winter 13 Eastern alumni gathering Pg. 20 Spring 14 MTR and SAR: pt. 2 Pg. 58 Winter 11 2012 Outstanding Awards Pg. 36 Winter 14 Remembering Minnie Dole Pg. 59 Winter 13 MTR and SAR: pt. 3 Pg. 53 Summer 11 2013 Outstanding Awards Pg. 36 Winter 15 “Samaritans of the Snow” excerpt Pg. 54 Winter 13 Avalanche and Mountaineering MTR Enhancement Seminar Pg. 70 Summer 12 Award FAQs Pg. 32 Summer 04 Stowe celebration Pg. 69 Winter 13 ABCs (and D) of digging Pg. 52 Fall 11 MTR Manual: changes Pg. 80 Winter 13 Awards application Pg. 70 Fall 01 Stunning 75th Pg. 42 Summer 13 Avalanche control, Taos Pg. 14 Winter 06 MTR Manual: then and now Pg. 55 Fall 11 Banquet planning Pg. 50 Winter 01 Whittaker twins Pg. 65 Winter 13 Avalanche education Pg. 48 Winter 05 MTR Program changes Pg. 32 Winter 03 Gold Stars 2008 Pg. 22 Fall 08 Avalanche hazard evaluation Pg. 48 Winter 03 Multiple burial searches Pg. 78 Fall 14 LCA and National Appointments 06-07 Pg. 25 Winter 08 Administrative Avalanche Program changes Pg. 35 Winter 03 Munter hitch Pg. 98 Fall 15 LCA and National Appointments 07-08 Pg. 19 Summer 09 Area Management: Outlook for Patrollers Pg. 16 Fall 02 Avalanche Program changes Pg. 72 Summer 14 NARSIDs Pg. 12 Fall 07 LCA and National Appointments 08-09 Pg. 42 Summer 10 Board election process: summary Pg. 36 Fall 02 Avalanche SAR dogs Pg. 12 Summer 03 National Avalanche School Pg. 60 Winter 12 Merit Stars 2008 Pg. 26 Winter 09 Bylaw changes approved Pg. 56 Winter 07 Avalanche season statistics 1998-1999 Pg. 42 Spring 00 National Avalanche School field Pg. 64 Summer 12 Minnie Dole Award 2000 Pg. 48 Winter 00 Board candidates Pg. 44 Fall 03 Avalanche season statistics 1999-2000 Pg. 45 Summer 01 National Avalanche School updates Pg. 60 Summer 15 Minnie Dole Award 2011 Pg 36 Summer 12 Board candidates Pg. 46 Fall 11 Avalanche season statistics 2001-2002 Pg. 36 Summer 03 New avalanche courses Pg. 20 Fall 08 Board meeting Pg. 28 Fall 11 Avalanche season statistics 2002-2003 Pg. 50 Fall 04 New NSP Avalanche Program Pg. 49 Fall 10 Certified Board meeting Pg. 35 Fall 12 Avalanche season statistics 2010-2011 Pg. 50 Summer 11 NIMS and ICS integration Pg. 82 Winter 13 APP Conference Pg. 54 Fall 13 Board progress report Pg. 46 Fall 01 Avalanche season statistics 2011-2012 Pg. 56 Fall 12 NIMS and ICS training Pg. 50 Winter 10 Jess McMillan Pg. 62 Winter 14 Candidate slate ( 2002) Pg. 38 Fall 02 Avalung Pg. 50 Spring 00 Preseason avalanche tour Pg. 48 Fall 03 Recruitment Pg. 86 Fall 14 Candidate slate (2004) Pg. 42 Winter 04 Avoiding complacency backcountry Pg. 20 Summer 04 Probing technique Pg. 44 Winter 05 Candidate slate (2004) Pg. 28 Fall 04 Backcountry Basecamp Pg. 46 Fall 13 Project Zero Pg. 26 Summer 15 Education Donation, Harry Voege Pg. 40 Winter 04 Beacon interference Pg. 54 Winter 14 RECCO Pg. 20 Winter 06 Back to school Pg. 32 Fall 12 Dues increase Pg. 42 Fall 00 Beacon parks Pg. 20 Winter 07 Rescue paradigm shift Pg. 59 Summer 13 Certified cearch Pg. 42 Winter 13 Dues increase Pg. 42 Winter 06 Building on MTR history Pg. 63 Summer 15 Rope rescue Pg. 62 Fall 12 Continuing education Pg. 40 Winter 13 Everyday Heroes campaign Pg. 30 Winter 13 Cliff rescue Pg. 65 Winter 15 SAR Conference Pg. 41 Winter 12 Credentialing instructors Pg. 43 Winter 13 Financial report 2000-2001 Pg. 40 Winter 01 Donner Summit rescue Pg. 36 Summer 10 SAR personal story Pg. 46 Fall 05 Distance learning Pg. 22 Summer 11 Financial report 2004-2005 Pg. 40 Winter 06 Education movers and shakers Pg. 42 Winter 08 Sidecountry access Pg. 18 Fall 08 Education report Pg. 24 Winter 12 Financial report 2005-2006 Pg. 36 Winter 07 Everest, patroller ascents Pg. 18 Fall 06 Sidecountry issues Pg. 46 Fall 10 Face-to-face meetings Pg. 29 Summer 14 Financial update 2006-2007 Pg. 27 Fall 07 GPS Pg. 62 Fall 13 Snowpack assessment Pg. 42 Winter 01 Forward ho Pg. 24 Fall 13 Financial update 2007-2008 Pg. 33 Fall 08 Helicopter rescue Pg. 42 Winter 02 Strategic shoveling Pg. 14 Winter 07 Online offerings Pg. 28 Fall 14 Financial update 2008-2009 Pg. 30 Fall 09 Hydrating in the backcountry Pg. 18 Fall 07 Ten Essentials Pg. 46 Winter 06 Promoting programs Pg. 29 Winter 15 Financial update 2009-2010 Pg. 28 Winter 11 Ice cave collapse Pg. 30 Summer 09 Ten Essentials update Pg. 64 Summer 13 Publications update Pg. 39 Fall 11 Financial update 2010-2011 Pg. 26 Winter 12 Incident Command System Pg. 65 Winter 12 Toboggan rope rescue Pg. 66 Winter 14 Sheila Summers, director Pg. 24 Fall 15 Leadership changes Pg. 56 Winter 07 Instructing law enforcement Pg. 18 Winter 09 Tri-Advisory Conference Pg. 72 Winter 13 Spring cleaning Pg. 32 Summer 12 New election process Pg. 34 Winter 06 Instructing MTR by email Pg. 87 Fall 01 Understanding risk Pg. 51 Fall 13 Training trends Pg. 30 Summer 13 NSP origins Pg. 46 Fall 04 ISSW 2010 Pg. 55 Winter 11 USFS MOU Pg. 29 Fall 12 Training trends Pg. 25 Winter 14 NSP governance; board evaluation Pg. 44 Summer 01 ISSW 2012 Pg. 72 Winter 13 Windchill chart Pg. 34 Winter 02 NSP postage stamp Pg. 36 Fall 00 ISSW 2014 Pg. 60 Winter 15 Winter rescue SAR techniques Pg. 44 Winter 01 Equipment Organizational structure task force Pg. 33 Fall 00 Know Before You Go Pg. 36 Fall 11 Winter rescue, Washington Pg. 24 Fall 06 2014 Gear Guide Pg. 42 Fall 14 Recruiting Pg. 28 Winter 07 LaChapelle collection Pg. 44 Winter 10 Battery performance Pg. 42 Summer 02 Bend-a-Knee splint Pg. 44 Winter 03 Boots and footbeds Pg. 26-38 Fall 01 Brill’s Drill for AI Pg. 26 Winter 08 Fitting boots Pg. 53 Winter 11 Multitool care Pg. 61 Spring 00 Batteries that perform in New Patagonia jackets Pg. 47 Summer 11 Pron packs Pg. 49 Summer 11 Pro form etiquette Pg. 40 Fall 03 EXTREME COLD & EXTREME HOT Pro deals and sponsors Pg. 32 Winter 13 Radio systems Pg. 54 Fall 02 2-way Radios & Barcode Scanners Shaped skis Pg. 20 Winter 02 Splint for lower extremities Pg. 64 Fall 03 NSP Pro Deals Sponsors Pg. 32 Winter 13 Winter ski apparel Pg. 22 Winter 04

Features IPT 7038-LiP IPT 9858-LiP 10th Mountain Division Pg. 42 Fall 07 Radios Radios Aging trends in skiing Pg. 36 Winter 09 Motorola APX Motorola XTS1500 Al Schnier Pg. 42 Summer 14 > 20 hrs Run Time 2500 / HT750 / 1250 Backcountry Boom Pg. 28 Fall 13 > 27 hrs Run Time Bike and Build fundraiser Pg. 29 Fall 09 Bike patrols Pg. 54 Summer 14 $115.00 $92.00 Birds of Prey Pg. 44 Summer 12 Bonnie Prudden Pg. 38 Fall 12 Boots to Brie: France patrolling Pg. 44 Summer 15 IPT 6550-LiP IPT 2104-LiP Cable Riding Rescue Pg. 44 Winter 12 Radios Radios Charles Schobinger Pg. 27 Summer 11 Motorola MOTOTRBO Harris / M/A-Com Dartmouth Ski Patrol Pg. 30 Fall 14 > 24 hrs Run Time > 27 hrs Run Time Difference patroller makes Pg. 24 Summer 11 Don Williams Pg. 44 Winter 14 $75.00 $92.00 Dubai patrolling Pg. 28 Winter 09 Early season rescue Pg. 40 Fall 11 Electron Boy Pg. 31 Fall 10 IPT 8610-LiP IPT 4497-LiP European patrolling Pg. 28 Summer 11 Radios Radios Everest: finding Mallory Pg. 30 Spring 00 Motorola XTS3000 Motorola CP200™ Evolution of First Aid Pg. 49 Winter 12 3500 / 5000 > 22 hrs Run Time Evolution of First Aid pt. 2 Pg. 42 Fall 12 > 27 hrs Run Time Extreme competition patrolling Pg. 32 Summer 11 Female Pioneers Pg. 52 Summer 12 $95.00 $72.00 Flight Standby: U.S. Open Pg. 30 Summer 15 Four-Season Patrolling Pg. 36 Summer 15 George Wesson Pg. 41 Winter 11 Helmet Laws Pg. 43 Winter 11 855-228-8478 | [email protected] Helping Survivors Pg. 26 Summer 11 IMPACT ImpactPowerTech.com Iditarod Pg. 26 Winter 10 Power Technologies, LLC Iron Man Championships Pg. 28 Summer 10 Jay Otto memorial Pg. 50 Fall 08

88 NSP.ORG Magazine index

Kees Brenninkmeyer Pg. 56 Summer 13 Adaptive patrons Pg. 64 Summer 03 Stress disorder/EMDR Pg. 54 Fall 01 Stolen Time-Big Sky, by Emily Stifler Pg. 53 Winter 09 Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month Pg. 25 Fall 10 AEDs Pg. 58 Fall 00 Mount Hood patrolling Pg. 23 Summer 10 Altitude and patient experience Pg. 66 Winter 00 Patroller Education Conference Telecommunication Mountain bike conference Pg. 80 Fall 15 Anaphylaxis Pg. 69 Winter 15 PEC 2009 Pg. 20 Summer 09 Cell phones Pg. 22 Winter 08 Multi-generation patrolling Pg. 44 Fall 08 Antibiotics and tendon injuries Pg. 36 Winter 02 PEC 2010 Pg. 32 Summer 10 COSPAS-SARSAT Pg. 15 Summer 08 NARSID peril Pg. 43 Fall 11 Autism Pg. 36 Winter 02 PEC 2012 preview Pg. 30 Fall 11 Dialing 911: part 1 Pg. 70 Summer 13 NSP Charter Pg. 38 Summer 13 Avalanche victim care Pg. 68 Winter 03 PEC 2012 final call Pg. 34 Winter 12 Dialing 911: part 2 Pg. 70 Fall 13 NSP staff Pg. 36 Fall 13 Bandaging technique Pg. 62 Winter 05 PEC 2012 - recap Pg. 32 Summer 12 Digital and analog radios Pg. 17 Summer 10 Obama factor Pg. 43 Winter 09 Boston Marathon Pg. 64 Fall 13 Drone use Pg. 74 Summer 15 Patrol Exchange Program Pg. 27 Fall 10 Brain attack Pg. 66 Summer 03 Photo Contests FCC licensing Pg. 92 Winter 13 Patrol exchanges Pg. 46 Winter 14 Chest compression, AEDs Pg. 64 Fall 06 Photo Contest 2010 winners Pg. 38 Summer 11 FCC regulations Pg. 17 Fall 08 Platinum anniversary Pg. 32 Winter 08 Chest injuries Pg. 48 Summer 04 Photo Contest 2013 starts Pg. 28 Winter 13 GPS technology Pg. 98 Fall 14 Q&A with Darcy Hanley Pg. 30 Winter 11 “Clearing” the spine Pg. 72 Winter 14 Photo Contest 2013 winners Pg. 38 Summer 13 High tech communications, websites Pg. 72 Summer 01 Q&A with Michael Berry Pg. 37 Wnter 11 Cold injuries Pg. 28 Winter 04 Photo Contest 2014 winners Pg. 36 Summer 14 Informing the public Pg. 82 Summer 14 Reality TV: Blue Mountain patrol Pg. 38 Fall 08 CPR updates Pg. 74 Summer 12 Photo Contest 2015 winners Pg. 28 Fall 15 Interoperability Pg. 16 Winter 09 Ron Ricketts Pg. 26 Fall 13 Diabetes Pg. 32 Winter 04 Narrowbanding deadline Pg. 67 Fall 11 SAR School Pg. 28 Winter 14 Difficult patrons Pg. 26 Summer 04 Powderfall Narrowbanding definition Pg. 61 Winter 11 Scout builds splints Pg. 34 Winter 11 EMS interface Pg. 41 Summer 01 Perfect Powder Pg. 60 Fall 14 Narrowband equipment Pg. 76 Fall 12 Seven Summits Pg. 50 Summer 13 EMS services and patrols Pg. 32 Winter 00 Powder to the People Pg. 54 Winter 15 Narrowband requirements Pg. 49 Winter 10 Ski with a patroller Pg. 37 Fall 09 Emergency action plan Pg. 32 Winter 06 Powderfall Recap Pg. 66 Fall 15 NSP website Pg. 24 Fall 02 Snow Guardians film Pg. 70 Fall 14 Exercise-induced asthma Pg. 64 Winter 07 Return to Powderfall Pg. 34 Summer 14 Off-season radio use Pg. 61 Summer 11 Subaru WinterFest Pg. 30 Summer 14 Exposure to blood Pg. 32 Fall 06 Public safety broadband Pg. 103 Fall 15 Tricia Hines Pg. 44 Winter 15 Facial injuries Pg. 58 Summer 04 Reviews Preparing radios for the season Pg. 56 Fall 09 X Games patrols Pg. 48 Summer 14 Femur injuries Pg. 63 Fall 02 Achelis, Backcountry Rescue Pg. 47 Winter 10 Radio and ICS Pg. 76 Winter 14 West Point Ski Patrol Pg. 52 Winter 08 Head check - TBI Pg. 66 Summer 15 Alf Engen bio Pg. 74 Spring 00 Radio licensing hurdles Pg. 74 Winter 12 WinterKids Pg. 37 Fall 10 Hearing-impaired patients Pg. 28 Winter 03 Ancinas, Tales from Two Valleys Pg. 78 Summer 13 Radio signal coverage Pg. 61 Fall 10 Women and patrolling Pg. 34 Fall 15 High altitude and Raynaud’s Disease Pg. 51 Fall 09 Anthony, White Planet Pg. 84 Fall 11 Radios vs. apps Pg. 74 Winter 15 Wounded Warriors Pg. 62 Summer 14 Hypothermia Pg. 12 Summer 09 Biesbrecht, Hypothermia, Frostbite Pg. 68 Winter 07 Report from PEC Pg. 24 Summer 09 Youth patrol programs Pg. 30 Fall 07 Kehr’s Sign Pg. 56 Fall 00 Davenport, Fifty Classic Ski Descents Pg. 76 Summer 11 Telecom update Pg. 16 Fall 07 Knee injuries Pg. 54 Summer 04 DesLauriers, Higher Love Pg. 105 Fall 15 Transitioning from 10 Codes Pg. 78 Summer 12 Fundraising Latex allergies Pg. 64 Winter 03 Dyer, Pretty Faces movie Pg. 80 Winter 15 Leaving NSP in will Pg. 62 Summer 13 Leadership Pg. 62 Winter 06 Eastman, Ski Sentinels Pg. 40 Winter 08 Training and Techniques Pay it forward Pg. 95 Fall 15 Leadership Pg. 36 Fall 06 Farabee, Death, Daring and Disaster Pg. 70 Winter 01 ACL recovery Pg. 24 Spring 00 Planned giving Pg. 88 Fall 14 Long bone fractures Pg. 57 Fall 10 Fox, Deep Pg. 88 Summer 14 Ankles and skiing Pg, 24 Winter 00 Snow angel challenge Pg. 64 Winter 15 Lymphedema Pg. 62 Winter 02 Fry Story of Modern Skiing Pg. 50 Fall 07 Ankle flex Pg. 35 Summer 01 Mass-casualty Pg. 28 Winter 00 Kircher, The Next 15 Minutes Pg. 82 Winter 12 Balance improvement Pg. 36 Winter 04 Health and Fitness Medical Good Samaritans Pg. 31 Winter 12 Pritchard, Totem Pole Pg. 64 Fall 00 Balance exercises Pg. 30 Winter 05 Conditioning Pg. 24 Fall 04 Mnemonics Pg. 66 Summer 01 Rhein, Beyond Birkie Fever Pg. 84 Winter 14 Boots Pg. 16 Winter 04 Core strengthening Pg. 20 Fall 05 MIs/Stroke Pg. 62 Winter 00 Roundy, 75 Search and Rescue Stories Pg. 78 Fall 12 Conditioning Pg. 24 Fall 04 Foot alignment issues Pg. 43 Fall 10 NuMask Pg. 72 Winter 12 Stoddart, Making Meaning Mountains Pg, 102 Winter 13 Continuing education Pg. 30 Summer 04 Fuel for injury prevention Pg. 42 Winter 07 Ocular injuries Pg. 19 Winter 08 Tremper, Avalanche Essentials Pg. 103 Fall 14 Core fitness Pg. 34 Fall 03 Hydration Pg. 52 Fall 05 OEC in forests Pg. 24 Summer 01 Waterhouse, Passion for Skiing Pg. 67 Winter 11 Dryland training Pg. 24 Winter 01 Nutrition Pg. 24 Winter 05 OEC Fourth Pg. 39 Summer 02 Woodlief, Wall of White Pg. 16 Summer 09 Edge exchange Pg. 30 Summer 01 Sleep apnea Pg. 36 Fall 04 OEC Fifth: about Pg. 60 Winter 11 Foot problems Pg. 35 Winter 00 Stamina Pg. 26 Summer 09 OEC Fifth changes: part 1 Pg. 58 Summer 11 Risk Management Hamstrings, quads and ACL injuries Pg. 38 Winter 01 Sun damage Pg. 32 Fall 05 OEC Fifth changes: part 2 Pg. 62 Fall 11 Patrol involvement Pg. 28 Winter 02 Helicopter transport Pg. 32 Summer 03 OEC Program director Pg. 66 Summer 13 Hydrating while skiing Pg. 26 Summer 10 Instructor Development Oxygen administration Pg. 82 Fall 01 Ski Area Operations Knee injury rehab Pg. 22 Spring 00 Invisible time Pg. 62 Summer 15 Pediatric care Pg. 68 Summer 13 1960 Olympics Pg. 40 Fall 09... Learning disabilities Pg. 26 Winter 06 Instructor Development CD course Pg. 26 Winter 07 Pediatric patients Pg. 62 Summer 04 2002 Olympics Pg. 24 Summer 02 Lift evac for adaptive skiers Pg. 32 Fall 04 Pediatric patients: baselines Pg. 64 Winter 01 2010 Olympic patrolling Pg. 19 Summer 10 Patrolling again after severe injury Pg. 44 Winter 00 New program director Pg. 89 Fall 14 Pelvis girdle injuries Pg. 62 Summer 01 A Day in the Life Pg. 8 Fall 05 Pilates Pg. 26 Summer 03 Worst student Pg. 96 Fall 15 Periarticular injuries Pg. 56 Summer 02 Apache and Apache Patrol Pg. 8 Winter 01 Plyobalance Pg. 40 Winter 00 Pregnancy at high altitude Pg. 32 Winter 02 Biodiesel Pg. 29 Fall 08 Powder technique Pg. 16 Winter 00 Legal Pregnant patients Pg. 44 Summer 04 Birch Hill Pg. 8 Summer 04 Pressure management on skis Pg. 30 Winter 09 Dealing with being subpoenaed Pg. 22 Summer 08 Pulse oximetry Pg. 66 Fall 02 Boston Mills/Brandywine Pg. 8 Fall 04 Rollerskiing Pg. 52 Summer 02 Dealing with a fight between guests Pg. 35 Fall 08 Quality management Pg. 22 Fall 07 Caberfae Peaks Pg. 8 Winter 07 Skiing ice Pg. 18 Winter 01 Health insurance (HIPAA) Pg. 42 Fall 03 Refresher approaches Pg. 54 Summer 03 Climate change and ski areas Pg. 32 Winter 10 Skiing ice Pg. 24 Winter 10 Kane v. NSP overturned Pg. 48 Fall 01 S.A.M.P.L.E. Pg. Summer 14 Cockaigne Pg. 10 Winter 04 Skiing steeps Pg. 16 Spring 00 Ski safety legislation Pg. 35 Summer 12 Scene management Pg. 70 Spring 00 Colorado Mountain College course Pg. 16 Fall 04 Stretching Pg. 47 Fall 02 Volunteer insurance Pg. 68 Summer 14 Shock Pg. 63 Summer 02 Customer service and patrolling Pg. 21 Winter 10 Student patrol program (Gould Academy) Pg. 18 Summer 02 Shock: A silent killer Pg. 88 Winter 13 Granite Peak Pg. 8 Summer 02 Teaching techniques Pg. 68 Fall 00 Mountain Hosts Snowblindness Pg. 31 Winter 01 Holiday Valley Pg. 8 Fall 02 Yoga Pg. 16 Winter 03 Hill ambassadors Pg. 57 Summer 12 Spinal anatomy, injury, and care Pg. 68 Summer 01 Homewood Pg. 8 Winter 06 Jackson Hole Pg. 29 Winter 08 Spine boads Pg. 56 Winter 04 Jiminy Peak and Jiminy Peak patrol Pg. 8 Winter 00 Women’s Spine injuries Pg. 57 Summer 03 June Mountain Pg. 8 Winter 05 Central Division Clinic Pg. 83 Summer 14 Nordic Spiral tibia fracture Pg. 58 Winter 02 Lost Trail Powder Mountain and patrol Pg. 4 Spring 00 Eastern Division Leadership Summit Pg. 75 Summer 15 Klister Pg. 58 Winter 07 Spleen injuries Pg. 70 Fall 12 Park City Pg. 16 Fall 05 Gear for women Pg. 94 Winter 13 New Nordic Program director Pg. 55 Fall 10 Splint for lower extremities Pg. 64 Fall 03 Pine Knob Pg. 8 Fall 03 Girl talk Pg. 72 Summer 13 NIMS Pg, 82 Winter 13 Staging scenarios Pg. 64 Summer 04 Pinecrest Nordic patrol Pg. 8 Fall 01 Heavenly clinic Pg. 62 Summer 11 Nordic breakout Pg. 72 Summer 12 Stethoscopes Pg. 55 Fall 09 Roundtop and Roundtop patrol Pg. 8 Fall 00 Jeannie Thoren Pg. 77 Winter 12 Nordic Master Pg. 69 Winter 12 Stress Management Pg. 100 Fall 15 Schuss Mountain Pg. 8 Winter 03 Learning experiences Pg. 78 Winter 14 Nordic Master refresher Pg. 76 Summer 14 Tooth injuries Pg. 85 Fall 01 Silver Mountain and patrol Pg. 8 Summer 01 Mt. Hood June clinic Pg. 68 Fall 11 Patrolling the Birkie Pg. 58 Fall 11 Thoracic trauma Pg. 91 Fall 14 Sky Valley Pg. 8 Summer 03 Southern Division clinic Pg. 72 Fall 13 Program changes Pg. 56 Summer 11 Traction splints Pg. 59 Winter 02 Wachusett Mountain Pg. 10 Fall 06 Women’s Program growth Pg. 62 Winter 11 Repair kit Pg. 56 Winter 06 Vital signs Pg. 66 Summer 02 Wildlife ecology Pg. 34 Winter 01 Women’s Summit Pg. 79 Winter 15 Risk management Pg. 65 Summer 15 Vital signs: taking Pg. 38 Winter 10 Rollerskiing Pg. 56 Summer 02 Volunteering at Ground Zero Pg. 10, 16 Winter 02 Skier Safety Young Adult Ski sailing Pg. 56 Winter 02 Chairlift Pg. 42 Winter 03 Creating young adult patrols Pg. 81 Winter 12 Skinning technique Pg. 50 Summer 03 Outdoor Emergency Transportation Fee for rescue, Chamonix Pg. 16 Summer 04 Division training seminars Pg. 78 Fall 13 Short boards Pg. 58 Summer 01 Do the twist: toboggan handling Pg. 66 Fall 00 Helmet use and OSHA Pg. 16 Winter 10 Growing YAPs Pg. 10 Fall 14 Summer patrolling Pg. 66 Fall 12 Hands in, ready position Pg. 71 Fall 02 Jumping injuries Pg. 66 Fall 04 Loveland Pg. 64 Winter 11 Telemark alignment Pg. 56 Winter 03 Rig refresher Pg. 100 Fall 14 New safety team Pg. 12 Winter 08 Next generation Pg. 87 Summer 14 Telemark improves alpine skills Pg. 24 Fall 03 Snowboarding patrollers Pg. 36 Fall 05 NSP safety initiatives 10-11 Pg. 59 Fall 10 Northern Vermont YAPs Pg. 79 Summer 15 Telemark tips Pg. 58 Winter 00 Transportation revisited Pg. 76 Winter 15 NSP Safety Team Pg. 37 Winter 12 Paying it forward Pg. 101 Winter 13 Telemark turns Pg. 40 Summer 04 Video analysis Pg. 71 Summer 15 Safety packages Pg. 96 Fall 14 Program goals Pg. 64 Summer 11 Telemark workout plan Pg. 48 Fall 00 Safety Team initiatives Pg. 32 Summer 14 R.A.T. Pack Pg. 54 Summer 13 Valley Forge refresher Pg. 70 Winter 14 Patrolling Safety Week Pg. 32 Winter 09 Recruiting young adults Pg. 81 Winter 14 White Pass turn Pg. 60 Winter 01 Quadriplegic dispatches at Crested Butte Pg. 38 Spring 00 Suncreen Pg. 52 Fall 01 Shawnee Peak Pg. 63 Fall 10 Critical incident stress Pg. 30 Fall 00 Toboggan packs Pg. 70 Fall 04 Standardized guidelines Pg. 80 Summer 12 OEC City life after season Pg. 38 Summer 01 Tree wells Pg. 18 Summer 03 Willamette Pass YAPs Pg. 73 Fall 11 Abdominal maladies Pg. 66 Fall 05 Doctors on-scene Pg. 68 Winter 01 Young adult seminars Pg. 77 Summer 13 ACL tears, bracing Pg. 16 Winter 05 Going to the North Pole Pg. 20 Fall 01 Sweep-Patrolling essays Young adult summary Pg. 104 Fall 15 Adaptive patrons Pg. 24 Winter 03 Patroller visibility Pg. 25 Fall 11 Skiing or ski patrolling, by Mike Berard Pg. 45 Summer 09

NSP.ORG 89 out of bounds

Write a Caption For this Photo: Send Ski Patrol Magazine your captions for the photo to the right. Scribe of the winning caption will receive a $25 gift certificate to the NSP Ski Patrol Catalog, and recognition in the next issue. Send entries to [email protected], or mail them to 133 S. Van Gordon St., Suite 100, Lakewood, CO 80228. Only NSP members are eligible. Remember SPM if you have a humorous photo for next issue’s caption contest. Send it in high resolution (at least 225 dpi) to [email protected]. Thanks to everyone for the submissions, and congrats to our winner, Renee Victoria Hoyos. Thanks to Adam Zieba of the Wilmot Mountain Ski Patrol for the photo.

FALL 2015 WINNER: “Mr. February.” — Renee Victoria Hoyos, Cataloochee Ski Patrol, North Carolina

Honorable Mentions: “I can’t resist a man in uniform.” — Debby Riehl, Summit at Snoqualmie Central Ski Patrol, Washington

“The snowmobile broke, so it’s on to plan B.” — Todd Shurtz, Wilmot Mountain Ski Patrol, Wisconsin

“The last five minutes of ski season. These patrollers are ready to ride into summer, toboggan and all.” — Paul Mandel, Mt. Bachelor National Ski Patrol, Oregon

“Perfect, just need chains for the tires.” — Bonnie Palmer, Belleayre Ski Patrol, New York

90 NSP.ORG NSP.ORG 91 LYNSEY DYER Photo by: Lynsey Dyer

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