Q.
I already have a first aid certification. Do I have to take
the CSPS first aid course?
A.
Yes, our training is very specific and applies to providing
services to ski areas. Our training is to a higher level
than a regular first-aid course. We include CPR, Oxygen
therapy, AED procedures, airway management and blood pressure
technology. If you have a credited CPR course valid for
the current ski year you need not re-certify. If you are
an experienced medical professional with emergency training
then you can challenge our exams to determine the level
of training you will require to join the CSPS.
Q.
Are there paid patrolling jobs offered?
A.
Yes, there is always a need for paid patrollers. We suggest
that you make arrangements first with the patrol leader
of the ski area that you would like to become a pro patroller
at. We can supply that information through our National
Database program.
Q.
Are patrollers legally protected for their actions as a
patroller?
A.
Yes, the CSPS carries a general insurance policy.
Q.
Is there any way to really see what it is like to be a patroller?
A. Yes, at numerous ski areas
across the country we have "Ski with a Patroller Day"
programs that matches you with a ski patroller for the day.
Just go to your local ski area, ask to meet the patrol leader
or the person in charge for the day, tell him you are interested
in becoming a ski patroller and that you would like to see
what it is like to be a ski patroller.
Q.
How often will I be required to patrol during the winter?
A. Duty rosters depend on the
local patrol. Some patrols will ask for a certain amount
of days, others are fixed to a one day a week, or 1 day
every 2 weeks or one weekend out of two schedule. They might
ask you your availability at the beginning of the winter
and then make a schedule around your available time. When
you fill in the "JOIN US" form on this web site,
your information goes to a recruiting officer in the area
you wished to join. You will then be called and all your
questions about becoming a patroller will be answered.
Q.
How are ski patrollers recognized at a ski area?
A.
Most of the time we are the skiers wearing the blue and
yellow jackets with the yellow cross over a blue Maple Leaf
on the back. Private patrols may be trained by the CSPS
and in that case they may have a different color uniform
with a "Trained by the CSPS" insignia.
Q.
Is CSPS training recognized by other organizations?
A.
Yes, in most provinces our course is recognized by the Worker's
Compensation Board and most employers accept our CSPS ID card
as a workplace acceptability.
Q. Can I take the CSPS first
aid course without becoming a ski patroller?
A. In most regions YES. We offer
a first-aid only membership classification for patrol hut
duty. In some areas of the country we provide first aid services
for many non skiing events and first-aiders are always welcomed
in these roles.
Q.
What level of skier/snowboarder should I be to become a
patroller?
A.
You need to be a strong intermediate skier. Since you may
ski or ride in all kinds of conditions under any circumstance
you should be able to competently handle all of the runs
on the mountain where you will patrol. You don’t need
to be an expert, but you will need to be able to handle
a toboggan, and meet the minimum rating set out by the local
Patrol at the particular area you wish to patrol. Ski and
snowboard instruction is often available at little or no
cost at the local Patrol level.
Q.
I am a snow boarder, can I be a patroller even if I have
never skied?
A. Yes, we accept surfers,
snow boarders, skiers and Nordic/telemark skiers. We have
lots of patrols in Nordic ski areas. In alpine areas, we
also accept snow blades, but we strongly suggest you be
able to ski as well, that will make toboggan handling easier.
Q.
What is a toboggan?
A.
This is our main means of transporting an injured persons
from the slopes/trails to the base of the ski area.
Q. Is
it hard to transport a patient in a toboggan?
A.
No, we have 100 pound patrollers that can handle a 150 pound
toboggan with a 250 pound patient in it. We teach you how
to do it and with a little practice it will become something
fun, you'll see.
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