TBSPedia - User contributions [en]

Appendix S: Patrol Recruiting

2011-12-16T00:34:49Z

DanielleSanzone: /* How to arrange for a Ski Along */

== Patrol Recruiting ==

TBSP is always looking for eager candidates to join the patrol. The more patrollers we have available on a given day, the larger the area we are capable of assisting.

=== Going for a ski along ===

[[Image:Markrip.jpg|thumb|right|300px|TBSP Patroller rips the powder on the East slope of Castle.]] SkiAlongs are the best way to get to know the Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol. TBSP invites members of the public who may be interested in joining the patrol to come for a "Ski-Along" day during any regular Castle Peak patrol days.

Ski Along requests are subject to the discretion of the Mountain Manager. We are able to provide Ski Alongs to prospective patrol candidates on most days when we patrol, but request at least 5 days notice for prospective ski along candidates.

=== How to arrange for a Ski Along ===

Ski Alongs should be requested by filling out the form at [http://www.tbsp.org/skialong www.tbsp.org/skialong]. Ski Alongs must be requested at least 5 days in advance.

* Guests are required to sign a liability waiver prior to patrolling with TBSP [http://farwest.org/DocumentLibrary/NSP-FWDEventLiabilityReleaseForm071008.pdf NSP Event Release Form] from the [http://farwest.org/?page=DocumentLibrary/index.htm NSP Document Library]. Blank copies are also found in the Ops trailer black box. File these in the Patrol Reports binder.
* The guest must supply their full name, mailing address and phone number to the Mountain Manager.
** The Mountain Manager should forward this information to the [http://beacon.tbsp.org/users/index?status=91 TNF Forest Service Liaison]
* '''By Friday morning''': The Mountain Manager must forward the guest's full name and mailing address to the Tahoe National Forest contact. On the email copy recruiter@tbsp.org and operations@tbsp.org.
* No more than two guests may visit with TBSP on any Ski-Along day.
* NSP members are encouraged to come out for a ski-along

=== Ski-Along Procedure ===
* Guests will patrol at Castle Peak, and only with a regular patrol team (not training, instruction, or “Challenging Terrain”).
* A guest may not bring or invite any other person (or dog) on patrol with TBSP, the only exception being for avalanche rescue dogs which are owned and have been trained by the guest.
* On the assigned patrol day, a guest shall meet TBSP at the Equipment Shed at 8:30 AM.
* A guest shall be expected to ski the same distance, duration, and terrain as the TBSP team, which may on occasion exceed six miles, 2000 feet of climbing, and 2000 feet of descent, with up to black-diamond difficulty, and any snow conditions, for a full day. It is the responsibility of the guest to be familiar with, and prepared for, such an effort.
* A guest will be accompanied by a radio-carrying TBSP patroller (to be assigned by the Team Leader) at all times while on patrol.
* Guests are not allowed to provide medical assistance, regardless of guest experience. TBSP patrollers shall take leadership of all incidents.
* Time (typically 30 – 60 minutes) will be provided as a lunch break.
* Return to the equipment shed typically occurs by shortly after sunset, but this is not guaranteed.
* Upon return to the TBSP Patrol Operations Center, all loaned equipment must be returned to TBSP in as good a condition as it was loaned out. Equipment to be returned may include avalanche transceivers, probe poles, ensolite foam pads, shovels, pack crosses, and Sno-Park permits. Report any lost or damaged equipment immediately to the Patrol Leader.
* TBSP’s patrolling season is roughly mid-December to third week of April, weekends only.

=== Required Personal Equipment ===
Guests on Ski Alongs are required to bring the personal equipment defined in the Patrol Manual [[Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment]].

The following types of equipment can be used for ski-alongs:
* Metal-edge skis with fitted skins and either a sturdy freeheel binding, randonee binding, or alpine binding and freeheel adapter (e.g. “alpine trekker”)
** NNN-BC bindings and/or fishscale skis are strongly discouraged
* Snowboarders must bring snowshoes, short x/c skis, or splitboards in conjunction with ski poles for moving while on flats or uphills. No walking or postholing in snowboard boots alone is allowed.
* Poles, preferably adjustable-length, ideally convertible to a probe; required for both skiers and snowboarders

== Candidate Training ==

New members of TBSP pass through a candidate program before becoming members of the patrol. As part of this process, you will be certified in:
* NSP Introduction to Ski Patrol
* NSP Avalanche 1 for the Professional Rescuer
* NSP Mountain Travel and Rescue Level 1

This training program can be completed in either one or two seasons:
* Candidates who complete the NSP Outdoor Emergency Care certification (medical course) before beginning the candidate program may take all three courses in a single season.
* Candidates who have not completed the NSP OEC certification before beginning the candidate program may take the Avalanche and Mountaineering courses in their first season, in addition to participating in a specified number of patrol days, and will be allowed into the Intro to Ski Patrol course in their second season, after completing the OEC certification in the fall.
* It is also occasionally possible for qualified candidates to join the training program after the season has begun. These midseason candidates may take the Avalanche course in their first season, as well as participating in a specified number of patrol days, and will finish the training in their second season after completing the OEC certification in the fall.
* We also welcome patrollers transferring to our patrol. Transfer patrollers can be waived out of the MTR and Avalanche courses but are expected to participate in the ISP course during their candidate season.

A current certification in two-rescuer CPR (Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or equivalent) is a prerequisite for all candidates.
{{PatrolManual}}

TBSP Introduction

2011-12-16T00:31:54Z

DanielleSanzone:

The Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service provides information and assistance for backcountry travelers in the Tahoe National Forest and Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest. TBSP also provides community education, basic and advanced avalanche and mountain travel/rescue training for ski patrollers, and winter Search and Rescue services in Northern California. Join us on patrol!

=== Where and when we patrol ===
Most of our patrolling takes place in California's Tahoe National Forest in the Castle Peak area north of Donner Summit and on the Pacific Crest Trail. It's the most popular destination that we patrol, not just among backcountry skiers and snowboarders, but also a fair number of snowshoers on their way to spend the day or overnight at the Sierra Club's [http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/huts/grubb.asp Peter Grubb Hut]. Our primary patrol destination in Nevada is the Tahoe Meadows area and its neighboring wilderness zones near Mount Rose, high above Incline Village and with breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe. Other Tahoe National Forest destinations are various corniced ridges and traverses adjacent to the popular local ski resorts of Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, and Sugar Bowl. Read more about our [[02. Areas Patrolled|Patrol Areas]] in the Patrol Manual.
[[Image:Emptyday.jpg|thumb|right|Another day on patrol in the Tahoe National Forest.]]

The [http://beacon.tbsp.org/events/pub TBSP patrol season] is more than 40 weekend days from mid-December through mid-April. All patrol days are on weekends, with a few three-day weekends on federal holidays. A typical patrol day begins at 8:30am and ends before sunset (about 5:00pm).

=== HOW TO JOIN ===

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol is always looking for dedicated and enthusiastic winter backcountry lovers to join the patrol. TBSP is in search of folks willing to learn a new set of skills or two, while spending their weekends serving skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers that venture out into the mountains of northern Lake Tahoe. We invite anyone interested in learning more about backcountry ski patrolling to join us on a [[SkiAlong]] this season. Keep an eye out for our trail head signs and white crosses the next time you're out earning your turns!

Prospective candidates should sign up for an [http://oectools.org Outdoor Emergency Care] course in their area. The classes are usually held at different times of the year, from late spring to late November, however enrollment capacity is limited and it is strongly suggested that people sign up as soon as the course is announced.

To request a SkiAlong, please fill out the form at [http://www.tbsp.org/skialong www.tbsp.org/skialong]

== Patrol Requirements ==

Patrollers are required to participate in a total of (10) days a year, which includes a fall OEC/Operations refresher (two days), a one-day On-the-hill refresher in December, and seven additional days of regular patrol duty. All these days are on weekends. Many members put in additional days simply because they enjoy the experience. Others get patrol day credit whenever they help as an instructor on a training day. Incentives and/or prizes are often awarded to those who volunteer extra days.

New candidates must satisfy the following requirements to attain patroller status. The minimum commitment is 12 days the first year, and 8 days during subsequent seasons, in addition to the 120 hour OEC course.

# Successful completion of the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course, a comprehensive first aid course developed by the National Ski Patrol (NSP) specifically for ski patrollers and other outdoor rescuers.
# Current certification in two-rescuer CPR (American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer, or American Heart Association equivalent).
# NSP Avalanche Level 1 for the Professional Rescuer and participation in TBSP Field days (3 days).
# NSP Mountain Travel and Rescue, Level 1. (3 days: 1 classroom, 2 overnight snowcamping).
# NSP Introduction to Ski Patrol for TBSP (1 classroom and 4 patrol days, including at least 16 hours of backcountry OEC skill enhancements and instruction in TBSP policies and protocols).
# Be a patroller in Good Standing, i.e. signed up for the appropriate number of days. This will require between 1 and 5 days spent shadowing a regular patrol during your candidate year.
# Successful completion of the final candidate skills evaluation on the snow.

Candidates without OEC are encouraged to join the patrol and may get their certifications in Avalanche and MTR prior to taking the OEC course. The OEC Courses fill up quickly, and you are encouraged to sign up for OEC in the early spring.

=== Medical and Training Requirements ===

# All candidates must pass the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course taught by volunteer National Ski Patrol instructors. This course is taught in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento Area, the Reno/Lake Tahoe area and Modesto each year at various times from June through November. Fees range anywhere from $60 to $450. Starting the year after you complete the OEC course, you must attend an annual OEC refresher each fall hosted by our patrol. Normally, there is no charge for these refreshers.
# Candidates who are currently certified EMTs, paramedics, nurses, or doctors may be able to "challenge" the OEC course but must still take the practical course final. More information on this course challenge may be provided.
# All candidates must be certified in two-rescuer CPR (American Red Cross CPR for the Professional Rescuer or American Heart Association equivalent). Appropriate CPR courses are sometimes offered in conjunction with OEC courses, but not always. However, suitable courses are available through your local chapter of the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. These certifications must be renewed annually (typically a 4-hour course) and there is a fee.
# Four of the training days are devoted to OEC training in the snow, during which the principles learned in the OEC course are applied in realistic conditions, on the snow. Candidates learn TBSP-specific OEC skills such as a webbing-strapped backboard and use of a Kendrick Traction Device (KTD).
# As a candidate, you are required to take the NSP Basic Avalanche and Basic Mountaineering courses, both of which are taught by TBSP. Upon completion, you will receive NSP certification in these two disciplines. In Basic Avalanche training you will attend classroom and field sessions in which you will learn snow science and avalanche fundamentals, dig snow pits and use transceivers or beacons. In Basic Mountaineering training (which for TBSP's purposes includes material beyond the NSP requirements), you will attend classroom and field sessions including a mandatory overnight in the snow. Topics include emergency fire building and shelter construction, use of white-gas stoves, use of map and compass and map coordinate systems, radio communications, construction and use of rescue toboggans, low-angle rope rescue techniques, field repairs of equipment, knots, helicopter procedures, limited search and rescue techniques, equipment cache utilization, and incident leadership. The Basic Avalanche and Basic Mountaineering training days are partially combined, for a total of eight days, of which 1½ are in a classroom and 6½ are in the field.
# By the time you are fully trained, you should be able to competently handle any backcountry emergency. The one-day, scenario-based, final OEC examination on the snow, which all candidates must complete successfully to become patrollers, will require you to use most of the skills learned in your training.

=== Skiing Ability ===

Candidates must be able to ski proficiently at a strong intermediate or better level on backcountry equipment (telemark, backcountry touring, or randonee) in a variety of conditions. For freeheel skiers, a strong telemark turn is desirable but not required. We patrol in both intermediate and advanced backcountry terrain, and candidates will be assigned to terrain matched to their skiing ability. A ski test will be held in the spring prior to, or the winter of their candidate year to assess all candidates' abilities. We are now beginning to accept backcountry snowboarders as candidates, based on ability and experience level. Snowboarders will be required to be in very good physical condition, as they must be able to keep reasonable pace with ski-bound patrollers on climbs and on the flats while on snowshoes or short skis. Proficiency requirements are defined in the Patrol Manual [[Appendix E: Proficiency Requirements]].

=== Required Equipment ===

Required personal equipment is defined in the Patrol Manual [[Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment]].

The following types of equipment can be used for patrolling:
* Metal-edge skis with fitted skins and either a sturdy freeheel binding, randonee binding, or alpine binding and freeheel adapter (e.g. “alpine trekker”)
** NNN-BC bindings and/or fishscale skis are strongly discouraged
* Snowboarders must bring snowshoes, short x/c skis, or “Split-Decision” type snowboards in conjunction with ski poles for moving while on flats or uphills. No walking or postholing in snowboard boots alone is allowed.
* Poles, preferably adjustable-length, ideally convertible to a probe; required for both skiers and snowboarders

=== Dues and Candidate Fees ===

TBSP patrollers pay annual membership dues. For the 2009-2010 season, these dues are $92.00. Dues can be paid online at http://www.skipatrol.org/dues/tbsp. Instructions to pay by check are posted there as well.

In their first season, candidates must pay an additional fee. This training fee of $160 covers the Avalanche and Mountain Travel & Rescue instruction and texts, the use or purchase of TBSP Patroller's Manual, a training equipment use fee, and a patroller's pin which will be awarded upon successful completion of candidate training and service. All fees are due by November 10 2009, prior to the season start. There is a late registration fee of $10 assessed after this date. Upon receipt of the payment, candidates are sent the manual and training texts in preparation for the fall training courses.

Candidates who sign up after November 10 are invited to come along for shadow patrol days but may not be invited to all trainings.

== Benefits ==

TBSP Patrollers are entitled to certain benefits, including medical coverage and equipment discounts.

=== Medical Benefits ===

The U.S. Forest Service provides candidates and patrollers with worker's compensation medical benefits for injuries suffered while engaged in field training or patrolling. By comparison very few alpine patrols are offered such benefits.

=== Equipment Discounts ===

Once you successfully complete your candidacy and pay your dues for the next season, you will be eligible for pro- form discounts on equipment. The equipment must be for the member's personal use, and must be purchased through the Patrol. Discounts vary by manufacturer and item, but we have had excellent discounts from many first-class companies, including Asolo, Merrill, Tua, Leki, Lifelink, Dana, Gregory, Lowe, Mountain Hardwear, Mountainsmith, Spyderco, NorthFace, NiteRider, MSR, Outdoor Research and others. We normally place orders twice a year.

Alternative pro-form discounts may be offered from year to year, with differing requirements on ordering method, timing, manufacturers involved, and discount offered.

=== Benefits of National Ski Patrol Membership ===

As a member of the National Ski Patrol System, you will be eligible to purchase items from the NSP catalogue, many of which are offered at a discount. You will also receive a subscription to Ski Patrol magazine; each issue is full of informative articles on first aid and emergency care, skiing techniques, and more.

__NOTOC__

2008-12-03T01:05:31Z

DanielleSanzone: New page: 5.1.2.1 Credit as a "patrol day" seem to imply that candidates can participate as Boreal Guest Patrollers, but appendix B says "Candidates do not sign-up for Boreal ski patrol days."

5.1.2.1 Credit as a "patrol day" seem to imply that candidates can participate as Boreal Guest Patrollers, but appendix B says "Candidates do not sign-up for Boreal ski patrol days."