Revision as of 16:45, 15 September 2008

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol Manual

Required Patrol Equipment

Personal Equipment

Patrollers are required to have the following personal equipment when going on patrol.

PACK

The pack itself should be large enough to accommodate the items mentioned below and approximately one-third of the Modular Equipment carried by patrollers. A minimum of 2500 cubic inches is recommended, but appropriate size will depend on your size and how you accommodate cold weather.

MAP & COMPASS

Each patroller must carry a map of the area being patrolled and a compass, preferably one which automatically adjusts for declination such as the Silva Ranger Type 15CL or Suunto MC 1D Professional. These models are available at REI for about $45. An integrated clinometer is also helpful for slope angle measurements.

PATROLLER'S FIRST-AID KIT

Because much of the first-aid equipment we carry is contained in the Trauma Module described in Modular Equipment, the individual patroller's first aid kit is limited to the following, which should be contained in a small organized kit such as those obtainable from Outdoor Research or Adventure Medical:

• 1 CPR mask
• 1 space blanket
• 6 4in x 4in non-stick sterile dressings
• 2 4" Kling bandages
• 2 2" Kling bandages
• 2 Kotex pads
• several pair of latex examination gloves in your size
• 4 cravats
• assorted band-aids
• betadine swabs
• handi-wipes
• penlight
• 2-3 large safety pins
• several small plastic bags
• 1 zippered case for contents. The patrol offers both the OR zippered case and the contents for sale at wholesale cost.

SPLINTS

One SAM splint for OEC training. SAM splints for patient use are found in the Trauma Module (part of Modular Equipment).

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Your jacket, bibs, poncho, etc. for layering and weatherproofing yourself.

WATER

At least one liter of water for personal use and to assist patients or dehydrated skiers. If sharing your bottle with others is distasteful, carry two smaller bottles, or a cup.

FOOD

Your lunch, power bars, etc. Emergency food for patients is found in the Stove Module.

TARP

A small tarp with grommets for keeping patients warm and dry. REI sells one for about $10.

HEADLAMP

REI sells one for under $20. Pro-deals are available for headlamp purchases from Petzl.

PERSONAL SLED KIT

Equipment for pulling the portable sled, which includes:

• 16-18 feet of 1" tubular webbing (for a swami belt)
• 20' of 6 or 7mm perlon (for haul or tail rope)
• 2 locking carabiners (to attach rope to sled and swami belt)
• small stuff sack for above items

The patrol offers this item at wholesale cost.

AVALANCHE TRANSCEIVER

Patrol supplied during candidacy if you don't have one. Each member must have a transceiver by the beginning of the second year of membership.

SNOW SHOVEL

Model with detachable handle; patrol supplied if you don't have one.

OTHER ESSENTIALS

• pocket knife (preferably one with a locking blade)
• matches in waterproof container
• whistle
• length of parachute cord
• personal prusik cord
• toilet paper
• plastic bags, poop-tube, or WAG bags for human waste

Modular Patrol Equipment

The following equipment modules are provided by the patrol. Patrollers are required to divide up and carry the following modular units:

TRAUMA MODULE

For treating more serious injuries.

• 1 paramedic shears
• 1 tweezers
• 4 kotex pads
• vaseline gauze
• 10 4" x 4" dressings
• 2 2" Kling bandages
• 6 4" Kling bandages
• 2 6" Kling bandages
• 1 3" Ace bandage
• 1 6" Ace bandage
• 2 rolls 2" adhesive tape
• 1 roll 2" Coban
• 4 plastic bags
• 6 1" fabric bandages
• 12 assorted butterfly bandages
• 12 assorted steri-strips
• 4 eye pads
• 2 bottles saline solution
• 6 bags sugar
• alcohol preps
• Betadine preps
• green soap preps
• 4 large safety pins
• 4 tongue depressors
• 2 SAM splints
• 1 50" nylon cord for traction
• 1 zippered case for contents

AIRWAY MANAGEMENT MODULE

• 1 set oral airways
• Nasel airways
• Suction syringe
• 1 disposable adult bag-valve mask
• 1 V-VAC handle and new cartridge
• V-VAC carry bag for contents

TENT MODULE (for patient care)

• 1 Megamid
• 1 stuff sack for contents

REPAIR / FIRE / SIGNAL MODULE

For repairing equipment in the field.

• 1 2 oz. plastic bottle containing:
  • assorted binding screws
  • 4 hose clamps (for pole repairs)
  • 1 glue gun stick
  • 2 wooden golf tees
  • 2 sets portable sled screws, lock washers and wing nuts
  • 2 1" Fastex buckles
  • 2 3/4" Fastex buckles
  • 2 Leki pole tips
  • 2 Leki twist locks
• 1 adjustable screwdriver with posi-drive and slotted blades
• 1 pad #0 steel wool for filler material
• 1 roll strapping tape
• 2 lengths of 6" aluminum flashing (rolled) for pole repairs
• 1 lighter (to melt glue gun stick)
• 1 hacksaw blade
• 1 spare binding set
• 50 feet of parachute cord
• 1 smoke flare
• 1 whistle
• 1 small roll surveyor's tape
• 1 Fire Starter Kit
  • matches in waterproof container
  • lighter
  • fatwood kindling in plastic wrap
  • 2 pads #000 steel wool
  • fire starter
  • 1 stuff sack for contents
• 1 zippered bag for contents

SPARE CLOTHING MODULE

We carry extra clothing to assist patients or ourselves in an emergency. Spare clothing is (1) in large sizes so as to fit all patients, (2) clean and (3) packed in plastic bags to keep it dry:

• 1 wool or polypro watch cap or balaclava
• 1 pr. wool gloves or mittens
• 1 set polypro long underwear (tops and bottoms)
• 1 pr. polypro or wool socks
• 1 stuff sack for contents

PORTABLE SLED MODULE (for patient transportation)

• 1 Brooks Range Emergency Sled -or-
• 1 portable sled (rolled)
  • 4 patient attachment belts
• 1 20' x 7mm perlon haul/tail rope (spare for bystander use)
• 1 18'x 1" tubular nylon webbing swami belt (spare for bystander use)
• 2 locking carabiners
• 1 stuff sack for contents

FORMS MODULE

• 1 Patrol Leader checklist for area
• 2 Patrol Reports
• 4 incident reports
• 2 SAR initiation forms
• 1 ballpoint pen
• 1 EMT pad
• 1 plastic envelope for contents