Difference between revisions of "Chapter 02: Patroller Responsibilities"

Revision as of 15:13, 10 March 2008

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol Manual

PATROLLER RESPONSIBILITIES

Registration, dues and manual

Each patroller or candidate must have paid all NSP dues, including patrol dues, in a timely manner. Each candidate must read and be knowledgeable with this patrol manual; updates are free. The latest version will be available online at: http://www.tbsp.org/.

Scheduling and schedule changes

Each patroller will sign up for patrolling and training dates at the annual Operations Refresher. Candidates will sign up for patrolling and training dates at the Candidate Introduction day in November. Patrollers are required to patrol a minimum of eight patrol days. Candidates are required to patrol a minimum of five patrol days. Credit as a "patrol day" is as defined below:

1. On-the-Hill Refresher counts as one day Each patrol instructor day counts as one day, except overnights, which together count as two days. (You need permission of the patrol director to act as a patrol instructor)
2. Participation as an instructor in Avalanche or Mountaineering classes does count.
3. Instruction at TBSP candidate OEC clinics or evaluations does count for OEC instructors.
4. Participation as a student in Avalanche or Mountaineering classes does NOT count
5. Participation as a patrol instructor PRIOR TO the On-the-Hill does NOT count Participation as a student in non-OEC candidate training counts as one day (overnights only count as one day)
6. Participation as a student in OEC Clinics or Evaluations is required of candidates, but does not count
7. Participation in the Boreal First Aid Room (patrollers, candidates w/OEC) counts as one day

Changes in patrolling or training dates must be requested at least one week in advance from the APD Operations. Patrollers must find a replacement of comparable status, i.e., patroller for patroller, map & compass instructor for map & compass instructor. Normally, candidates requesting a change in training dates must switch with a candidate from a comparable alternate training date so balance is maintained.

Attitude

Candidates and patrollers are expected to maintain a good attitude when patrolling or attending patrol activities. This includes your interaction with other patrollers and the public.

Personal appearance

Candidates and patrollers are expected to be clean, well groomed and appropriately dressed for patrol activities. Patrollers are expected to wear NSP parkas or suitable NSP identification approved by the Patrol Director. NSP does not permit candidates to wear NSP parkas or other NSP logo. All members should dress in clothing suitable for backcountry skiing.

Personal survival

Patrollers are expected to be familiar with all aspects of winter survival, including emergency shelter construction, fire building, use of map and compass and other essential knowledge. Much of this information can be found in this manual and in such publications as Mountaineering, The Freedom of the Hills, published by The Mountaineers. Since patrollers may need to unexpectedly spend the night outside, they should carry all the necessary gear. Candidates and patrollers will receive training in these skills throughout the season. This information could mean the difference between life and death for you or a lost or injured skier in your care.

Early in 1992, two skiers perished in the Incline Creek drainage (just south of our patrol area at Tahoe Meadows) because they were poorly equipped and unfamiliar with winter survival skills. In January 1994 we rescued two lost and hypothermic snowmobilers at Tahoe Meadows. In January 1996 we participated in the rescue of a severely hypothermic snowboarder at Castle Peak. In December 1997 an experienced skier perished in the Castle Peak area because he was poorly equipped for conditions, and ignored an imminent storm.

Conditioning

Patrolling involves strenuous exercise. Candidates and patrollers are expected to be in reasonably good physical condition. You should be able to ski all day with a full patrol pack without much rest. Snowboard patrollers must be in good to excellent physical condition, as they must be capable of keeping reasonable pace on climbs and flats while wearing snowshoes. We do take breaks, but situations may arise where we won't have time to rest.

Equipment

Candidates and patrollers are expected to provide appropriate skis or snowboard, poles and boots, and a backpack containing the items listed in PatrolManual/Appendix_A and capable of carrying a fair share of the modular pack units described in PatrolManual/Appendix_B. In addition, snowboard patrollers must provide snowshoes or short skis for uphill and flatland travel.

Proficiency

In order to qualify as a patroller, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the skills listed in PatrolManual/Appendix_E. It is hoped (but not required) that patrollers will continue to improve skills and knowledge by becoming senior or certified patrollers, OEC instructors, patrol instructors, mountaineering or avalanche instructors and patrol, section, region or division officers.

Patroller Benefits

Patroller (and candidate) benefits include worker's compensation medical benefits provided by the Forest Service as part of our volunteer agreements. Such benefits are normally not available to NSP volunteers who patrol at Alpine resorts. Benefits also include membership in the National Ski Patrol, which includes the Patroller magazine, and ability to enroll in NSP course at membership rates. Patrollers who have paid dues for the current season and have fulfilled their eight-day patrolling commitment for the previous season are also eligible for pro-deal equipment discounts. Candidates are eligible for pro-deal discounts after completion of their initial season provided they complete all of their candidate responsibilities, including all training and patrolling dates. Patrollers or candidates who choose to participate in search and rescue operations under the auspices of county sheriffs or other agencies affiliated with the California Office of Emergency Services (OES) are eligible for certain insurance benefits provided by OES. Patrollers and candidates are also eligible to stay overnight in a USFS barracks for a nominal fee, and under the conditions detailed in an agreement with the NFS. A Special Projects Coordinator for the barracks is appointed by the Patrol Director.