Difference between revisions of "PatrolManual/Manual"

Revision as of 14:58, 20 September 2007

TAHOE BACKCOUNTRY SKI PATROL MANUAL THIS IS A DRAFT. The current version is at http://www.tbsp.org/patrolmanual/

ADMINISTRATION

Description

The Patrol Director, Assistant Patrol Director and members of the Board of Directors are elected pursuant to the patrol bylaws. Temporary operational officers are Mountain Manager and Team Leader. Mountain Managers serve on a particular weekend and are appointed by the APD - Operations. The Mountain Manager appoints team Leaders for a particular patrol day. All patrollers will have the opportunity to serve as both Mountain Manager and Team Leader each season.

Elected Positions

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors appoints the Registrar/Treasurer and the Board Secretary. All other officers are appointed by the Patrol Director and approved by the Board of Directors. Current members of the Board of Directors and patrol officers are listed in PatrolManual/Appendix_O. Elections for three of the six Board of Director positions are held in the spring of each year.

Patrol Director

has overall responsibility for patrol organization and activities; appoints other patrol officers; decides operational policy in consultation with Board of Directors, other patrol officers and membership. The Patrol Director serves a two-year term, and is elected at the end of the season. Assistant Patrol Director: is expected to be the next Patrol Director, and undertakes duties as requested by the Patrol Director.

Appointed Officers

Appointed by Patrol Director for one-year term-of-office

Assistant Patrol Director

Executive officer of TBSP. Shares duties and responsibilities for patrol leadership and operations with Patrol Director. The Assistant Patrol Director is expected to succeed the current patrol director on completion of his term of office.

Operations Officer

Overall responsibility for daily Patrol field operations. Coordinates equipment maintenance and procurement with Mountaineering, Avalanche, and OEC Advisors. Establishes patrol schedule and maintains records of daily patrol activities, including operations log reports, incident reports and SAR reports.

Training Officer

Coordinates TBSP training programs, with assistance from Mountaineering, Avalanche, and OEC Advisors and Candidate Liaison. Maintains patrol training records, and certifies completion of candidate training program to Patrol Director.

Outreach Officer

Responsible for TBSP public outreach programs. Coordinates Tahoe Meadows out- reach program. This officer may also assist the patrol director with TBSP public relations.

Recruiter

Supervises TBSP recruiting program. Plans and schedules TBSP recruiting activities. Coor- dinates Guest Patroller and Ski-Along programs. Recruiting activities continue year-round.

Candidate Liaison

Guides candidates through candidate training program. Coordinates candidate men- tor program, and introduced new candidates to the patrol.

Mountaineering Advisor

Responsible for TBSP MTR policies and procedures, including navigation, GPS, and rope rescue. Maintains and upgrades TBSP MTR equipment as necessary. Works with Training Of- ficer to schedule and organize MTR training program. Coordinates with Region MTR Advisor. Although not required, the Mountaineering Advisor is encouraged to become an NSP-certified MTR instructor.

Avalanche Advisor

Responsible for TBSP AVY policies and procedures. Maintains and upgrades TBSP AVY equipment, including beacons, probes, shovels. Works with Training Officer to schedule and organ- ize AVY training program. Coordinates with Region AVY Advisor. Although not required, the Avalanche Advisor is encouraged to become an NSP-certified AVY instructor.

OEC Advisor

Responsible for TBSP OEC policies and procedures. Maintains and upgrades TBSP OEC equipment. Works with Training Officer to schedule and organize OEC training program. Coordinates with Region OEC Advisor. Although not required, the OEC Advisor is encouraged to become an NSP- certified OEC instructor.

Inter-Patrol Liaison

Coordinates inter-patrol activities. Develops and supervises Boreal/TBSP patrol exchange program.

Search & Rescue Team Leader

Organizes and lead TBSP SAR Team.

Webmaster

Responsible for maintaining and updating public TBSP website.

Special Projects

Appointed by and reports directly to Patrol Director

Banquet

Plans the annual TBSP banquet. The banquet occurs at the end of March/beginning of April, so Banquet coordinator functions primarily in the spring.

Awards

Coordinates annual TBSP awards program, including service awards, Pin-Head Award, Shred- der Award, and Outstanding Patroller, Candidate, and Instructor Awards. Identifies National award candi- dates and prepares and submits application for NSP awards.

Pro-Deal

Coordinates and supervises Pro-Deal program participation with outdoor equipment vendors and active patrol members. The Pro-Deal coordinator arranges and maintains relationships with vendors and keeps records of TBSP participation. The Pro-Deal program is most active in the Fall at the begin- ning of the season, but there is some program activity year-round.

Fundraising

Works with Patrol Director and Board of Directors to identify strategic funding requirements and identifies opportunities such as grants, community college program, donations, etc. This position may involve writing grant requests and/or solicitation of donations for patrol activities.

Temporary Positions

Mountain Manager

a patroller designated by the APD - Operations to oversee all patrol field operations on a particular weekend. The Mountain Manager appoints Team Leaders and makes decisions regarding team assignments, equipment distribution among teams and weather-related patrolling decisions in consultation with team leaders, and is responsible for completing Mountain Manager's weekly report. Assignments should always give first priority to the area scheduled for that day, and other areas added if the number of patrollers if sufficient.

Team Leader

a patroller designated by the Mountain Manager to be in charge of patrol activities at a particular location on a particular day. Team leaders make decisions regarding patient transportation, patrol routes, etc., and are responsible for completing Daily Operations Log.

FUNDING AND RECRUITING

Dues

Annual patrol dues are used for administrative expenses. All NSP dues are payable by a date assigned by the Patrol Director, typically in late September, but never later than October 1.

Recruiting

Patrollers should refer any likely candidate prospects to the Patrol Director. Each radio pouch has a supply of patrol business cards for this purpose.

Commercial Sponsors

Numerous manufacturers and retailers have granted special discounts to members of our patrol. Consider recommending and patronizing these companies, as they produce quality equipment and have gone out of their way to support our efforts. See list in PatrolManual/Appendix_K.

Grants

Our patrol relies on grants to provide funds for the purchase of expensive equipment such as tents, radios, avalanche transceivers, etc. Be familiar with the organizations (listed in PatrolManual/Appendix_K), which provide grant money. They are great friends of the patrol!

AREAS PATROLLED

We cover these non-commercial backcountry ski areas on a patroller availability basis:

• Castle Peak (west of Hwy. 80 at Boreal ridge)
• Tahoe Meadows (off Nevada Hwy. 431, south of Mt. Rose)
• Galena Creek (off Nevada Hwy. 431 near Mt. Rose ski area)
• Martis Peak (east of Hwy. 267, south of Northstar)
• Pole Creek (west of Hwy. 89 south, across from Big Chief)
• Mt. Lincoln/Mt. Judah area (east of Sugar Bowl ski area)
• Ridge Route (Sugar Bowl to Squaw Valley ridge traverse via Anderson Peak and Tinker Knob)

Each of these areas is patrolled pursuant to a volunteer agreement with the United States Forest Service. Tahoe Meadows and Galena Creek are in Nevada, in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The other five areas are in California and the Tahoe National Forest.

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 purchase a copy of 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 (see PatrolManual/Appendix_K). 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 NFS 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.

FIRST-AID

First-aid philosophy

Our first-aid philosophy is dictated by the terrain we patrol and the limitations of our training and equipment. The limits of our first-aid training should always be kept in mind, as should the primary rules "DON'T BECOME A VICTIM" and "DO NO HARM." Because we patrol the backcountry, we are limited in the equipment we carry and the speed with which we can evacuate the injured. Most Nordic first-aid treatment is similar to Alpine, but transportation is decidedly different. Although some of us were trained as Alpine patrollers, we must learn to think as Nordic patrollers. Consequently, our emphasis is on stabilizing injuries, controlling shock or hypothermia, and keeping patients dry and warm until appropriate transportation can be arranged. This is why we carry or have cached such items as oxygen, ensolite pads, blankets and bivouac kits. Often the most critical decision involves the method of evacuation. Patients with minor injuries can be transported by sled; more critically injured patients should be transported by helicopter, if available, or by snowmobile.

Special first-aid procedures

As noted above, our emphasis is on keeping the patient warm and dry. All patients should be placed on ensolite pads. All patients should be covered with a blanket(s) and a tarp or space blanket. Patient temperature should be monitored continuously, through use of the hypothermia thermometer if necessary. Any person suspected of being seriously hypothermic should be evacuated immediately by helicopter. Where transport by snowmobile is advisable, a bivouac should be established to provide shelter and warm liquids unless contraindicated because of specific injuries. Snowmobile transport must be arranged by the USFS through the county sheriff, and waiting time is often considerable. Your specific location must be given, so map-reading skills are essential. You must always know where you are, and be able to give appropriate map coordinates!

Consent for treatment

Adults - If the patient refuses treatment (after persuasion and informing of worst possible consequences), ask the patient to sign the Refusal of Treatment form. If they refuse to sign, have a witness sign to form to confirm the refusal. (The witness can be another patroller or a bystander).

Minors - If the injury is non-life-threatening, you must ask for guardian permission to treat. If the injury is a danger to life or limb, then treat as necessary (and guardian consent is not required). If the patient refuses treatment (after persuasion and informing of worst possible consequences), ask the patient to sign the Refusal of Treatment form. If they refuse to sign, have a witness sign to form to confirm the refusal. Unconscious (both adults and minors) - Consent is implied if the patient is unresponsive.

Decisions regarding patient transportation

As mentioned above, transportation of the injured is by sled, snowmobile or helicopter, depending upon severity of the injury. Transportation decisions also involve patient input, cost and inconvenience considerations, and availability of evacuation equipment. When a patient needs transportation, notify the Grass Valley (or Minden) dispatcher immediately of any potential need for transport, and request a helicopter in "standby" status. (The helicopter may take five minutes to takeoff and twenty minutes to arrive). After several minutes of patient evaluation, confirm with the dispatcher if helicopter or snowmobile is preferred. The helicopter can also be asked to standby over your position, without a fee until they land. Patients are usually charged for emergency transportation, a helicopter should not ordinarily be ordered for a simple fracture. However, the fact that an injured skier lacks funds or medical insurance should not dictate a slower method of transportation when an injury requires immediate advanced medical care. If asked by the patient, inform them of the cost (ranges from $7,000 to $10,000), and that most insurance plans cover the service. If they are uninsured, there are non-profits that may cover the cost. Try to convince the patient of the need for swift medical attention, and what the worst-case scenarios are without it. If the helicopter is refused, document the fact on the Incident report form, and have them sign a Release of Liability form. Patient transportation issues will be extensively discussed during training.

COMMUNICATIONS

All patrol communications are directed through U. S. Forest Service communications networks. Even when we communicate with another patroller in the same area, the communication often goes through the Forest Service network via repeaters. Needless to say, there should be no unnecessary chatter or inappropriate language. Communication protocols and channels are set forth in PatrolManual/Appendix_I.

WEATHER

Weather conditions can dictate whether and how we patrol various areas. For example, parking is prohibited on Route 431, the "Mt. Rose Highway," during snow removal operations. As a result, there will not be any recreational activity at Tahoe Meadows, and we will not patrol Tahoe Meadows during serious storms when chain controls are in effect. Another example is the avalanche conditions, which may prevail at Castle Peak, Mt. Lincoln/Mt. Judah, Tahoe Meadows and Galena Creek during or just after heavy winter storms. Decisions regarding the cancellation or limitation of patrol activities are left to the Mountain Manager and the Team Leader for each area on the day in question.

AVALANCHE PRECAUTIONS

The areas we patrol are not known for heavy avalanche activity under normal conditions. However, there can be extreme avalanche danger in some areas after heavy storms. This is especially true of Castle Peak, Mt. Lincoln/Mt. Judah, Galena Creek and Tahoe Meadows. In addition to avoiding such dangerous areas ourselves, we should advise other skiers and snowmobilers of dangerous conditions whenever possible. In order to accomplish these ends, candidates and patrollers will receive training in how to recognize and avoid avalanche conditions. Team leaders should consult the avalanche phone each morning before commencing patrol operations, and avalanche conditions must be reported on the Daily Operations Log. Candidates and patrollers must become proficient in the use of avalanche transceivers. Each patroller must carry a transceiver and a shovel whenever patrolling. We have obtained grant funds to purchase a sufficient number of transceivers to cover patrol-training operations. Each member must have a personal avalanche transceiver by the beginning of the second year of membership.

REPORTS AND DOCUMENTATION

Documentation of our patrol activities is extremely important for a number of reasons. Possible legal ramifications of first-aid treatment are obvious, but there are additional reasons for proper documentation. For example, the Forest Service needs to know what we are doing and how many hours we devote to patrol activities. This may help the Forest Service justify future expenditures on our behalf. Obtaining thorough information from a person reporting someone missing is critical for search and rescue operations. Patrollers should become familiar with each of the forms in PatrolManual/Appendix_D.

INFECTION CONTROL PROCEDURES

PatrolManual/Appendix_M contains information regarding the blood-borne pathogens, which produce AIDS and Hepatitis B. All patrollers and candidates must be familiar with this material and with the patrol's infection control procedures. Avoid exposure by following proper protection protocols. If you are exposed, you should: As soon as possible, wash and remove any visible fluid Ask the ambulance or helicopter what hospital they are going to, and let them know you've been exposed. Call or go to the hospital emergency room, explain the situation, and find out if the patient has tested positive. Get tested. Document the exposure on the Incident Report form, and Daily Operations Log.

SEARCH AND RESCUE

Tahoe Backcountry does not conduct search and rescue operations. Its members are not required to participate in search or rescue operations conducted by other organizations (usually the county sheriff) in areas we patrol, or in other areas. Patrollers do not supervise or conduct search and rescue operations, and do not participate in such operations without USFS approval. However, whenever someone reports a person missing, the Search and Rescue Initiation Form is filled out as completely as possible with information supplied by the individual(s) reporting the missing person. Those individuals should be asked to stay until the Sheriff arrives, but in the event the reporting individual leaves, we will have the necessary information for the Sheriff. We may conduct hasty searches for lost skiers or snow-mobilers if time and conditions permit, and we are requested to do so by the sheriff. Hasty search procedures will vary with the terrain of each area. Our primary responsibilities with regard to lost persons are to (1) report the incident to the sheriff, (2) obtain thorough information from the reporting party, (3) accurately record such information on the patrol SAR form, and (4) to turn the SAR form and the reporting party over to the sheriff. Arrangements may be made to register interested patrollers or candidates as search and rescue volunteers with one or more sheriff's offices (Placer, Nevada and Washoe (NV) counties). Once registered, you are eligible for certain insurance benefits provided by the State of California Office of Emergency Services (OES) if you are injured during an authorized search or rescue operation. For more information, contact the SAR team leader.

U.S. FOREST SERVICE SUPPORT

The TBSP is sponsored by the USFS, and we support them with other activities at their request, such as:

• Snowmobile closure sign posting - under the direction of USFS (Materials and equipment provided by USFS) Snowmobile closure area "enforcement". We report closure violations to dispatch, and by providing visual reports.
• Census of users: especially at Tahoe Meadows (as indicated on the Daily Operations Log) Public outreach

OTHER MATTERS

Matters not covered in this manual should be addressed to the Patrol Director or other appropriate patrol officer. Questions and comments will always be welcomed.