Appendix A: Required Personal Equipment

Tahoe Backcountry Ski Patrol Manual

Personal Equipment

Patrollers are required to have the following personal equipment when 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