Q: What is the Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) class?
A: Outdoor Emergency Care® is the National Ski Patrol’s award-winning training program for patrollers and others in the recreation community who deal with emergency situations. This nationally recognized program is designed to help you manage the toughest emergencies, in all seasons. Developed in the late 1980s for the 26,000 members of the National Ski Patrol, Outdoor Emergency Care is a training program that is tailored to the nonurban rescuer. Today, OEC is considered the standard of training for emergency care in the outdoor environment and is recognized by resorts and recreational facilities in all 50 states.
Q: Is there reciprocity for people with higher medical training? (EMT,PA,MD)
A: No, while we respect your training and experience, we do require all new candidates to complete the OEC course.
Q: How long is the class?
A: The class spans 5 months and is split into two sections.
Section 1 : June to September
Book work: Weekly online chapter tests (avg 2-3) with a proctored written final Upon successful completion of the first section, you will be allowed to continue on with Section 2.
Section 2: September through October
This is the hands on application of the book. Hands on sessions are Tuesday and Thursday evening, each week. You will need to schedule additional time for practical application practice, including 50 assessments and 25 blood pressure readings on your friends and family.
At the end of Section 2 there will be a practical skills final exam at the end of October.
Q: How much will the OEC class cost?
A: Around $250, including text book, NSP dues, NSP class fees, CPR fees, class equipment and online class fees
Q: Are there additional costs after the class?
A: Yes, unfortunately. There are Local Patrol and Divisional Patrol dues, Patrol Jacket/Vest, etc
Q: I finished the OEC course, am I ready to patrol?
A: Not quite. You will need to complete:Three early-season On-the-Hill Scenario Days, to practice your OEC skills in the field
The Outdoor Emergency Transportation training
Mentoring Program
Q: What is the Mentoring Program?
A: The Mentoring Phase is a six week time period for you to practice your new skills with an experienced patroller at your side. You will receive a booklet of required skills that need to be completed and signed off by your mentor. You will also be learning the ski run names, each Top Shack’s SOP, Aid Room SOP, etc. This is also a time for you to get to know the patrol and for us to get to know you.
Q: I completed the OEC, OET and the Mentoring. Am I on the patrol now?
A: Almost. At the patrol meeting following the mentoring completion date, the patrol will vote to accept the new patrollers as full members of the patrol.
