Frequently asked questions

[accordion] [spoiler title=”Q. I already have first aid certification. Do I have to take the CSP Advanced First Aid (AFA) course to become a regular member?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. Yes, our training is very specific and applies to providing services to ski areas. Our training is ranked at a higher level than regular first-aid courses. We include CPR, Oxygen therapy, AED procedures, airway management and blood pressure technology. If you have a credited CPR course valid for the current ski year you need not re-certify. A regular member must successfully complete the Advanced First Aid (AFA) requirements annually. Individuals with medical qualifications, or holding a first aid certification from another organization, recognized by the System, must successfully complete the Advanced First Aid – Modified (AFA – Modified) course to become a regular member.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. Are there paid patroller jobs offered?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. Yes, there is always a need for paid patrollers. First, we suggest that you make contact with the patrol services director of the ski area where you would like to become a paid patroller. We can help you with contact information.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. Are patrollers legally protected for their actions as a patroller?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. Yes, the CSP carries a general liability insurance policy.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. Is there any way to really see what it is like to be a patroller?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. Yes, at numerous ski areas across the country we have “ski with a patroller day” programs that match you with a ski patroller for the day. Just go to your local ski area, ask to meet the patrol leader or the person in charge for the day, tell this person you are interested in becoming a ski patroller and that you would like to see what it is like to be a ski patroller.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. How often will I be required to patrol during the winter?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. Duty rosters depend on the local patrol. Some patrols will ask for a certain number of days, others are fixed to a one day a week, or one day every two weeks or one weekend out of two schedule. They might ask you for your availability at the beginning of the winter and then make a schedule around your available time. When you click “Join the Ski Patrol” and sign up, your information goes to a recruiting officer in the area you wished to join. You will then be called and all your questions about becoming a patroller will be answered.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. How are ski patrollers recognized at a ski area?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. Whenever patrollers are on duty, they are in uniform and well-identified as patrollers with the Canadian Ski Patrol.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. Is CSP training recognized by employers and Provincial governments?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. Some provinces have Provincial Worker’s Compensation Board or Workplace Safety accreditation and equivalency. The CSP has Basic and Standard First Aid accreditation from the Canadian federal government Human Resources Development Skills Canada. This accreditation is recognized in the workplace.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. Can I take the CSP first aid course without becoming a ski patroller?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. In most regions YES. A regular member must complete the Advanced First Aid requirements of the system. A regular member who has on snow certification and provides patrolling services may be referred to as a patroller. A regular member can provide services off the slopes or trails. In some areas of the country we provide first aid services for many sporting events and regular members are always welcomed in these roles.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. What level of skier/snowboarder should I be to become a patroller?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. You need to be a strong intermediate skier. Since you may ski or ride in all kinds of conditions under any circumstance you should be able to competently handle all of the runs on the mountain where you will patrol. You don’t need to be an expert, but you will need to be able to handle a toboggan, and meet the minimum rating set out by the local patrol at the particular area you wish to patrol. Ski and snowboard instruction is often available at little or no cost at the local patrol level.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. I am a snowboarder, can I be a patroller even if I have never skied?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. Yes, we certify individuals in first-aid and on-snow for alpine, Nordic, snowboard, Telemark, and mini skis. We have lots of patrols in Nordic ski areas. In alpine areas, we also accept snow blades, but we strongly suggest you be able to ski as well, that will make toboggan handling easier.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. What is a toboggan?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. This is our main means of transporting an injured person from the slopes/trails to the base of the ski area.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. Is it hard to transport a patient in a toboggan?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. No, with proper training we have 100 pound patrollers that can handle a 150 pound toboggan with a 250 pound patient in it. We teach you how to do it and with a little practice it will become something fun.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. Who is the CSP looking for?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. We require alpine, snowboard, telemark and Nordic enthusiasts from all walks of life who are interested in volunteering their time to help others and want to have fun. You must be a strong team player over 18 years of age and be prepared to work in a variety of weather conditions.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. What is the age requirement to join the CSP?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. New members must be 18 years of age as of December 1 of the current year to become a certified patroller. Under special circumstances, some resorts permit patrollers at age 16 if qualifications are met, however, restrictions may apply. Check with your specific resort for further details.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. How much first aid do I have to know when I join?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. None! We will teach you. Our Advanced First Aid courses start at various times in the fall. Each course consists of class demonstrations, lectures, hands-on practical work and CPR training. Courses are offered weekday evenings or full days on weekends.[/spoiler] [spoiler title=”Q. What are the official colours of the Canadian Ski Patrol?” open=”no” style=”default” icon=”plus” anchor=”” anchor_in_url=”no” class=””]A. When the Canadian Ski Patrol first began, the uniform was Rainier red. In the 1980s, the official colours became yellow and blue. Then, in 2012, the Canadian Ski Patrol’s national board of directors initiated a brand review. By August 2013, they had shortened the name from Canadian Ski Patrol System to simply Canadian Ski Patrol, and launched a new image that included an updated logo. The look of this new logo is similar to the historic yellow cross on a blue maple leaf, but the leaf has been updated, strengthened and incorporated in a new red and white colour scheme. It’s a revitalized look that reflects a boldness, professionalism and can-do attitude; integral elements of the Canadian Ski Patrol now and into the future. You will still see the yellow and blue colours everywhere while the Canadian Ski Patrol goes through this transition. Our new red and white uniform was rolled out in 2015.[/spoiler] [/accordion][:]