FAQ

• No. All new patrollers must successfully complete the Canadian Ski Patrol new patroller course. Protocols will differ between CSP and other medical professionals and full training will ensure protocols are understood. This ensures that we all understand each other’s level of training, and for our insurance purposes.

• If you completed the course more than two years ago without completing the Canadian Ski Patrol annual recertification, then you must complete the New Patroller Course again.

• There are three components to the first aid exams, as well as skills assessment. All of these exams must be successfully completed before proceeding to the on-snow training.

  1. CPR/AED Exam: The pass mark is 80 per cent on a multiple choice exam.

  2.The skills assessment is an assessment of your ability to successfully complete various treatments and assessments. Your skills sheet will be marked off by instructors once they are satisfied of your knowledge of the treatments.

  3. Written Exam: A 100 question, multiple choice exam on the Canadian Ski Patrol First Aid manual content. A written exam review sheet will be provided beforehand. The pass mark is 75 per cent after which you will be required to correct your exam to 100% using the manual. Should you achieve a score of less than 75 per cent, you will be asked to re-write the same exam.

  4. Diagnostic Exam: This is a real-time evaluation of your patient assessment skills, diagnosis of the problem and how you would treat the patient. A minimum of 80 per cent is required for the Diagnostic exam. A single re-test is available and are examined by two instructors with a different scenario.

• As volunteers, we understand we all have busy schedules and circumstances happen. If you have to miss classes due to work or family circumstances, please make arrangements with the Zone Training Manager to discuss and arrange options.

• If you can’t make the CPR class, you must inform your Zone Training Manager. Depending on the zone, the CPR class may be offered again. If it is offered only once, then you are responsible to get your CPR course from another certified provider (for example Red Cross). The certification should be valid until at least the end of the winter season. If your zone takes part in 365 Events it is best to have valid CPR until the end of the following summer. You must certify in the HCP (Health Care Provider) level and present your valid certificate to your Zone Training Manager for documentation. The extra cost for your CPR course from another provider is your responsibity.

• Our On-Snow Instructors evaluate your skiing or riding skills. Basic elements including turns, snowplows, toe/heel edges, will be assessed for level of competence. Following this evaluation you’ll be trained in toboggan handling.

• Patrollers choosing Nordic should be in good physical condition, and be comfortable on skis on uphill, downhill and flat terrain. You will be required to demonstrate a level of competency of your Nordic skiing skills with one or more of the senior Nordic patrollers.

• You will be encouraged to contact Patrol Leaders and begin active patrolling.  You will be on hill with seasoned patrollers who will mentor you in on-hill rescue.

• We offer weekly improvement sessions. If you put in the effort to improve your skiing/snowboarding our instructors will help you obtain and achieve the required skill level required. The weekly ski improvement is also open to ski patrollers who have passed their on-snow exams and looking for additional feedback for improvement. This is also open to snowboarders. If you are unsuccessful with your On-Snow evaluation and training, you are still a certified first aider and can patrol at off-snow special events (i.e. marathons, races, etc.)

• Please do your best to accommodate these sessions, as it can be difficult to reschedule (we are all volunteers as well). However, exceptions can be made. Please note that these dates are dependent on weather and snow conditions and may change.

• Yes, it’s important that you choose an area where you will be easily able to get out and patrol. We encourage patrollers to visit all, or more than one, area. Each area is different and unique, and you need to be comfortable where you patrol.

• Each area is different and one may offer different benefits than another. It is best to check with your Patrol Leader to find out what may be available, and what the procedure is for that area.
• Most areas will provide a lift ticket if you are on patrol duty. It’s important to check that with your Patrol Leader.

• Yes, depending on the zone. Some zones do more spring or summer patrolling than others. For those that do take part in 365 Events, the Zone 365 Coordinator will send out  notices about events and how to sign up to patrol for these.

• The zones provide your uniform jacket, although it does remain the property of the zone. First aid kits stocked with supplies are also provided by the zones for new patrollers. You must have black ski pants and your own ski/board gear.
• Helmets are strongly recommended in plain black or grey, and some areas may require patrollers to wear helmets. Your Patrol Leader will tell you what the policy is for your area.

• After you have completed the On-Snow training and have successfully completed the ski assessment, new patrollers will be provided a patrol jacket and pack. Details of how you will receive your uniform will be provided by your Zone President and/or Patrol Leader.

• Joining is a big commitment, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to make the decision to become part of the CSP. Plan on attending your zone Open House so you can talk with patrollers and ask as many questions as you like. We’re all passionate about the CSP and love to talk about it. Our National website also has a lot of information.

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• Please visit our website and use the ‘Contact Us’ option on our website. We’ll get back in touch with you as soon as possible to help you.