So far this thread has been a huge help to me but still got a few q's for you guys:
The situation:
I'm emt-b certified and currently running with an ambulance service @ my university. There's a "resort" (its small only about 15 runs) about 10 minutes off campus by car, and I'm considering trying to get a patrol position up there. I've been skiing for about 13 years (since i was 6) and can ski most blacks under control and paralleling most of the way.
Q's:
1) should I bother getting the OEC cert?/do I need one?
2) where can I find information on taking an OEC class in my area? Allegheny county or Centre County.
Any additional advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks guys
Allegheny or Centre County?.... Small ski area 10 minutes from campus? I'm guessing you're either in Pittsburgh area and referring to Boyce Park, or, more likely, you're at Penn State and referring to Tussey Mountain. Both are within the Western Appalachian Region of the National Ski Patrol, more info here:
http://www.patrol.org/war/index.htm
I don't know specifically much about either patrol but do have a general idea of how ski patrols are run throughout the region. OEC is fairly similar to EMT-B, and in fact, you can challenge the exam having EMT or WFR certification, more info about that is available direct from NSP. Some patrols may accept an in-state EMT-B as valid medical credentials, others may require you to get OEC (either by the actual class, or challenge). This varies from patrol to patrol. If you need OEC though, the vast majority of patrols will help you get it, think of it as very similar to a volunteer EMS/rescue squad, you can't recruit/retain members if you don't offer (or help to obtain) the required training.
Your ski test will either be done in a group or individually with the patrol director or another senior member. Like Rob said, it will likely be fairly laid back and most likely a day or less of skiing on the hill to observe that you can maintain control on a variety of terrain.
Professional OR volunteer, it's likely too late to get involved even before the first snowflakes of the season. Typically, the way the recruiting cycle works for many volunteer patrols is that you would do your ski test at the end of one season, spend the following summer or fall doing your OEC, and then spend the vast majority of the following ski season as a "candidate" undergoing on-the-hill training to gain the status of full patroller. It's pretty time consuming at the front end of things to get involved with ski patrol, and personally, it's why I haven't, even though I'm an avid skier. Maybe once I'm settled down in an area with a resort nearby I'll join a patrol, but I just don't have time now.
I would talk directly to the Patrol Director at the resort you're looking at though. Especially if it's that close to a college campus, they may rely on student volunteers, and may have adjusted the way they operate to accomodate those students, but you'll never know if you don't ask them.
