Killington Patrollers – Donny Mills in the handles and Karly Fischer on the tailrope
Headed for the safety netting.
On the way to reaching her 100th title at the Stifel Killington World Cup event, Mikaela Shiffrin crashed. The crash had her tumbling multiple times, bouncing off the netting fence before coming to a rest as competition paused and ski patrol came to her aid. After a somber waiting period following the GS competition, cheers erupted again when Shiffrin was brought down the mountain in a sled and appeared to be conscious.
50-year veteran Ski Patroller Joe Kulina and his wife Marianna, a Mountain Ambassador
The Eastern Division Safety Team strives to bring safety awareness to the mountain. This is exactly what it did at the Killington World Cup from November 29-December 1 to a crowd of over 39,000!
Our energetic team successfully delivered important messages while ensuring guests had fun throughout the festival. All were invited to “step right up and meet the Eastern Division Safety Team of the National Ski Patrol!”
Our amazing game hosts engaged each guest by asking a patrol question with an emphasis on safety. Once answered correctly, the patron spun the wheel to win a prize. Kids of all ages (questions were based on age and medical background) wanted to spin the wheel and walk away with ski patrol swag.
The Safety booth attracted those who wanted to share their stories about rescues from the patrol including those who served on the patrol or had a family member who did. It was also a hit with current patrollers, OEC candidates, and race coaches. Most importantly, it was a great place for potential candidates to ask questions and make connections about joining.
The festival had amazing fireworks on Friday night, but our team felt like those fireworks happened all weekend. We were embraced by the Killington patrol and supported by every staff member at Killington at this well-organized and inspiring event!
NSP East loves making an impact at preventing accidents and reducing injury with messaging and amusements. Much gratitude to those who supported us!
This past spring Windham Mountain hosted a group of first responders from the surrounding emergency response agencies for an Active Attack Integrated Response training (AAIR). The course was put on by the Greene County Sheriff’s Office instructors and is considered the national standard by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for active shooter response training. The AAIR training was developed through the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Center at Texas State University.
AAIR training is centered around the interagency response to an active shooter event. The main goals are to build awareness and partnerships across agencies and disciplines. If a major event occurs, all the responsible agencies could respond as a cohesive unit with an understanding of each other’s roles and responsibilities.
Beyond the unfortunate fact that these sorts of events are something that needs to be prepared for, hosting an AAIR training holds benefits beyond response to active shooters by bringing together all the agencies that would be involved in any mass casualty event. In the case of Windham Mountain, in addition to the ski patrol and security, we had representatives from the county dispatch center, three police departments, two ambulance companies, and two fire departments who all service the area.
This training was initiated through conversations with our local Sheriff’s Training Sergeant while working together to set up active shooter training for the mountain staff. From those conversations, we identified an opportunity for multiple agencies that typically only interact while on an emergency call to come together proactively, strengthen their ties, and gain operational understanding across disciplines. Hosting this training at the resort created added benefits as all who participated gained additional awareness of Windham Mountain’s facilities, layouts, and capabilities and established professional partnerships before an incident occurred.
I would encourage any organization interested in similar training to reach out to their local, regional, or state law enforcement agencies and inquire about AAIR or similar interagency training to host at their location.
Zeke Pease
Patrol Supervisor at Hunter Mountain
Former Safety Manager & Pro Patroller at Windham Mountain
The Eastern Division Safety Team would like to bring your attention to a new safety initiative called Take-A-Break & RECHARGE. It was created by Safety Team members Jesse Remmey (NVT) and Eric Talbot (CT).
Take-A-Break addresses the importance of recognizing fatigue and its relationship to preventing accidents. The committee kicked off this initiative after reading an article citing a 5-year study in New Zealand by ACC Statistics, an evidence-based research company emphasizing prevention. It revealed that most injuries occur in late morning and mid-afternoon citing tiredness and congestion on the trails as the main cause.
We want the public to Take-A-Break. To rest and rehydrate, especially late morning and mid-afternoon, when many accidents occur. Go in and warm up when temperatures drop. Learn not to push your body to take that last run if you are tired. Take breaks to avoid fatigue, rest your body, and regain energy. It sounds like a simple act, but using this practice routinely could have a big impact on injury avoidance.
Recognizing your whole body’s energy level is key to this initiative. Educate others about how fatigue is related to increased injury. Are we getting tired, hungry, or cold? Are we making mistakes as we ski or ride? Parents should pay close attention to how well their child is performing or listening on the mountain. If your little one is beginning to fall, get cold, express hunger, voice opposition, or is unusually quiet, it is likely time to give them a break.
People who ski in groups should learn to recognize how they feel and take the break they need and deserve rather than stay out to keep up with a group that may have more tolerance or less self-awareness.
As patrollers, it’s important to know our energy level especially when pulling a double shift. Don’t take risks with fatigue. Take-A-Break when you are tired and encourage your fellow patrollers and customers to do the same if you notice they are tired or stressed.
When you respond to an incident that does not require transport or a higher level of care, such as when an individual simply needs help getting up from a fall or assistance getting down a challenging trail, encourage them to take a break and go inside. Even better, ask if your area will offer patrollers coupons to share for a free hot chocolate to encourage such behavior.
Take-A-Break is great advice on the mountain and in life!
Brant Maley and DiamondBack Covers Team Up to Honor First Responders
The team at DiamondBack Covers proudly expresses their deep gratitude to first responders. Their dedication and courage inspire us all, and we’re honored to recognize the heroes who keep our communities safe.
They produced a video featuring Certified Patroller Brant Maley from Roundtop Mountain Resort. He has worn many hats over the years and is currently a 24-year veteran serving as a police officer in Penbrook Borough, PA.
Brant joined NSP in 1989 and was awarded Certified #523 in 1998. He is an OEC, OET, Lift Evacuation, Low-angle Rescue, and Outdoor Risk Management instructor and is a Lifetime member of NSP. He was awarded National Appointment #10142 in 2005 and has a Meritorious Service Award and five Yellow Merit Stars.
Follow Brant through this journey. Check out this great video!
Roberta Fox’s heroic actions were celebrated with a Purple Merit Star presentation at the Royal Mountain refresher on October 24, 2024. She has retired from active patrolling but remains an OEC Instructor and Instructor Trainer. Her 50+ years of patrolling spanned five patrols in three regions. I am pleased and proud to be able to share her summary of the event with everyone.
“On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, I attended an event at The Highlands Community Center in Johnson City, NY, that ended at 6:30 p.m. We were waiting for our weekly walking group activity. At about 6:45 p.m. a resident came back and yelled at me to get the bag. I asked, “What bag–the AED?” She replied “Yes” and I grabbed the bag and headed to the parking lot. I asked if 911 had been called 911 and she replied, “Yes.”
“I went to the parking lot and found Raymond Bayer mostly in the passenger seat of his Subaru, slightly leaning toward the driver’s seat, where his wife was seated. He was not responding to her and had shallow breathing, a weak pulse, and ashen color. I opened the AED and got the pads asking someone to hold the AED. Ray is a large man; there was no way to get him out of the car and onto the pavement. I was concerned that I would not be able to do CPR and hoped the AED would properly function with positive results. At 76 I was the youngest there and the only one with CPR/AED training.
“Exposing his chest, I applied the pads and had my helper press the AED button. The analysis said that no shock was warranted. I did a sternum rub, with no response. I continued to monitor his breathing and pulse, which varied from strong to weak to unable to detect and back. The pulse varied from very fast to slow. I made certain that the pads had good contact.
“Another resident was on the phone with 911 relaying information and answering questions for the dispatcher who remained on the phone until the ambulance arrived.
“A second AED analysis advised shock and to stand clear. Shock was given with virtually no response. I did another sternum rub and continued to monitor his breathing and pulse. Again, no improvements. At times I was unable to detect a pulse or breathing. I checked to make certain the pads still had good contact. I was very concerned that I could not do CPR if necessary.
“The police department arrived and saw that I had applied the AED pads and did not interfere.
“The third AED analysis advised shock; stand clear. Shock was given and he immediately opened his eyes, raised his hands, and moved his head. He looked around and spoke. His pulse was strong.
“The fire department arrived with at least two people—one came to the vehicle with his bag, and I told him what I had done. He was surprised that the AED had shocked Ray twice but seemed very pleased that Ray was alert. I told him that I let the AED “do its thing.” He talked to Ray, who correctly answered all his questions, including his name. He repeatedly asked Ray if he had any heart, stroke, or diabetic history. Ray said no and his wife confirmed it. During the transfer of care, the town’s medical car arrived followed by the ambulance. After further checking and talking with Ray, including checking a pulse oximeter, they brought the gurney to the car. They helped Ray stand and had him sit on the gurney. I could see that his facial color was back to normal.
“I was asked how many times Ray was shocked. I repeated three analyses and two shocks. I was asked how much time was between the shocks—30 seconds or two minutes. I said the AED did the timing, so it was two minutes. Several of the responders said I had saved his life; I said it was the AED that did. The ambulance took the AED to the hospital so that they could try to download information. It was returned on Thursday.
“Before the ambulance left, I learned that Ray had the car and apartment keys in his pocket and his wife needed them. I asked one of the ambulance crew if he could get Ray’s keys. He opened the rear door and asked the person beside Ray to get his keys. Ray told the attendant they were in his right pocket.
“On Wednesday night, Thursday, and Friday, I had conversations with Ray’s daughter and his wife and was told that many of the doctors and nurses at the hospital said that without the AED, Ray would not be alive. Thursday morning his daughter told me that Ray did not have any incidents during the night, and they were continuing to do tests including echocardiograms and catheterization.
“During my Friday morning conversation with his wife, I asked her why she was in the driver’s seat since Ray always drives. She said that during the activity, he began to have a strange feeling in his left arm and some mild chest discomfort, but didn’t think anything of it. He checked his watch which monitors things and told her nothing was unusual. In the parking lot, he got in the driver’s seat. He told her he didn’t feel good and wanted to go to his doctor’s office. They switched seats. She said he was having trouble getting in. He slumped over and she yelled to a resident to call 911. That person came into the building telling me that I was needed.
“His wife said that the echocardiograms showed no muscle damage and that they were waiting for the catheterization. The medical team was leaning toward some kind of electrical incident.
“Friday evening, Ray’s wife told me that the catheterization showed his arteries were clear. He is in good spirits and eating well. Ray is 89 years young! His wife told me that he has apnea and has been told not to sleep for more than 15 minutes without his CPAP machine.”
“A defibrillator was implanted on Wednesday, July 24. Ray returned home on Thursday, July 25. Ray called on Tuesday, July 30, to thank me for everything.
“On Wednesday, July 31, Jim Morris with the Town of Union Ambulance, called for additional information about the incident. He said that he ran a printout from the AED that showed that two shocks were given. He said that the hospital staff and cardiologists could not believe that Ray had been shocked. He told them that he had the tape to prove it. The ambulance service had four other CPR calls that day but mine was the only one successful.”
Richard (Dick) Massucco, a patroller at Stratton Mountain, VT was honored for his 67th year of service to NSP. Division Director Grant Fullman personally presented Dick with his Service Award at Stratton’s refresher held on November 2. At the presentation, Grant commented that he was only three years old when Dick started patrolling!
Dick started on the ski patrol at Otis Ridge in Massachusetts in 1957 and passed his Senior test at Mt. Tom, Holyoke, MA. He skied on the Otis Ridge Patrol in Otis, MA through 1970. Then it was off to Pittsburgh, PA for work and a stint on the Seven Springs Patrol in Champion, PA. In 1972 Dick joined the Stratton Mountain Patrol after meeting a woman who just happened to have a Stratton season pass!
Dick achieved Circle A certification (now AVY I) in 1970, and his Avalanche “rocker” (now AVY II) in 1971 at Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. He also completed a Mountaineering course (now MTR I) at Stratton in the early 2000s.
Dick remains active on the patrol, assisting with patient transports and toboggan bag logistics. He is very serious about how toboggan bags are packed and ensures new patrollers “do it right or do it over!”
Congratulations to Dick Massucco for his devotion to the NSP mission.
Mike LaPoint, Jodi Butterfield, Rich Pietrafesa, Scott Launt
On October 16 in Utica and October 18 in Syracuse, the Central New York Region welcomed winter with Warren Miller’s ’75’ – the 75th-anniversary film. On hand were Mike LaPoint, Jodi Butterfield, Rich Pietrafesa, our National Chair, and me, Scott Launt.
Our goal was to recruit interested riders in patrolling, hand out NSP SWAG to our kindred spirits, promote goodwill, and have a good time. Mission Accomplished!
Rich was asked to say a few words during intermission at both venues. He shared the stage with John Avery, Road Manager, Warren Miller Entertainment recognizing all the patrollers in the audience, encouraging people to join our ranks, and giving an impassioned yet brief discussion of the benefits of becoming a patroller.
As patrollers, we train physically and mentally to be ready to go when the snow finally flies. How many of us train to be ready emotionally for the possible stress injuries resulting from the bad scenes we may encounter?
During my 30-year career as a ski patroller, I always had a pre-season skiing-specific training program to prepare physically for the demands of patrolling. Annual OEC refreshers provided an opportunity to mentally revive the knowledge and skills necessary to care for injured skiers.
It wasn’t until late in my career that I began to pay attention to training for the emotional resilience needed to effectively confront potentially traumatizing events. Now I make it a point to regularly engage in what the All Clear Foundation calls “resilience workouts” as a way to be ready for life’s daily challenges and those high-stress rescues encountered on the hill.
My workout includes three evidence-based, effective “exercises” or activities—breathwork, time in nature, and mindfulness. These activities stimulate the vagus nerve, a critical part of the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for regulating heart rate, mood, and inflammation response. The vagus nerve calms the survival response and is the key to unlocking the relaxation response.
BREATHWORK One of the best ways to activate the vagus nerve is slow, deep breathing. Attention to breathing shifts your focus away from stressful mind chatter and toward the rhythm of the breath itself.
Try BOX BREATHING, known as the “Navy Seal” breathing technique. It can be used to relax during a busy day or as an in-the-moment coping tactic to control the stress response. To go in-depth on the topic, read Breath by James Nestor.
I recommend a daily five-minute session of 4-2-6 paced breathing. Inhale through the nose to the belly for four seconds, hold for two seconds, and then exhale through the mouth for six seconds. Remember, whatever technique you choose it needs to be practiced regularly for you to be able to deploy it when it’s needed.
TIME IN NATURE Did you know that when walking in the forest you breathe in phytoncides—oils released by the trees? These oils can lower levels of the primary stress hormone, cortisol. That’s why you feel calm and less anxious when walking in a forest.
Almost any serene and visually pleasing environment can enhance mood and trigger positive emotions and a sense of tranquility. I’ve been thinking about taking up fly fishing.
MINDFULNESS As responders, we tend to move through our days picking up rocks and putting them in our pack. Mindfulness practices are a way to put down the things we don’t need to be carrying. That’s why I integrated mindfulness practice into my daily routine.
A recent study found that 10-minute daily mindfulness sessions using the Medito: Meditation & Wellness app improved mental health and encouraged healthier lifestyle behaviors, with lasting effects on well-being and habits like exercise and sleep:
• Reducing depression by 19.2% more than the control group.
• Improving well-being by 6.9% more.
• Decreasing anxiety by 12.6% more.
Another study found that mindfulness practices can decrease body mass index, waist circumference, weight, and percent of body fat.
Mindfulness is just being present—focused on the present moment rather than ruminating over the past, fearing the future, or chasing your monkey mind. It comes in many forms. Any activity that completely absorbs your focus—like skiing, climbing, or coincidentally, fly-tying can be mindful. There are any number of other exercises you can add to your resilience workout. Just do a quick search for “build emotional resilience.”
The key is to find activities you enjoy. That way you’re much more likely to do them and to work them into your daily routine. For more information about operational stress injury and resilience practices, contact Ollie Neith.
The team at 
Roberta Fox’s heroic actions were celebrated with a Purple Merit Star presentation at the Royal Mountain refresher on October 24, 2024. She has retired from active patrolling but remains an OEC Instructor and Instructor Trainer. Her 50+ years of patrolling spanned five patrols in three regions. I am pleased and proud to be able to share her summary of the event with everyone.
“During my Friday morning conversation with his wife, I asked her why she was in the driver’s seat since Ray always drives. She said that during the activity, he began to have a strange feeling in his left arm and some mild chest discomfort, but didn’t think anything of it. He checked his watch which monitors things and told her nothing was unusual. In the parking lot, he got in the driver’s seat. He told her he didn’t feel good and wanted to go to his doctor’s office. They switched seats. She said he was having trouble getting in. He slumped over and she yelled to a resident to call 911. That person came into the building telling me that I was needed.
Richard (Dick) Massucco, a patroller at Stratton Mountain, VT was honored for his 67th year of service to NSP. Division Director Grant Fullman personally presented Dick with his Service Award at Stratton’s refresher held on November 2. At the presentation, Grant commented that he was only three years old when Dick started patrolling!
Rich was asked to say a few words during intermission at both venues. He shared the stage with John Avery, Road Manager, Warren Miller Entertainment recognizing all the patrollers in the audience, encouraging people to join our ranks, and giving an impassioned yet brief discussion of the benefits of becoming a patroller.
One of the best ways to activate the vagus nerve is slow, deep breathing. Attention to breathing shifts your focus away from stressful mind chatter and toward the rhythm of the breath itself.
Did you know that when walking in the forest you breathe in phytoncides—oils released by the trees? These oils can lower levels of the primary stress hormone, cortisol. That’s why you feel calm and less anxious when walking in a forest.
As responders, we tend to move through our days picking up rocks and putting them in our pack. Mindfulness practices are a way to put down the things we don’t need to be carrying. That’s why I integrated mindfulness practice into my daily routine.
