by Linda Clifford, Asst. Eastern Division OEC Supervisor | Sep 16, 2025 | Spotlight Articles
While I was editing the current Instructor Guide I thought back at my own various exposures to MCI events over the course of my experience beginning in the mid-70s as a young ski patroller at one of the first half dozen major US ski lift accidents. I have worked in both ski patrol and EMS since 1973.
I recall that first incident with feelings of sheer panic. I was 18 years old and assigned to gather and deliver equipment to the scene where a dozen skiers were injured and more trapped. My role was clear and within my capability, a quite necessary role. Nonetheless, I was left with a feeling of inadequacy and achievement. Reflect on that for a moment!
Since then, I have attended training for large scale MCIs—airplane crashes, shootings, bus accidents, hazmat incidents, and more. All these exercises were chaotic events, each a learning experience. Even when the outcome is positive, the event is frenzied.
These are the “Dress Rehearsals.” I have been involved in real-life, smaller-scale MCIs—multiple vehicle accidents, bus accidents, chemical spills, a nursing home fire, and a small explosion. The results continue to be controlled chaos with productive outcomes.
The thought of a major event still leaves me with a feeling of trepidation. The point was and is, even in an exercise, expect the chaos, expect the trepidation. It is going to happen!
by Bill Zink, Certified Supervisor | Jul 4, 2025 | Program News
The NSP Certified Program is a performance-based leadership program that provides an opportunity for patrollers to learn and be tested on critical patroller skills/knowledge. The program has a distinguished history with many of its members serving in national, division, regional, and local patrol leadership positions. Certified patrollers have a history of commitment to giving back, fostering learning, and progressing core patroller skills over the years.
Success in the program is hard-earned, requiring a real commitment to mastering multiple patrol-related disciplines, often over multiple years, across regions and divisions, to gain a vast and deep knowledge/skill base. Through the program, our members not only build a best-in-class level of expertise but also a sense of camaraderie with fellow patrollers as they work outside their local patrol/region.
Your preparation to participate will provide a unique opportunity to learn from others, broaden your experience, and sharpen your skills. Admission is not automatic. To apply as a candidate, an applicant’s credentials are reviewed by a committee to ensure a minimal level of experience, a commitment to the program, and a track record of leadership and support of their local patrol/region.
Qualified individuals are invited to participate in the annual certified exam. This exam is an intensive 3-day event that tests all aspects of your patrolling skills. During the season, multiple events are hosted, including a summer boot camp, to help hone skills and prepare candidates to be successful.
The Certified Program has six core components examining physical endurance, knowledge, and experience, all requiring individual study and travel. The six core components are Avalanche, Outdoor Emergency Care, Outdoor Risk Management, Rope Rescue, Skiing and Riding, and Toboggan Handling. The specifics of each component can be found below in a document titled Certified Program Operations Manual.
This member-driven and approved standard is without compromise, where excellence is mandatory and the contents of exams are constantly evolving to remain current with best practices and industry standards.
Over the past years, we have concluded that we make great patrollers even better through a combination of training, education, and teaming opportunities. We are working hand in hand with the National Ski Patrol to develop future leaders and excellent patrollers. We have a significant pipeline, and we continue to engage and expand our reach into the ranks of the NSP, including active participation in all levels of training, testing, leadership development, and diversification of the NSP across every program offered.
by Bill Zink, Certified Supervisor | Jun 5, 2025 | Division News, Program News
It’s that time of year again to plan your summer/fall patrol activities. Two of our favorites are back this year: Certified Boot Camp and Enhanced Patroller School. Both promise new adventures, team-building opportunities, and activities that will definitely stretch your skills and thought processes.
Last year’s Boot Camp events included fundamental first aid, mass casualty and triage skill development, new and creative approaches to lift evacuation skills, mountain operations, tower climbing dos and don’ts, outdoor risk management, avalanche fundamentals, and low-angle rescue. Our event was hosted at Holiday Mountain Ski Area in the Southern New York Region. It provided unique insights into what it takes to “open” an abandoned ski resort. Thanks to Mike Taylor, a fellow patroller and new owner of the resort, for being a gracious host and a brave entrepreneur.
Highlights from last year’s Boot Camp include:
• A Friday night lift evacuation exercise with all participants assigned a role in a simulated lift evac. The players included state and local officials, mountain management, resort operations manager, lift maintenance, and patrol. The scenario was presented to the participants through role-playing. All in attendance gained valuable experience in understanding the roles and responsibilities associated with lift evacuation. We all gained new appreciation for all the players involved in a lift evacuation.
• An ORM session led by certified patroller and mountain manager, Ted Davis, from Ski Windham, and
• A discussion of certified credentials held late on a hot day in the river, allowing for a refreshing discussion of the topic.
2025 Boot Camp
This year’s Certified Boot Camp will be hosted by Ski Roundtop, a Vail resort located just south of Harrisburg, PA. Activities will include a ropes course, camping by the lake, paintball opportunities, and unique insights into the operations of a Vail Resort, as well as:
• Your “normal” OEC, LE, LAR, and Avalanche activities.
• Friday night will include a visit from a local taco truck vendor.
• The usual chefs will be in the house, including Steve Suomala and Jimmy O’Connor, and their famous breakfast burritos.
• There will be a special visit from past certified chair and Elk Mountain patroller Billy Jordan. He will be catering the Saturday night potluck with his world-famous barbecue.
• If you want to make it a long weekend, Hershey Park is only 20 minutes away and is an awesome amusement park.
• Details for the Certified Boot Camp are:
̶ Ski Roundtop, Harrisburg, PA
̶ Visit patrollerschool.org for more detailed information and upcoming registration
̶ August 15-17
̶ Arrive Friday from 4-6
̶ Depart Sunday 2-3
by Alan Quimby, WNY Newlstter Editor | Jun 5, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Lift Evac PracticeThe Genesee Valley Region has set the date and location for its popular Enhanced Patroller School. It will be held September 12-14, 2025, at Swain Resort. This great summer training event allows patrollers to work on various patroller skills, including many aspects of the OEC program, chairlift evacuation techniques, low-angle rescue methods, and rescue knot tying. The weekend culminates with a simulated mass casualty incident on Sunday morning, bringing together all the skills reviewed during the previous two days. Many of the skills covered are part of the NSP Certified Patroller Program.
Last year’s event, also at Swain, was attended by 53 participants and 12 gurus whose task was to help guide the various stations. These patrollers came from 23 patrols, 12 regions, nine states, and had a combined total of over 800 years of patrolling experience. Additionally, several outside agencies also participated in the simulated mass casualty Incident on Sunday, including:
Thanks to our Helpers!
Allegany County Office of Emergency Management
Alfred Station Fire Company
Canaseraga Fire Company
Dansville Ambulance Company
Medical Transport Service, Inc.
Canaseraga Ambulance
Fillmore Ambulance
Nunda Ambulance
Allegany County DC 4
Jeff Baker and Tom Wallin have been organizing these training events since 2011. Jim Nickerson and Joe Menichino have been planning and working since the beginning. From year to year, they bring in additional patrollers from around the division to help act as guides and gurus because they have expertise in the different modules they are planning. This school has always been a low-pressure, hands-on, try stuff, get your hands dirty (or bloody), and ask questions type of event.
They have always wanted it accessible to patrollers of any level, including candidates, basic patrollers, senior candidates, and senior and certified patrollers. They want everyone to have fun, learn stuff, and take ideas back to their home patrols. With patrollers coming from around the division, as you sit around the fire pit talking at night, you get an interchange of ideas and techniques from many other patrollers.
Jeff Baker patrols at Bristol Mountain, Tom Wallin and Joe Menichino at Swain Resort, and Jim Nickerson is an alumnus patroller from Hunt Hollow Resort. To register for this event, go to NSP’s Center for Learning, browse the catalog, and search for Patroller Enrichment Seminar/Genesee Valley/Swain Resort.
The GURUS2024 Enhanced Patroller School Staff – from L-R; Jonathan Smith-Pittsford Ambulance, Glenn Becker-Bristol Patrol Director/Penfield Ambulance, Jeff Baker-Bristol Patrol/Pittsford Ambulance/Lifetime Certified, Jim Nickerson-Lifetime Certified, Joe Menichino-Swain & Bristol Patrol/Lifetime Certified, Jesse Merdak-Pittsford Ambulance, Tom Wallin-Swain Patrol/Lifetime Certified, Steve LaDue-Hunt Hollow Patrol/CHS Ambulance, Rob Armet-Windham Patrol/Lifetime Certified.
by Anna Hermann, WAPP YAP Advisor | Apr 15, 2025 | Program News
Every March, without fail, I look forward to the Eastern Division YAP Summit. It’s a significant event for many young adults, but I’m just like them—eager to hit the slopes, ski the trees and bumps, and find the good trouble we can get into. I’m always excited to learn something new (you’re never too old to learn something new), to watch the YAPs in the enhancement track gain confidence and knowledge in just three short days, and to see the competition groups cheer each other on. Of course, the awards banquet is always bittersweet. I’m never quite ready for the weekend to end, but I’m thrilled to see where the YAPs place and what cool swag they win. It’s truly an honor to return each year as a shepherd—arguably the best role anyone can have over the weekend, aside from being a YAP.
At the 2025 Summit, the staff decided to try something completely different—something far from the usual outdoor evening activity. The groups had the unique opportunity to create their senior-level scenarios and run them as instructors. Various chaperones, staff, and other adults were invited to participate as patrollers on the scene. For those fortunate enough to be there, well, it’s one for the books. Kudos to the creativity of these young adults!
A kind parent shared a few words about their YAP, whom I had the honor of shepherding and chaperoning—someone I hadn’t met before the event. This will be marked as the weekend she learned how to ski the bumps!
From the parents’ perspective
—I just wanted to thank you and your team for such a great event this past weekend.
—My daughter had a fabulous time.
—She made great friends, challenged her skills, and significantly grew her confidence.
—She is already excited to sign up for next year.
—I thought the event was extremely well-organized and well-run.
—Everybody was so nice and accommodating. I felt 100% comfortable letting my daughter go and do her thing.
—Your hard work did not go unnoticed.
—I cannot say enough good things.
—Have a great rest of the year and see you next year!
—Thank you again for such an amazing program.
Did somebody say SWAG?
This year didn’t fall short of being amazing. There was great skiing, fantastic OET and OEC instructors, and, best of all, an OUTSTANDING group of Young Adults! This year’s event was the largest by far, with 83 YAPs! That may seem like a large number, and no doubt it is, but over the weekend, shepherds get to know all their YAPs and unique backstories. We are truly fortunate in the Eastern Division to have such a strong program, where the hard work of the staff at every level—from division, region, and mountain—culminates in an event like this, reflecting the dedication and effort that flows through this division program. This is the future of our division; these are our future leaders.
by Bill Zink, Certified Supervisor | Apr 15, 2025 | Division News, Program News
Peter, Becky, Vinny, RJ, and Certified Program Chair Bill Zink
The Eastern Division recently held our annual Certified exam and banquet at Jay Peak with over 118 participants lying in the snow as OEC patients and observing our eight candidates show their stuff in skiing, toboggan skills, lift evacuation, low-angle rescue, avalanche, and outdoor risk management. Of course, Jay Peak delivered an excellent venue, terrific skiing, and amazing and challenging terrain. Four of the eight candidates were successful. They include Vinny Romano #870, Becky Rubin #871, Peter Buss #872, and RJ Bouchard #873.
A heartfelt congratulations to all four of these candidates. Vinny, Becky, and Peter were in their third and final year to be successful. RJ was in his second year. These new Certified Patrollers represent the Eastern Division well. They hail from Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, Connecticut, and Vermont resorts. These new members are already in leadership positions across the division, and we look forward to seeing their contributions in the future.
The Certified Program is a performance-based leadership program that provides an opportunity for all patrollers to learn and be tested on critical patroller skills and knowledge. The program history dates back almost 60 years, when the national chair requested some East Coast patrollers develop a leadership program that would span both the volunteer and professional patroller organizations and skill sets.
Upcoming events include a summer boot camp in the EPA region in August. Specifically, Vail Resort Ski Roundtop in Harrisburg, PA, will host us from August 15-17. The Enhanced Patroller School will also be offered again at Swain Ski Resort in Genesee Valley Region on the weekend of September 12 – 14. Both events will challenge the instructors and participants in all their skills and offer great camaraderie and adventure. Next year’s exam will be at Sugarloaf, Maine, in March 2026.
Again, congratulations to our newest Certified Members!
by Jason Tamulen, OEC Supervisor | Apr 15, 2025 | Division News, Program News
National Ski Patrol’s YAP Summit Prepares the Next Generation of First Responders
The National Ski Patrol (NSP) Young Adult Patrol (YAP) Summit returned to Smugglers’ Notch, VT, from March 7–9, 2025, promising to be one of the most immersive and dynamic experiences yet. This year’s focus was real-world emergency care, with participants engaging in intense Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) scenarios designed to test their skills under high-pressure conditions.
The central theme of this year’s summit was a full-scale deck collapse simulation—a challenging scenario that required participants to assess and manage patients amid a chaotic and high-stakes environment. With over eight simulated patients suffering from various traumatic injuries, young adult patrollers had to think quickly, collaborate effectively, and rely on their training to triage and treat patients efficiently.
A Weekend of Learning, Competition, and Collaboration
The YAP Summit is not merely a training event; it’s an opportunity for young patrollers to showcase their skills in a competitive setting while honing their outdoor emergency care techniques. The weekend included both competitive and enhancement groups, each crafted to build expertise and confidence. The competition occurred on Saturday during two sessions for Groups A and B. On Sunday, the focus shifted to the enhancement groups, Group C and Group D. Young adult patrollers faced timed, high-intensity scenarios that demanded teamwork, quick thinking, and precise execution of OEC protocols.
Double backboards
With over 80 participants divided into four groups, evaluators assessed performance using a strict point-based scoring system. The addition of a scored Patient Assessment Station provided further challenges to demonstrate their expertise. Meanwhile, enhancement groups concentrated on skill refinement and patient care techniques, including pelvic and hip assessments, management of impalement injuries, bleeding control, airway management, and spinal motion restriction (SMR). Participants had access to specialized equipment such as airway mannequins, oxygen tanks, defibrillator trainers, and sled bags and backboards for trauma care.
A Unified Effort: Behind the Scenes of the YAP Summit
Behind this action-packed weekend was a dedicated team of evaluators and mentors, many of whom have been involved with the program for years and have greatly contributed to its success. Their role was to observe, score, and provide critical feedback, helping young patrollers improve their ski patrol response skills. Each scenario featured two evaluators to ensure fairness and consistency in scoring.
To keep things efficient, rotations were scheduled, and each scenario lasted a maximum of 20 minutes—a true test of time management and rapid assessment skills. Equipment also played a crucial role. On Friday night, YAP participants familiarized themselves with sled bags, backboards, and oxygen kits, ensuring they were comfortable using all available tools by the start of the scenarios.
It’s called TEAM BUILDING.
It’s About FUN!
One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s summit was the opportunity for young adult patrollers to collaborate in their groups on creative, interesting, and challenging scenarios. The YAP participants took the lead in designing unique emergencies, putting their advisors in the hot seat as they navigated the unpredictable scenarios created by the young patrollers. This role reversal added an element of fun and ingenuity to the event, fostering a deeper sense of tea
Why It Matters: Preparing the Next Generation of First Responders
Ski patrol involves more than just assisting injured skiers—it’s about being prepared for any situation. Events like the YAP Summit provide young adult patrollers with hands-on experience in simulated disasters, which enhances their ability to handle real-life emergencies with confidence and precision. By the end of the weekend, participants had not only tested their skills in a high-pressure environment but also built lasting connections with fellow young adult patrollers from across the country.
These experiences foster camaraderie, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to safety—qualities that define the best of the National Ski Patrol. Whether competing, enhancing their skills, or supporting their peers, every young adult patroller walked away with valuable lessons that will benefit them both on and off the slopes.
by Craig Larson, YAP Supervisor | Jan 18, 2025 | Division News, Program News
The Eastern Division Young Adult Program Staff has been planning, prepping, and preparing for this year’s Eastern Division Young Adult Summit at Smugglers’ Notch. Young Adult Patrollers from Maine to West Virginia will gather at Smugglers’ Notch Resort in Jeffersonville, VT. from March 7 to 10 for three days of hands-on training, competition, friendship, and fun.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort has tons of terrain: long turn cruisers, steeps, trees, terrain parks, and Black Hole, the only TRIPLE BLACK DIAMOND in the east. With 2610 feet of vertical rise this is the YAP event to attend.
Those who have been to a Young Adult Patroller Summit speak highly of the training and fun they had.
“What a great event. There aren’t other Young Adult Patrollers where I ski. I never knew there were so many. I’ll be back next year.” – First-year attendee
“I look forward to showing off my patroller skills at this event each year. This event gets bigger and better each time I attend. I love walking away with free stuff.” – Third-year attendee
If you have never attended an Eastern Division Young Adult Summit, this is the year to participate. If you have attended this event before, come again! Here’s what you get by attending this event:
-
- Three nights of lodging (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday
- Dinner on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Lift Tickets for Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday
- Hands-on Skills training
- Patroller Skills competition
- Mystery events
- FREE swag
ALL for $475.00!
More information regarding the YAP Seminar can be found on the Eastern Division webpage, patrollerschool.org, Facebook, and Instagram. Check our social media pages often as information is updated, swag is promoted, or goodies are given away.
by John Wolf, Assistant Bike Supervisor | Dec 18, 2024 | National News, Program News
In case you missed the news in November, the National Ski Patrol and the National Interscholastic Cycling League (NICA) announced a Memorandum of Understanding describing a new partnership. This marks a significant milestone in expanding NSP’s impact beyond the slopes and into the rapidly growing world of youth cycling.
Founded in 2009, NICA “develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA is about having amazing adventures with your teammates while tackling both small and epic challenges.” This partnership formally recognizes the vital role that bike patrollers can play in ensuring safety in youth mountain biking.
Even before this agreement, Liberty Mountain Ski Patrol in the Eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland Region started providing first responder services to their local NICA leagues and has already demonstrated how successful this relationship can be for both organizations.
The 2024 season showcased the potential of this collaboration when we supported both the Maryland (MICL) and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling Leagues (PICL). Our dedicated team provided patrol services for seven events, contributing over 100 patroller hours. The patrol’s comprehensive approach included pre-event virtual huddles with stakeholders and planning how to coordinate with on-site medical staff, ensuring seamless integration of emergency management protocols and site-specific logistics.
One of the most remarkable outcomes of our partnership with the local NICA leagues has been the translation of Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) skills from snow to dirt. Our OEC training provided an exceptional foundation for handling cycling-specific injuries by using the same assessment and treatment protocols. The familiar equipment from winter patrolling – such as trauma packs, splinting materials, and bleeding control supplies – proved equally valuable during summer events, though we adapted them for a different type of mobile deployment. Patrollers reported how their experience with the mechanism of injury assessment on the slopes transferred perfectly to evaluating bicycle crashes, allowing for quick and accurate scene size-ups, and treatment decisions.
Another significant advantage that our patrollers brought to the local NICA league events was their extensive experience with radio communications and incident coordination. Years of managing on-mountain communications proved invaluable on mountain biking race day. Patrollers’ familiarity with clear, concise radio protocols, emergency response coordination, and maintaining effective communication to manage an incident across challenging cycling terrain helped establish efficient information flow between course marshals, medical support, and race operations. This professional communication standard enhanced overall event safety and response coordination, particularly in areas with limited cell service where reliable radio communication was crucial.
The impact of our partnership with the local leagues was immediately evident. The local league organizers repeatedly emphasized how the NSP presence significantly enhanced their emergency management capabilities. At one particularly challenging event, our dedicated bike patrollers demonstrated their value when they quickly responded to multiple incidents across the course, providing immediate care while at the same time coordinating with event staff to ensure optimal outcomes.
The successful integration of NSP’s expertise with NICA’s youth development mission has created a model partnership that benefits everyone – from the young riders pushing their limits while their dedicated friends, family members, and other volunteers support them to the patrollers who hone their first response skills during the summer.
This new collaboration between NSP and NICA represents more than just an operational partnership; it’s an investment in the future of both organizations. As NICA continues its impressive growth nationwide, the presence of NSP-certified bike patrollers adds an essential layer of safety and professionalism to youth cycling events.
For the Eastern Division, this partnership opens new avenues for member engagement and demonstrates our organization’s versatility and commitment to outdoor safety across all seasons in an area where NICA participation is growing rapidly. The enthusiasm and appreciation shown by NICA’s national organization, local leagues, coaches, and participants confirm that this partnership will be a cornerstone of both organizations’ futures.
