Emergency Medical Care
Skylands Ski Patrol members are trained to deliver immediate emergency medical assistance to injured or ill individuals on the mountain. Our team is equipped with the following skills:
- First Aid and CPR: All patrollers are certified in advanced first aid and CPR, ready to act in life-threatening situations.
- Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC): We receive specialized training in handling winter sports injuries such as fractures, concussions, and cold-related conditions.
- Injury Transport: Our team is proficient in using toboggans or sleds to safely transport injured individuals off the slopes to further medical care.
Mountain Safety and Risk Management
- Patrolling Slopes and Trails: Skylands Ski Patrol members routinely patrol the slopes to ensure the safety of visitors, enforce resort policies, and offer assistance as needed.
- Identifying Hazards: We are constantly on the lookout for potential hazards, such as icy areas or debris, and take swift action by marking or closing dangerous areas.
- Avalanche Safety (where applicable): While our primary location has low avalanche risk, some of our patrollers are trained in avalanche management and rescue, ready to apply these skills if necessary.
Rescue Operations
- Chairlift Evacuations: In the event of a malfunction, our patrollers are trained to safely evacuate individuals from ski lifts.
- Search and Rescue: Our team is skilled in search and rescue operations for lost or missing individuals, utilizing specialized equipment and techniques to locate people on the mountain.
Education and Public Awareness
Skylands Ski Patrol is committed to educating the public on mountain safety and preparedness:
- Safety Instruction: We provide guidance on proper equipment use, trail etiquette, and general safety protocols to help reduce the risk of injury.
- CPR and First Aid Training: Our patrollers also offer certified first aid and CPR training to staff and community members, helping spread life-saving skills.
Support for Resort and Equipment Maintenance
- Inspection of Trails and Lifts: Skylands Ski Patrol members assist in inspecting ski lifts and trails to ensure they are safe for use, identifying and reporting any issues to the appropriate personnel.
- Winter Conditions Management: Our team supports snow management efforts, working with resort staff to help maintain optimal slope conditions.
Community and Event Support
- Event Safety: We provide safety and medical support during special events, such as ski and snowboarding competitions, races, and other activities hosted at the National Winter Activity Center.
- Volunteerism: As part of our affiliation with the NSP, many of our members volunteer their time to serve the winter sports community while sharing their love of the outdoors.
Ongoing Training and Professional Development
- Continuous Education: Skylands Ski Patrol members participate in regular refresher courses to maintain certifications in first aid, CPR, and OEC. We also engage in drills such as chairlift evacuations and simulated rescue scenarios to ensure readiness.
- Skiing/Snowboarding Proficiency: Our team maintains a high level of skiing or snowboarding proficiency, allowing us to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies on the mountain.
Nordic and Backcountry Support
In addition to our work on alpine slopes, we also have a dedicated Nordic Ski Patrol (E403) that supports the state-of-the-art Nordic Learning Center. Our Nordic patrollers are trained to assist in more remote environments, ensuring the safety of cross-country skiers and other backcountry enthusiasts.
