Industry News
Historic change expands first-responder membership.
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (Aug. 29, 2024) — National Ski Patrol (NSP), one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry, today announced that it is expanding its membership to include working patrollers who have first responder credentials, such as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Wilderness First Responders (WFRs). This shift opens NSP to members not directly certified by the organization’s Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) course.
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By recognizing the substantial training and experience of EMTs and WFRs, NSP aims to expedite its patrol membership nationwide. This inclusive approach encourages patrols to join the National Ski Patrol through an Associate Patrol membership without requiring OEC certification. This change also builds on NSP’s legacy and evolution.
NSP developed its signature OEC program in the 1980s to address the unique medical challenges faced by ski patrollers in harsh environments. Over the years, NSP expanded OEC’s scope and refined its curriculum through continuous updates and advancements in medical knowledge. For the first time in NSP’s contemporary history, patrols meeting other specific certification standards are eligible for immediate membership – even though OEC remains NSP’s flagship certification.
“We recognize the areas our members serve have widely varying needs and hiring practices, said Cox. This new membership class offers NSP membership to more working patrollers across the country. They will have qualified access to member benefits, educational resources, and support. This expansion reflects NSP’s commitment to inclusion and to new considerations in our ever-changing industry, while also advancing safety in the mountains.
Expanding our membership also recognizes that members with other first responder credentials can learn from our extensive educational programs. As an organization, we can also learn from their experiences and training as we continually work to keep our programs highly relevant and impactful.”
– Stephanie Cox, CEO of National Ski Patrol
To become an NSP member patrol, the patrol’s leader can now contact NSP and request to join as an Associate Patrol.
NSP brings more than 85 years of expertise in ski safety and education. The organization has 30,000-plus members across 630 patrols in the U.S.; and has affiliated organizations in Canada, Europe, and Asia. Whether full-time employees or part-time volunteers, every patroller is focused on safety and trained for medical and emergency services. NSP also includes bike patrollers as members, extending its safety creed to year-round outdoor sports.
“Patrol teams work closely together, and these relationships extend beyond the slopes – fostering a national network of support and friendship. We are thrilled to expand this patrol ‘family’ to include more first responders,” added Cox.
Membership Details
NSP is recruiting enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about the outdoors and safety; possess excellent skiing, snowboarding, or biking skills; and value camaraderie. To become an NSP member patrol, patrol leadership can contact NSP and request to join as an Associate Patrol: memberservices@nsp.org. Member benefits include professional development, built-in community, training events and forums, international exchange, as well as pro discounts on gear, and more. While the OEC course is not required for EMTs or WFRs, NSP provides optional training and programs to ensure members have the skills and knowledge needed to handle any situation on the slopes or trails.
History of Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) Certification
The OEC certification originated in 1985 as Winter Emergency Care, a curriculum designed for ski patrols. Its evolution involved the creation of textbooks, the introduction of refresher courses, and a gradual shift to online learning. Recognized nationally, the OEC curriculum has expanded from a winter-focused program to encompass other outdoor emergencies, with full ownership of content by National Ski Patrol. The course continues to adapt, with a complete transition to an online format in 2022. Today, OEC is widely recognized as a leading certification program for emergency care in outdoor settings. OEC is used by ski patrollers, mountain bike patrollers, search and rescue teams, professional mountain and river guides, and other outdoor emergency responders.
About National Ski Patrol
National Ski Patrol (NSP) is a federally-chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit education and membership association. As the leading authority of on-mountain safety, NSP is dedicated to serving the outdoor recreation industry by providing education and accreditation to emergency care and safety service providers. With more than 30,000 members across 630 patrols, and affiliated organizations in Canada, Europe, and Asia, NSP is one of the largest organizations committed to safety and rescue education for the outdoor industry. Members include ski and bike patrollers, as well as mountain and bike hosts, alumni, associates, and physician partners, working on behalf of local ski/snowboard areas and bike parks to enhance the overall experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Founded in 1938, NSP continues to advance its commitment to safety and its vision by leveraging the latest technology, innovation, and education. Visit NSP.org, and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
