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CSPS Education Programs


 

CSPS Patrollers must meet a minimum National standard of training and pass National examinations in all components of the program. This ensures that patrollers from across the country are trained to the same standard, no matter where they patrol - from small hills in the East to large mountains in the West.

The CSPS maintains a CD ROM-based first aid manual which is updated annually and forms the basis of all patroller training. Patrollers must recertify annually to be sure that they are up to date on both new and existing treatments.

This manual, along with all procedures for which the CSPS is accountable, are reviewed on an ongoing basis by a standing committee of medical professionals from various sectors within the Emergency Medical System.

All training and protocols are approved by both a National Education Committee, and the National Management Team.

New and returning patrollers complete our Advanced Medical First Responder training program. . This course is delivered primarily using a ‘hands on’ classroom approach and includes approximately 60 hours of training and testing.  Some self-directed learning is also involved.

 

The CSPS is federally accredited to provide first aid training in Canada.  Our Advanced Medical First Responder program prepares patrollers for almost any emergency situation where ever they may arise. The components of this program include Advanced First Aid Skills and Basic Life Support as well as "On Snow" operations such as Incident Site Management, Casualty Evacuation, Search & Rescue, and Communications.


Our Patroller Education Program trains members specifically for various conditions in which we are required to perform. Candidates are trained by their peers, other patrollers who have been trained as Instructors in accordance with our Instructor Certification Program.



Program Outline

The Patroller Program is managed nationally for the System by an Education Committee, comprised of members from across the country. This committee is headed by the National VP of Education and they are responsible to the Medical Advisory Committee for ensuring that appropriate training is provided in accordance with accepted medical and first aid practices.

While the implementation of the program may vary slightly locally based on resort specific requirements and provincial legislation, the following is a list of topics that are taught to all members across Canada:

FIRST AID MANUAL

  • Introduction to First Aid
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Infectious Diseases and Universal Precautions
  • Patient Assessment
  • Oxygen Adminsitration and Basic Airway Management
  • Basic Life Support  (Level HCP)
  • AED
  • Chest Injuries
  • Shock and Severe Bleeding
  • Head Injuries
  • Spinal Injuries
  • Wounds
  • Dressing, Bandages and Slings
  • Fractures, Dislocations and Soft Tissue Injuries
  • Immobilizing Fractures, Dislocations and STI
  • Medical Conditions
  • Environmental Injuries
  • Poisoning, Drug and Medication Abuse
  • Miscellaneous Treatments
  • Paediatric First Aid
  • Transporting the Injured

 

ADMINISTRATION MANUAL

  • General
  • Constitution
  • Organization
  • Officers
  • Membership
  • Official Jacket, Insignia and Equipment

 

OPERATIONS MANUAL

  • Ready to Patrol
  • The Patrol Day – A Snapshot
  • Patrol Procedures
  • On Snow Training
  • Communication
  • Management of Risk
  • Public Relations
  • Special Events
  • Lift Evacuation
  • Search and Rescue
  • Avalanche Safety and Rescue
  • Survival

 

 

 

Instructor Certification

In keeping with the commitment to high quality education programming within the CSPS, an Instructor Certification Program has been implemented.

This program takes patrollers who are willing to make the time commitment required and, who have an expressed interest in instructing through a program to provide them with the skills, resources and competencies required in peer to peer teaching.  A recertification cycle for Instructors has also been implemented to ensure that new methods and new techniques can be introduced.


There are three levels within this progressive Certification Program; Assistant Instructor, Instructor and Instructor Trainer and each level has some prerequisites for acceptance into the program.

Assistant Instructor

  • One year in the Patrol
  • Completion of Assistant Instructor course
  • National CSPS testing standards
  • Must participate in instruction activities
  • Must instruct under supervision of certified instructor


Instructor (Can evaluate patrollers to National standards)
One year as an Assistant Instrucor
Completion of Instructor course
Meets National CSPS Testing Standards
Must participate in instruction activities
20 hours CSPS Related Instruction from previous year

Instructor Trainer
(Can evaluate Instructors ability to National standards)

  • Two years as an Instructor
  • Completion of Instructor Trainer course
  • Meets National CSPS testing standards
  • Must participate in instruction activities
  • Annual review of credentials
  • 30 hours CSPS Related Instruction from previous year


Recertification of Instructors at all levels is required at least every three years.  Planning sessions and skills updates are completed annually.

 

 

 

Federal and Provincial Accreditation

The CSPS has been accredited by the Federal government to provide first aid training to the public since January of 2005.

What this means to an individual member is that the CSPS training course has met all the federal requirements for accredited first aid training in the workplace as well as on the hill/trail.

In Ontario the CSPS is recognised by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) as sufficient for Patrollers who need first aid training as a job requirement. We have had our provincial accreditation since 1996.

Your valid CSPS ID card identifies you as being qualified.

Should you require a copy of the Federal Accreditation letter, please contact our This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and a copy can be sent to you.