Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I already have a first aid certification. Do I have to take the CSPS first aid course?

A. The short answer is "Yes"  The CSPS completes Advanced First Aid.  Even experienced medical professionals who wish to patrol take our course.

Our training is to a higher level than a standard first-aid course, partly because we are trained to move patients.  We work in an adverse environment and need to work quickly and efficiently as a team.

We train for Basic Life Support Level "C" - Health Care Provider.

Q. What level of skier/snowboarder should I be to become a patroller?

A. You need to be a strong intermediate skier. Since you may ski or ride in all kinds of conditions under any circumstance, you must be able to competently handle all of the runs on the mountain where you will patrol.

You don’t need to be an expert, but you will need to be able to handle a toboggansafely, and meet the minimum rating set out by the local Patrol at the area you wish to patrol. Ski and snowboard instruction is often available at preferred rates to the local Patrol.

Q. Are there paid patrolling jobs offered?

A. The CSPS provides a volunteer service and as such our members are not paid. The local ski areas in Thunder Bay hire "pro" patrollers (CSPS trained patrollers) for the Monday - Friday day and night shifts. Advise your local patrol leader that you have the time to be a paid patroller and apply with at the resort.

Q. Are patrollers legally protected for their actions as a patroller?

A. Yes, the CSPS carries a general insurance policy. You are also covered by the Good Samaritan Act.

Q. How are ski patrollers recognized at a ski area?

A. Most of the time we are the skiers wearing the blue and yellow jackets with the yellow cross over a blue Maple Leaf on the back.

Q. Is CSPS training recognized by other organizations?

A. Yes, The CSPS is an accredited first aid trainer in the province of Ontario (WSIB Regulation 1101). Other Provinces in Canada have similiar legislation. The CSPS training program recently received federal accreditation.

Be sure to show your employer your CSPS identification card.

Q. Can I take the CSPS first aid course without becoming a ski patroller?

A. In most regions, yes. We offer a first-aid only membership classification for patrol hut duty. In some areas of the country we provide first aid services for many non skiing events and first-aiders are always welcomed in these roles.

Q. I am a snow boarder, can I be a patroller even if I have never skied?

A. Yes, we welcome Snowboarders, Telemark, Cross Country and Alpine skiers. We have lots of patrols in Nordic ski areas. In alpine areas, we also accept snow blades, but we strongly suggest you ski or snowboard to make toboggan handling easier.

Q. Is it hard to transport a patient in a toboggan?

A. No, we have 100 pound patrollers that can handle a 150 pound toboggan with a 250 pound patient in it. We teach you how to do it and with a little practice it will become something fun, you'll see.

Q. Is there a minimum age for patrollers?

A. Yes. You must be at least 18 years old when you obtain your Training Certification, i.e. when you have met the first-aid and on-hill/on-trail requirements and are awarded your jacket.

Q. Can I choose the club/resort where I will patrol?

A. Your preference for the area you would like to patrol is recorded when you sign in to join the patrol (see below). In most cases, this is honoured. You may be asked to patrol a nearby area within your zone depending on numbers in the zone's patrols.

Cost and Time Commitments

You must register and submit your fees before the first class in mid October to participate in training. Patroller Registration is $200.

Superior Zone of the CSPS provides jackets to our patrollers for use on a season by season basis. At registration time, a deposit of $150.00 ( post dated cheque) will be collected from patrol candidates and will be returned at the end of the ski season when the patroller jacket is returned to the Zone.

Classes beging mid October and are held two evenings per week, Mondays and Thursdays, from 7-10 pm for approximately 6 weeks.

100% ATTENDANCE OF THE COURSE AND FIELDS DAY
IS ENCOURAGED TO ENSURE SUCCESS.

All members of CSPS Superior Zone complete training in Basic Life Support - Health Care Provider level "C".

CSPS Ski Patrollers re-certify in First Aid and BLS techniques on an annual basis.